Okay, because I’m a crazy, obsessed writer who wastes WAAAY too much time on canon research, I’m sharing my transcription of the newspaper account of Lady Beatrice’s murder. Here goes: 

CUMBERLAND ILLUSTRATED NEWS

STRATHNEY, SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 1879

SHOCKING SAVAGE MURDER AT ALLERDALE HALL

FEAR GRIPS RESIDENTS FOLLOWING GHASTLY DISCOVERY OF LADY
BEATRICE ALEXANDER SHARPE SLAIN IN BATH

A GHASTLY SCENE POLICE DISCOVER BUTCHERED BODY IN BATHTUB OF
BLOOD. A FEARFUL TRAGEDY FOR HER TWO CHILDREN. THE DEADLY ASSAILANT REMAINS AT
LARGE.

Death By Single Cruel Blow to her Cranium

[illustration of the fatal wound, text:  THE GRISTLY KILLING STRIKE]

[Illegible paragraph]

HORRIFYING DETAILS OF REVOLTING CRIME

[Illustrations of Lady
Sharpe’s arm draped out of the tub, and of the bone cleaver, text: LADY SHARPE
FOUND IN A BATHTUB OF HER OWN BLOOD; THE VILE MURDER WEAPON]

Ever cautious, Constable Webber refrained from moving the
body and at once sent for his esteemed colleague, Inspector John Root and Dr.
Frederick Jones, distinguished surgeon. According to the inspector’s report,
Dr. Jones proceeded to examine the body and estimated the time of death being
only a number of hours prior, although the body was by then quite frigid. No
other wounds or bruises ever discovered, causing the doctor to postulate that
Lady Sharpe entered the bath voluntarily only yo be murdered in that vulnerable
state by the fearsome attacker.

The coroner’s office has caused the body of the dead woman
to be removed to the parlour mortuary, High street, Farlam.  

A thorough inspection of the house has revealed few answers
and only further mystery. It is reported that no force was evident when
entering the well-secured main door. Indeed, the assailant was seemingly
familiar with the manor and aware that the lady would be alone during the hours
in which the murder occurred. At this time the crime remains quite unresolved.

CHILDREN LEFT MOTHERLESS

Recalling the events of the past day, none was more distressing
for Police constable Webber than the discovery of the Sharpe children, cold and
terrified, found miles from Allerdale Hall on the road to Farlam.

James William Sharpe, bart., and Beatrice Alexandra Sharpe
produced two children. Lucille, aged fourteen, the eldest daughter, and Thomas
aged twelve, the son and heir. The Sharpe children were widely known by the
country folk of the area surrounding Allerdale Hall. Lucille, polite and solemn
if reserved, was often spotted riding her pony atop the hills. Thomas is remembered
as a small but inquisitive boy who at times accompanied his father on trips to
town. In recent years, however, the children have been encountered outside the
grounds of Allerdale Hall on only rare occasions.

James William Sharpe died young, in September of 1876, of an
unspecified illness, the nature of which was never identified. The unfortunate
children are thus made orphans following the shocking murder of Lady Sharpe.

On the day in question, Constable Webber reports that he and
his associates were several hours in the house when the children’s absence
became apparent. Fearing for their safety as the assailant might easily have
seized the children, the officers set out on horseback each taking a different road
leading away from the now cursed house. It was Webber, following the earthen
route to Farlam, who found the children, carrying small bags and walking hand
in hand. One can only assume the ill-fated siblings had been hiding within the
house during the murder.

HER OWN POOR CHILDREN IN HOUSE DURING MURDER

[illustration: the Sharpes
in nightclothes, Thomas standing slightly behind Lucille’s right shoulder. Her
hair is loose, and Thomas is wearing a jacket.  Text: HER OWN POOR CHILDREN IN HOUSE  DURING MURDER]