I was reading the book by Robert Sullivan called Goodbye Lizzie Borden. On page 34, there’s a quote from Abby Potter, who at the time of the murders was a niece of Abby. She said, “On the morning of August 4, the day of the murders, my mother (Sarah Whitehead), planning to attend the policemen's annual picnic at Rocky Point, was making arrangements for the care of my younger brother and myself. George was to go to (another aunt's house), and I was to spend the day with Aunt Abby at 92 Second Street. At the last moment there was a change in plans, and I was sent with my brother to (my other aunt's) house, which was next door to the home of Marshal Hilliard in another section of Fall River. In the late afternoon while I was helping Aunt Lucy wash windows, Marshal Hilliard returned home, and standing in the yard, informed Aunt Lucy of Aunt Abby's murder. The shock of the news was so great that Aunt Lucy dropped the window on my hand."
If the babysitting plans hadn’t fallen through, then it’s unlikely the murders would’ve taken place that day. If Lizzie were the culprit, I wonder if she knew about Abby’s babysitting plans (or of them subsequently being canceled). It seems as if the plans were nixed at the last minute. How did Abby get word of this? Was this the note that Lizzie alluded to? Did Lizzie, seeing her chance, kill Abby by happenstance? Seeing the opportunity, she took it?
If the babysitting chore had taken place that day as originally planned, how would that have altered Lizzie’s plans? Kill them the next day? How different would the next day’s scenario have been for her to have gone through with it? Bridget wouldn’t have been outside washing windows, the family members might be feeling better (no more vomiting) & perhaps Uncle John would’ve gone on his merry way, sans suitcase. I wonder if the mutton would’ve made once last appearance.
