As a guy I find it funny how all this plotting and backstabbing is going one and none of the male characters see any of it.
Cousin Philippa had Hester's number.
"It's the system, Lara. People will be different after the Revolution."
I think that because things had always gone so well between Emilie and the mother, the dad and brothers expected the same atmosphere between Emilie and Hester.
shareSpeaking of Cousin Philippa I think Hester was looking mighty guilty immediately after her death. Also, why the focus on the cigar case and cigars?
Hmmm...
Addendum: Okay, I've just finished the entire movie and looks like I was wrong. At the very least though, I do think that Hester was quickly calculating Auntie's net worth and who might be the beneficiary. The closeup of the cigar case and cigars was odd though.