Emet-Selch is more than welcome to try and reason with the husband but it might prove difficult. He is very attached to these items as his long-lost husband wanted him to have them. The usual trade-off for a quest like this is to give up the reward in return for doing the right thing. Or taking the reward for yourself as a pirate would do.

It can be up to you if you would like to negotiate with the husband! He can manage it, with the right words. And giving the items back at the end.