Page 48 of Secrets of Capell Manor
Rosalind’s small smile faded as she thought about Devlin leaving. She knew that even with the best outcome, he would leave Capell Manor and likely never return. “We will know what the king decides to do about my uncle’s death and about me soon. However, Lord Edmond’s corpse lies in the barn, and that alone is rather unsettling, so if there’s no reason why we can’t bury him, I don’t see a need to wait any longer. Did Mr. Kelley have any objection to a funeral?”
“He did not. He studied the body and came to the same conclusion that I had. There wasn’t anything there that gave us any clues.”
“So, he also found nothing, then?”
“Nothing at all. So, how would you like to proceed?”
“We will keep it simple, and we won’t waste time. I’ll send Ridley with an announcement to the village. We’ll have a short service in the chapel tomorrow and he will be buried in the family cemetery, next to his father.”
“Are there any other relatives to notify?”
“No. My uncle and I are all that’s left of the Capell line.”
“Good, this matter can be taken care of quickly. Does the village have a priest?”
“Father William serves the local village, along with three others. I hope we can locate him. I would rather not have a delay.”
“Agreed, but Edmond will keep. The weather will remain cool enough, and when Ridley goes to the village, he can find the priest.”
Rosalind shuddered as she thought about her uncle’s body lying wrapped securely in the stable, and she searched deep within herself to discover an inkling of remorse or sadness. But there wasn’t a shred of sentiment for the man. In spite of the turmoil that had come with the arrival of Sir Devlin and Alden, then Roland’s absurd claims, and even Mr. Kelley, who could play a pivotal role in her future, life at the manor was much calmer since her uncle disappeared. She prayed a quick prayer for forgiveness, but she was thankful he was gone.
“I will send Ridley to the village immediately following his lessons.”
Marta chimed in, “What about a meal after the service, milady?”
“I don’t think so, Marta. My uncle afforded us no special indulgences while he was alive, so I won’t be planning a repast to honor his memory. He’ll get a proper burial, and I think that is more than he deserves.”
Marta nodded and returned to her work table.
Rosalind looked back at Devlin. “Is that too harsh? I know it’s unusual not to have some kind of meal for the family, but it’s just us and I really don’t want the entire day overshadowed by a funeral.”
“I think your plan is sufficient. A dignified but simple service. And like you said, you are his only family, and I don’t think the townspeople will be lining up to see him laid to rest.”
Rosalind gave him a slight smile. “You’re not wrong there. I don’t expect anyone besides ourselves at the service. Let me getto the children, then. I’m sure you have matters to attend to as well.”
She left and climbed the back stairs.
****
Marta joined him at the table with a hot mug of cider. Devlin waited for her to speak, but she just looked at him with a slight grin on her face at first.
He couldn’t bear her scrutiny, and finally, he asked, “What is it, Marta? What do you want?”
“I want to know your intentions for my Rosalind.”
“What do you mean?”
Marta started to speak, but Benton suddenly appeared as if he’d been summoned, and he took a seat opposite Marta and leaned forward, closer to Devlin.
Has Benton been listening outside the kitchen door?
“Please continue, Sir Devlin. We’d like to know if your intentions are noble.”
“Intentions? I don’t have any intentions concerning Lady Rosalind except to complete this task per the king’s orders.”
An awkward silence filled the room, and Devlin squirmed in his seat. The realization that a frail old man and a portly middle-aged cook could make him anxious made him question his manliness.
“So that’s it, then?” Marta asked gruffly. “So you’ll be out the door, never to be seen or heard from again after this mess with Lord Edmond is done?”
