Page 52 of Secrets of Capell Manor
“No, Father, I just want it done quickly.”
Father William nodded.
The children, herded by Marta and Benton, arrived, and Rosalind was surprised to see that all three were clean, their hair tidy and combed, and their clothes were tucked, buttoned, and orderly. The children stood beside Rosalind, Marta, and Benton, who flanked her other side. Father William stood at one end of the large hole with his Bible in his hand.
Once everyone was in place, Devlin and Alden carried the coffin out to the grave. Per her wishes, the service was completed in just a few minutes. Father William asked if anyone wished to say any words before the closing prayer, but everyone remained silent. Father William prayed, and Devlin and Alden lowered the coffin to the ground.
“You are welcome to come to the house for your mid-day meal, Father,” Lady Rosalind politely said.
The priest agreed readily.
“Benton, you crafted a coffin for his burial. You shouldn’t have done that. And you added the family crest,” she scolded gently
“No, I probably shouldn’t have milady. But his father had a proper burial, and his father before him. I was there both times. It just seemed the right thing to do.”
Rosalind squeezed his hand.
The children watched Devlin and Alden as they shoveled dirt into the grave and even pitched in to help by scooting dirt with sticks they’d picked up.
Rosalind joined the men at the grave. “Children, let’s go now. Marta has our meal ready, and you’ll need to wash.” She turned to Devlin and Alden. “I cannot express my gratitude enough for your help today. Please join us for the meal. I’ll have Marta and Benton wait to serve until you get there.”
****
Father William entered the manor with a spring in his step and a contented sigh, the solemn mood of the funeral behind him and the promise of a hot meal drawing him forward. Marta, though she was told not to make a large repast, outdid herself once more. The buffet held a large platter with a plump roast duck, baked and browned to perfection, small baby potatoes, honey glazed carrots, and sweet parsnips.
Rosalind, the priest, Devlin, and Alden took their seats at the table, and Benton arrived to fill their glasses. Because the meal was served on the buffet, each of them took turns filling their plates. Once they were all seated, Rosalind took her first bite of food for the day.
“And what of the investigation, Sir Devlin? Do you know any more about Edmond’s killer?” Father William asked.
Rosalind nearly choked on her mouthful of food.
“Father, we still aren’t sure if Sir Edmond’s death was because of foul play, but the answer is no, we have not learned anything new. I have reported my findings to the king, and he will rule on the matter.”
“I certainly hope that this terrible business can soon be put to rest. For your sake, Lady Rosalind.”
“Agreed, Father. We are all ready to move on. This entire ordeal has proven to be quite worrisome.”
The luncheon continued without incident, and Father William soon took his leave.
“Please do not hesitate to call for me, Lady Rosalind,” he insisted. “I was never invited here when Lord Edmond was alive, but I am here for you and your household.”
“Thank you, Father. I am grateful, and I am sure I can benefit from your advice.”
The sound of approaching hooves interrupted the priest’s departure. Rosalind and Devlin stepped outside to see a rider, cloaked in the king’s red and gold silks, dismount and approach with urgency.
“Lady Rosalind, I bear a summons from His Majesty King Charles,” the messenger announced, handing her a sealed parchment. “You are to appear before the king to answer questions regarding the death of your uncle, Lord Edmond.”
Rosalind’s heart sank as she broke the seal and read the summons.
Devlin, seeing her distress, stepped closer and read the document over her shoulder. “King Charles is impatient. We must leave immediately,” he said.
Rosalind’s mouth hung open.
Leave now? Go to court?
Her heart pounded wildly in her chest.
Marta and Benton appeared at the door and immediately rushed to Rosalind’s side.
