The Wards' Mystery

Epilogue

I place a small wooden horse on Ada's gravestone. Ada, Milly and Paul were buried under a majestic willow tree at the Wards' family cemetery. It was Mrs. Ward's decision. The one that the whole family supported. I was wrong about them. The guilt in Mrs. Ward's eyes spoke more than thousands of words. She actually wanted to make a difference for us. And she did. We always wanted to find a new family. A new beginning. I just hoped that it wouldn't happen like this.

I glance at each gravestone. Ada Ward, Milly Ward and Paul Ward — it suited them.

The postman was hanged yesterday. People said he was chanting non stop that he didn't have a choice — that it was all spirits' doing. Some pitied an ill man with an ill mind. As for me, I remember too well the hands squeezing a twine around my neck, very real human hands, to feel any compassion towards this lunatic. I only hope that my friends are at peace now in a place where they can never be harmed.

"Daina, you will catch a cold if you stay here any longer."

Lady Jannet was standing a bit afar all this time. And this time must have been a long one indeed, as I've very much forgotten about her presence. I wipe the tears from my eyes, and we start walking back to the manor.

Most people would keep a mournful silence at the walks like this. But the silence was as foreign to Lady Jannet as was humility.

"I am going back to London next week. My father has either realised that trouble finds me anywhere or he misses me. It's probably both."

"I'm happy for you, m'lady." I'm not happy. Lady Jannet is not the easiest person to be around, but she was there for me all those awful days after Sunday. Her gossip and stories helped me to keep my sanity. The sadness and worry still plagued me, but her idle chatter made it bearable. After she leaves, I'll be alone. The silence. I dread it. Mr. Brown, Mr. Badcock and Mr. Kumar are very supportive, of course, but it's not the same. They're adults taking care of a child, but with Milly, Ada and Paul gone, Lady Jannet is the closest thing I have to a friend now. It's absurd but that's how it is.

"I hope you are not too happy seeing me go, because I want you to come with me."

I halt and stare at her in disbelief.

"Do you want me to become your maid?" I ask.

"I want you to become my assistant. As we both have witnessed, great stories can be found in the most unexpected places and it made me think: why should I restrict myself to London? I can travel anywhere I want. But for an adventure like that I would need someone I could trust, and whose company I find pleasant. Your education would need some work, of course, but I am sure we can figure it out. What do you say? Would you like to see the world?" She beams at me.

My first urge is to say no. The world is a big and scary place. I have a safe home and people who care for me. An insignificant person like me should be happy, grateful. And I am indeed grateful to Mrs. Ward. But... I want more. I want to find a place where I can be more. And this place is certainly not here.

"Thank you, Lady Jannet! I would like it very much," I return Jay's smile.

I look at the manor, I look at the graves of my friends. I am alive.

***