Chapter 29 The Empty Coffin
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The exorcist nodded eagerly. “The carriage is waiting about a hundred yards from the main gate of Whitmore Manor. Everything you requested has been placed inside. I will make certain your absence goes unnoticed here.”
“Well done,” Brielle replied offhandedly. “When I return I shall ensure you are spared an additional misfortune involving bloodshed.”
The man’s knees nearly buckled. “You mean avert-aver a misfortune!”
“Very well. I will avert one more such disaster for you.”
Taking Violet by the arm, Brielle slipped out of the courtyard. The manor lay in utter silence, an eerie stillness hanging over the grounds. True to the exorcist’s word, not a soul stirred outside.
She quickened her pace, footsteps light against the gravel, and motioned for Violet to keep close. Together, they moved swiftly through the shadowed gardens and out past the main gate.
Some distance down the lane, a plain carriage stood waiting.
The two climbed inside without a word. Brielle took the reins and directed the horse toward the city gates.
Violet had never been part of such a clandestine venture. Her nerves remained on edge throughout the ride, and only when they had passed beyond the city walls did she allow herself a shallow breath of relief.
“Lady Brielle,” she ventured, “why is that man so keen to win your favor? And do you truly intend to help him avoid a bloodshed? He struck me as rather dishonest.”
A soft laugh escaped Brielle. “You see more clearly than my own father, it seems. A ‘bloodshed’ does not always mean death. He has done questionable things, but he is not truly wicked-no grave punishment. awaits him. Yet if he continues to deceive others, his luck will sour further, and every endeavor will turn against him. Leading him back toward an honest path is a kindness in itself.”
Violet listened, her eyes bright with admiration. “You are remarkable, Lady Brielle.
“Mr. Whitmore grants that fraud whatever he asks for. He would never imagine that we have the exorcist doing our bidding.”
The corner of Brielle’s mouth lifted slightly.
Through the deepening night, the carriage rolled steadily away from Kinston. Darkness enveloped the countryside, broken only by the clear wash of moonlight across the road ahead.
At first, Violet felt no particular fear. But gradually, the path narrowed, leading them into increasingly remote woodland. Thick forests closed in on either side and the occasional cry of a night bird sent a shiver along her spine.
“Lady Brielle, where exactly are we going?” she asked, fingers tightening on her companion’s sleeve.
“You will see soon enough,” Brielle answered, her voice alm and untroubled. Even in the gloom, her gaze remained steady and clear.
Drawing courage from Brielle’s composure, Violet silently steeled herself. I came to help. I mustn’t be a burden.
She repeated the thought like a mantra as they traveled, and indeed, her resolve seemed to strengthen little
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Chapter 29 The Empty Coffin
by little.
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Yet when their destination finally came into view, a cold dread seized her, and she trembled from head to
toc.
Before them lay a neglected churchyard.
Rows of headstones stood in somber lines, and here and there, tattered remnants of burial shrouds fluttered like ghosts in the wind. The night air carried a deep, penetrating chill that crept beneath their cloaks..
“Lady Brielle…”
Brielle surveyed the scene and felt a headache beginning to form. There were so many graves. How would they find the right one?
“Bring the tools. We must search row by row for the tomb of Vincent’s wife.” She rummaged in a large canvas sack, struck a flint to light a torch, and passed it to Violet.
Though terrified, Violet accepted the flame. “Lady Brielle… are we looking for your mother’s resting place?”
Brielle gave a single nod.
Vincent had claimed the token was buried with her. Well, she would see for herself what lay inside that coffin. Whatever it took, she needed to learn the truth of her mother’s identity-a matter that weighed heavily upon her.
Fortunately, the Whitmore family plot was arranged by lineage, and before long they located the grave. Oddly, the headstone bore only the inscription “Wife of Vincent,” with no personal name given.
No matter. Answers first, questions later.
She took up a shovel and set to work without hesitation
Violet bit back the words on her tongue. To disturb one own mother’s grave… Was it not deeply improper?
“Don’t just stand there,” Brielle urged, not pausing in he task. “We must finish and return before daybreak.” Such a deed could only be done under cover of darknes. If Vincent discovered it, she would surely face severe punishment once more.
After nearly half an hour of digging, the coffin was exposed. Brielle called Violet over to help pry the lid
open.
A flicker of anticipation stirred within her. Soon, she would know.
With combined effort, the lid shifted and then gave way
As it opened, Brielle’s face paled.
Within the coffin-
It was utterly empty.
Violet peered through her fingers and gasped. “Empty? How can that be?”
Disbelief held Brielle motionless for a moment. Then, clutching the torch, she stepped directly into the coffin, crouching low to examine the interior. She ran her hands along the inside, searching for hidden
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Chapter 29 The Empty Coffin
compartments or signs of disturbance.
Her inspection was thorough.
There was no mistake. The coffin contained nothing at all.
“Could someone have opened it before us?” Violet whispered, bewildered.
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Brielle shook her head slowly. “The lid was sealed fast. Had it been opened earlier, there would be marks- splintering, scratches. I found none.”
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