The Fourth Mistress

Chapter 72 Burying them

Music Recommendation: The Secret of the Family- Yae Rin Seo

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"The case was marked as unsolved and closed. It just appears to be a mystery case," explained Mr. Shaw. "Mm, I hope you and your department aren't holding Louise as the culprit for the incident that happened. Because if that is the case, you tell it to me right now and I will fight her case," demanded the old man, his eyes shifting from the house to look at the officer. "Lady Louise Evardon has been cleared of any involvement in the murder of the Reed's as well as the servants. You do not have to worry about it, Mr. Winkle. Her name is clear from any criminal charges," replied Mr. Shaw, and he then offered a bow to the man. "It was nice talking to you, I will be taking my leave now." Mr. Winkle watched the officer walk farther and farther away from where he stood. "Thank you for coming, Mr. Winkle," came Louise' voice from behind, and the old man turned to look at her. He pursed his lips in deep thought. "I heard from your uncle that you are planning to rebuild this manor," said the man, and Louise wondered if like the others, he was going to tell her that it was a bad idea. But Mr. Winkle surprised her by saying, "It is good that you have decided to do it. It would be saddening to erase everything that holds memories. I am sure you would like to keep the memories intact, isn't it?" On hearing Mr. Winkle's words, Louise remembered the memories she had held since she had come to live in this manor. The time when she had woken up in the middle of the night and walked in the corridor. The time when she unveiled Emily's ghost in the portrait of painting and many others that weren't exactly all fond memories. Mr. Winkle then said, "You have caused quite some chatter in the town. Everywhere I went yesterday, I heard murmurs and whispers. Not to mention, someone even found out that you didn't change your last name to Reed, and it had created more talks. Not that you should care."

Louise knew people would speak about it after hearing about the many deaths on the Reed's property. She would stay there for the next few weeks or months, depending on how long it would take for the reconstruction of the manor to complete. "People need something to talk about. It isn't like they have never spoken about me before," replied Louise. People would talk now, and they would slowly forget when they would find something new to talk about. "I don't think I will be coming to the office, Mr. Winkle." "Of course, take as much time as you need," Mr. Winkle wanted to help Louise. If she needed to take her mind off the things that had happened, his office would always be open for her. At the same time, he didn't want to be insensitive to her loss. Louise shook her head and then said, "I was thinking of changing my line of work that I am pursuing until now." Mr. Winkle looked a little taken aback, and he asked, "Have you thought of what you want to do?" She nodded, "One of the officers from the investigation department had asked me to come and see him. Maybe not now, but after a few weeks."

"I see. Take how much ever time that you need, the world is not going nowhere. Let me know if you need any help from me and I would be more than happy to offer it. I am always here for you," Mr. Winkle offered her his support. "Thank you, Mr. Winkle. It is very much appreciated," thanked Louise, and she saw the old man leaving the Reed's property in his carriage. The remaining guests followed the trail, leaving Alison, Henry, Molly, Louise, her aunt and uncle, along with the servants who had survived from the ghost. Alison tightly hugged Louise, taking a few seconds before pulling away from her embrace. There were tears in her eyes, and she said to Louise, "You know you don't have to rebuild the house. You can sell it." "This is the only home I have known with Graham and all of you, I don't think I am ready to part away from it yet," replied Louise, her words soft, and Alison nodded. "I can understand. I understand what you mean," replied Alison. Even though she had an equal share in her family's property, both she and her husband had decided that they didn't want any part of it. "We'll be living in Henry's house, and see what to do next. We still have our family business, and maybe it is time for me to take part in it to reduce his workload," she tried to put up a smile on her face, but it failed. Louise offered her words of encouragement, "You will learn it in no time. You are a mother, you will be able to manage everything else just fine." "I am only a letter away, if you ever need anything," Alison turned slightly anxious as she said this, "Anything at all, don't hesitate. Henry and I will try our best to support and be for you." "Alison is right," agreed Henry, and he said, "You are more than welcome to come and stay in our house. After all, we are a family." Louise was thankful for the invitation, but right now she had some things to deal with here. And she didn't want to stay too far from her uncle and aunt. She nodded. She walked near her aunt and then bent down to level herself to Molly's gaze, and the little girl said, "You won't be coming with us, Aunt Louise?" "Not right now, but I will come and visit you soon," replied Louise, placing her hand on the little girl's head. "I will miss you."

"Me too. I will wait for you, or I will come visit you with mama and papa," said Molly, which made Louise smile. "I will hold you to it," and she leaned forward, kissing the little one's forehead. She was glad that this little family had escaped the fate of death, sparing their lives. When it was time, Alison left from the Reed's property with her husband and daughter. Her uncle and her aunt were the next one to be dropped by Henry, who was accompanied by Camille, leaving Louise and the butler all by themselves. Louise hadn't seen Graham's ghost since the time the caskets were buried in the ground, and she wondered if he finally left and found peace like others. She came to stand in front of the burned manor. Gilbert, who followed her closely, asked her, "What do you plan to do next, Lady Louise?" "There used to be a blueprint of the manor in the cellar before. Let us find it." "Yes, milady," Gilbert obliged to her words.