The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

The Silent 208

Chapter 208

Mary had just been checking Dylan's wound when she paused at Eliza's words. "You've already chosen the place?"

Eliza nodded. "I have"

"Is it beautiful Mary asked, her voice low and hesitant. Is it hidden enough? Secluded enough that no one will ever find

her!"

Eliza met her eyes and answered gently, but firmly. "Yes. The view is lovely. It's peaceful. And no one will ever disturb her again."

"Good" Mary murmured, her voice softening with emotion. She carefully reached out and took the box from Eliza's hands- the one that held Caroline's bones.

Eliza had already prepared everything. The bones were sealed inside a lacquered casket that had once been brought over with the Padilla family's dowry. A faint floral scent lingered on the box, disguising any trace of decay.

Mary cradled it like the most fragile of treasures. Her eyes were red as she said, "I'll speak with her a little while. I'll come find you later.

Eliza gave a quiet nod. "Alright

But later didn't come until dusk the next day.

It had been an entire day and night before Mary returned, clutching the casket tightly to her chest. Her face was pale, eyes swollen, and even her usual upright posture had wilted.

"Serenity: she whispered, voice trembling. "Go... bury your mother."

She handed the box back to Eliza with reverent care, and her hands wouldn't stop shaking.

"When it's done." Mary added, almost pleadingly, "tell no one- sleep in silence. No one should ever disturb her again. And... when I die...

—not even me. Caroline always loved

peace and quiet. Let her

Mary paused, then continued in a breathless hush, "if you're willing, bury me beside her."

Her penance wasn't over yet. But when it was, she wanted to follow Caroline-to rest beside her, at last.

turned to her,

Mary shook her head before she could finish. "Don't ask.

at the casket,

soft and fading: The

days, Mary never returned to

collect the orchids, she paused at the sight. They were immaculate, arranged with

Arch, stern-faced, cradling a pot of flowers. She had opened her mouth to

it must've been deeper

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Chapter 208

didn't take

most beautiful-at Mary's doorstep.

think Mother wouldn't want you to be alone. So I'm leaving this orchid with you to keep you company in her

found the note

word. But a single tear slipped from her

Eliza gently transplanted all of Mary's

the pocket farm, where no one

entire day, whispering memories, sharing regrets, pouring out the love she had never

she murmured, curled beside the headstone as though curling beside her mother's body, if only you were still

there for three

Her brothers-Benedict, Dylan. Matthew, Anthony-still loved her dearly. Sophie had never existed. They were one happy, perfect

Bur dreams always end.

that warmth behind, pulled herself from the sweetness of the illusion, and

the scorpion venom and administered it to Dylan. When he'd recovered enough, Mary escorted him down the

longing glance over his

the second man to leave that place with nothing but silence and

has been hurt deeply, Mary told him.

he said. Tll spend a

Stonor residence,

round

bedside, she burst into

"You knew it was

it. Look at where