Chapter 217: Scandalous Affair In The Mansion.
The burial
*
As the vicar began to speak, his voice steady and comforting, the attendees bowed their heads. "We gather here today to lay to rest Miss Liza Statham, taken from us far too soon. We commend her spirit to the Lord and pray for peace and comfort for her grieving family." His words, though simple, were filled with a heartfelt sincerity that resonated with those present.
Lydia tightened her grip on Theodore’s arm as the vicar continued. She glanced at her sisters, her heart breaking for them as much as for herself. Mira’s tears flowed freely now, and even Shi’Enz had quieted, her sobs replaced by silent, shaking breaths. The sense of finality hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder that Liza was truly gone.
The beautiful, almost a queen Liza was dead and the king was absent.
As the coffin was slowly lowered into the ground, a fresh wave of grief washed over the mourners. Georgina let out a soft wail, burying her face in her husband’s chest and when he hugged her back in relief she fell to her knees instead and he immediately went after her, surprising the gossipers, while Mira and Shi’Enz clung to each other for support. Lydia’s own tears spilled over, and Theodore gently wiped them away, his touch tender and reassuring, though his own heart ached with a gnawing guilt.
She loved Liza and she wished she would come back even if it was for a day so she could tell her that she forgave her, for the times she would pretend, gaslight, manipulate and plan against her and she loved her even when she had been angry and pondered running away.
When the vicar concluded the service with a final prayer, the mourners stepped forward to pay their last respects. Lydia knelt by the grave, placing a single white rose on the coffin. "Goodbye, dearest Liza," she whispered, her voice breaking. "May you find peace and rest."
The other sisters followed suit, each laying a flower on the coffin, their gestures a final, poignant farewell. As they stood, the crowd began to disperse, offering condolences and words of comfort to the grieving family.
Theodore remained by Lydia’s side, his arm around her shoulders, guiding her gently away from the grave. He knew that this loss would stay with them forever, a painful Chapter in their lives that would never truly close.
Lydia glanced at her mother and when she turned to approach her, Jullius shot her a glare and soon the other two sisters were crowding Georgina, Georgina glanced at them and immediately took back her gaze, so Lydia gave a small smile and turned away with Theodore. He watched the interaction with a clenched jaw, this was a funeral and Jullius had no right to stop a daughter from meeting her mother but maybe he could bring her here to see her mother next week.