The Daughter He Never Knew

Chapter 3: The Letter in the Fire

Nathaniel ran to his study with Clara in his arms and Oliver behind him.

Smoke was already coming from under the door.

The study was burning.

Servants rushed in with buckets, but flames had already reached the desk, the bookshelves, and the cabinet where Clara's medical files were kept.

Eleanor stood at the far end of the hall, calm and still.

Nathaniel stared at her. "What did you burn?"

"What would have destroyed this family," she said.

Oliver stepped forward. "You burned the file that said Clara remembered."

Eleanor looked at him with open hatred. "You should have stayed dead."

Clara whimpered.

Nathaniel turned slowly. "Mother."

Eleanor lifted her chin. "That boy is a beggar trained to manipulate you."

Clara stepped out of Nathaniel's arms.

She looked directly at Eleanor and said, "You told me not to speak. You said if I talked about the bridge, Oliver would die for real."

The hallway fell silent.

Oliver reached into his hoodie and pulled out a small metal box.

"I took this from the carriage before I ran," he said.

Inside was Amelia's locket, a bloodstained ribbon, and a letter addressed to Nathaniel.

The letter said Amelia had discovered Eleanor's plan to send Clara away. She had tried to escape. She begged Nathaniel to believe Clara and find Oliver.

Nathaniel's hands shook as he read.

Eleanor moved closer. "That proves nothing."

"No," Nathaniel said. "But Clara does."

Clara looked up and spoke clearly.

"You pushed Mama."

Eleanor's face went empty.

Then Oliver suddenly collapsed to the floor.