Chapter 12: Don't Sully My Sight

"Master Ashford has phoned home," Aunt Gwendolyn announced, finally sparking a glimmer of hope in Ivy's eyes. "What did Grandfather say?" Ivy asked, clutching Aunt Gwendolyn's hand in urgency. At this moment, Grandfather was her most reliable pillar. Aunt Gwendolyn's expression turned peculiar, hesitating before faithfully relaying Master Ashford's words, "Master Ashford said to cremate Mrs. Ashford. He's on his way back." "Cremate?" Ivy was momentarily stunned. A hollow feeling surged within her, yet upon further reflection, she realized there might be no better resolution. It's said that fire purifies all that is tainted; she could only hope that in cremation, her mother could forget all the sorrows of this life. Master Ashford returned to the country posthaste, informing Tristan and the others without delay, and made his way to The Ashford at the first opportunity. Aunt Gwendolyn, ever the keen observer, had already prepared a meal. She knew Master Ashford inside and out; even