Contents
Chapter Seventy-Two
Overview
Jane discovers Annie Black’s body; Daisy confesses she pushed Annie during a confrontation about Claire. Jane insists Jessamine be told, revealing Jessamine’s dire condition. Stuart explains the accident to Jessamine, whose lucidity briefly returns. Jessamine orders Stuart to call the police and declares she will take the blame and explain why.
Summary
Jane reels at the sight of Annie Black’s body and panics about involving the police. Daisy blurts that she caused Annie’s death the previous week, admitting she pushed Annie down the stairs during a furious confrontation about Claire being Daisy’s mother. Daisy begs Jane not to go to the police.
Unsure of her safety and still clutching a knife, Jane urges that Jessamine be told, believing truth might unlock Jessamine’s cooperation about Claire and other secrets. Stuart resists, saying Jessamine is lost to addiction and confusion, but Jane insists and they go to Jessamine’s room.
In the rancid, airless bedroom, Jane observes Jessamine’s severe decline. Stuart rouses Jessamine, who immediately asks for alcohol. Stuart promises medication and begins explaining: there was a struggle between Daisy and Annie, and Annie fell and likely broke her neck. Daisy fetches “Grandma’s meds” while Jane watches Stuart’s conflicted tenderness.
When Jessamine hears Annie is dead and hidden in the outhouse, a spark of clarity returns. She confirms the death, processes the revelation, then makes a decisive demand: call the police. Jessamine insists Stuart tell them she pushed Annie and declares she will explain her reasons to the authorities.
Who Appears
- JaneDiscoverer of Annie’s body; urges telling Jessamine and pressing for truth; witnesses Jessamine’s condition.
- Jessamine ValeAlcohol-addled and frail; regains clarity on learning Annie is dead; orders police be called and takes the blame.
- Stuart CoulsonCaretaker and protector; explains Annie’s death to Jessamine; hesitates about police but defers to Jessamine.
- Daisy/RoseConfesses to pushing Annie during a confrontation about Claire; pleads to avoid police; fetches medication for Jessamine.
- Annie BlackDeceased matriarch; body hidden in the outhouse after falling down stairs during a struggle with Daisy.