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5

We ultimately exited the ballroom and returned to the dining hall to engage in the game. Jane observed that her sister had not yet returned,

although Mrs. Thornhill was present. "Where is my sister? Did she come back with you?" Jane inquired. "Yes, but we got separated. I am certain she is on her way back," was the response. "Sherly, please turn on the party lights around the residence." As she activated the blue party lights, she unexpectedly encountered Mr. Thornhill in his office, out of costume. "Leave at once, maid," he commanded.

She sincerely apologized for her intrusion and hurried into the kitchen, where she screamed loudly, " Bloody Murder! Oh my God,The men of the party rushed into the kitchen, leaving Mrs. Thornhill and Jane alone in the dining hall. The clatter of chairs and the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the house, a stark contrast to the calm atmosphere that had enveloped the dining hall just moments before. As the door swung shut behind the men, a tense silence settled between Mrs. Thornhill and Jane, both women exchanging worried glances.

Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the stillness, echoing from the kitchen. Jane's heart raced, and an unsettling feeling crept into her gut. "Something's wrong," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. Mrs. Thornhill's face paled, her eyes wide with fear. Without a second thought, they both sprang to their feet, urgency propelling them forward.

They hurried down the corridor, the sound of their footsteps quickening as they approached the kitchen. The air was thick with an unsettling tension, and Jane's mind raced with possibilities, each more horrifying than the last. What could have caused such a reaction from the men? As they reached the kitchen door, Jane hesitated for a brief moment, her hand hovering over the doorknob.

Mrs. Thornhill, sensing her hesitation, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We must see what has happened," she urged, her voice steady despite the fear etched on her face. With a deep breath, Jane nodded, and together they pushed the door open.

The scene that greeted them was one of utter chaos. The kitchen, usually a warm and inviting space, was now filled with a palpable sense of dread. The men stood in a tight circle, their faces pale and eyes wide with shock. The clattering of pots and pans had ceased, replaced by a heavy silence that hung in the air like a thick fog.

In the center of the room, lying motionless on the cold tile floor, was Lydia's lifeless body. Her once vibrant presence was now extinguished, and the sight was enough to send a chill down Jane's spine. She felt her breath catch in her throat as she took in the scene, her mind struggling to comprehend the reality before her.

Mrs. Thornhill gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she stepped forward, her maternal instincts kicking in. "Lydia!" she cried, her voice breaking with anguish. Jane felt a wave of nausea wash over her as she took a step closer, her heart pounding in her chest. The men shifted uneasily, their expressions a mix.