CHAPTER 5: Reverend Alden Breaks the Order of Service

The printed program said the final blessing would come before the closing hymn.
Reverend Alden closed the hymnal instead.
A quiet movement passed through the chapel. Guests straightened. Julian looked annoyed, then alert. Celeste's lashes lifted toward the pulpit.
'Before we commend Adrian Vale to rest,' the reverend said, 'I have been instructed to read a letter placed in my care by Adrian himself.'
The chapel seemed to inhale.
Eleanor had not known about a letter. That hurt more than she expected, then comforted her in the next breath. Adrian had kept secrets near the end not because he loved her less, but because he had learned the house was no longer safe for truth.
Julian stood halfway. 'This is not appropriate.'
Reverend Alden looked at him with the grave patience of a man who had buried liars before.
'Your brother chose the timing, Mr. Vale.'
The envelope made a small sound as the seal broke. In a room full of wealth, it was the first honest sound of the day.