Cousin Kate, the end

Kate is relieved to have Sarah visit, and tells her of her engagement and how she and Philip hope to marry very soon. She can go to London to stay with her nurse until the wedding. But while they are discussing this, they hear someone shrieking. It is Sidlaw, Lady Broomes devoted maid. Kate hurries to her aunt's bedroom and finds her dead, strangled. She had summoned Torquil to talk to him about his rash behavour in riding his horse, and he has killed her. Philip comes in and tells her he will go in search of his cousin, who clearly now realises that he is mad and fears discovery. He and Badger, Torquil's valet find him in the lake... dead. Philip goes to tell the awful news to Sir Timothy, that his wife and son are dead. Kate feels depressed that this means that they will have to live at Staplewood, rather than at PHlip's house, as they can't leave the old man alone with his tragic memories. Philip had never expected to be the heir, and he wont want to leave his home either. Sarah tells her that things might not be so bad.... she has talked to the servants, and learned that the local gentry did not like Lady Broome much because she was seen as haughty.. and that she kept Sir Timothy away from socialising iwth them. Sarah says that if Philip and Kate live there, and make it a home again, they will have the neighbours befriending them and seeing their old friend Sir Timothy. Kate tells Philip that she wont go back to London, she is going to stay with him until the funerals are over and suport him. Philip is pleased and says that this will help Sir Timothy, and that he wants the couple to marry as soon after the funerals as may be considered proper. In spite of the tragedy, Kate can see a happier future for herself and PHilip.