213. Take Annie away

Three figures left Aunt Mary's residence, boarding a carriage and driving away.

On the carriage, Mary told Anna and Lu Li about what happened after they left.

The situation occurred this morning, or perhaps last night. In any case, when Mary, as usual, arrived at the estate one hour after dawn, the gatekeeper hurriedly informed her that there was a problem with the elm tree. As Mary rushed to the elm tree, she saw that its base was already covered with a layer of fallen branches.

Anna's branches were shedding.

Mary then tried to contact Lu Li and Anna, but they were in Elm Forest with the limping Barton, so Mary went to seek Old Henry's help.

The man, who had suddenly received the shocking news of his son's death yesterday, had fallen ill, but he was still willing to lend a hand. After arriving at the estate and examining it, Old Henry's verdict was: This tree is withering.