The Martyrdom of the Servants

The fate of Thomas and Ethel Rogers, who were guilty of a crime but also victims of a cruel master.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Guilty Servants

The Crime of the Rogers The Death of Jennifer Brady Thomas Rogers and Ethel Rogers had been in service to Jennifer Brady, an elderly woman. They believed she would leave them a legacy. When she fell ill, they withheld her medication. She died. The doctor suspected foul play, but nothing could be proved. They inherited a small sum. The Fear of Exposure Ethel Rogers was a nervous woman. She was terrified of being found out. When the gramophone accused them, she fainted. Her fear was palpable. Thomas Rogers was more controlled, but he was also scared. They were both guilty, but they were also victims of their own greed.

The Deaths of the Rogers

The First and Fourth Victims Ethel's Overdose Ethel Rogers died in her sleep on the night of August 8th. She was given an overdose of chloral hydrate, likely by her husband or by the killer. She was the second victim. Her death was peaceful. Thomas's Murder Thomas Rogers was killed on the morning of August 10th, chopping sticks. He was the fourth victim. His death was violent. The servants were the first to go, perhaps because their crime was the most passive. Their deaths were a warning to the others.

before the novel

August 8th-10th