The Inquest and the Revelation of Rebecca's Illness

Chronicles the legal proceedings following the discovery of Rebecca's boat, the dramatic testimony, and the final revelation that Rebecca was terminally ill.

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The Diver's Discovery

The Stranded Ship The Fog and the Rockets A ship ran aground in the fog. Rockets were fired. The narrator and Mrs Danvers were at the window of Rebecca's room when they heard the explosions. The fog lifted, and the ship was visible. The Diver's Report Captain Searle came to Manderley with news: the diver had found Rebecca's boat. Inside the cabin was a body. The narrator realized that the first identification had been a mistake. The real Rebecca had been there all along. Maxim's Reaction Maxim took the news calmly. He had been expecting it. The narrator saw that he was prepared for the worst. The past was about to catch up with them.

The Inquest Begins

The Courtroom The Evidence Doctor Phillips, the diver, and Captain Searle gave evidence. The boat was identified as Rebecca's. The body was hers. The coroner, Mr Horridge, questioned Maxim about his identification of the first body. The Boat-Builder's Bombshell James Tabb testified that the boat had been deliberately scuttled. Holes had been drilled, seacocks opened. This was not an accident. The courtroom stirred. The coroner pressed Maxim on his relationship with Rebecca. Maxim's Testimony Maxim remained calm. He said he knew nothing about the holes. The coroner asked if the marriage was happy. Maxim replied that it was. The tension was unbearable. The narrator, watching, felt faint.

The Verdict of Suicide

The Jury's Decision Deliberation After all evidence was heard, the jury retired. The coroner summed up, emphasizing the lack of a clear motive. The narrator waited in agony. The Verdict They returned with a verdict of suicide. The coroner accepted it. Maxim was free. The narrator felt a wave of relief, but she knew the battle was not over. The Aftermath Favell was furious. He confronted Maxim at Manderley that evening, threatening blackmail. But the discovery of Rebecca's illness would soon defuse his threat. The inquest had ended, but the real truth was yet to come.

Favell's Blackmail Attempt

The Confrontation Favell's Demand Favell came to Manderley with Rebecca's note, demanding money. He threatened to expose Maxim. The narrator faced him alone at first, then Maxim and Frank joined. Colonel Julyan Called Maxim telephoned Colonel Julyan, who came immediately. Favell's drunken accusations were met with skepticism. Colonel Julyan saw through the blackmail. The Witness Ben Favell claimed Ben had seen Maxim on the night of the murder. But Ben, when questioned, denied everything. He was too frightened to speak. Favell's case collapsed.

The Revelation of Rebecca's Illness

The Doctor's Testimony The Appointment Maxim, the narrator, Colonel Julyan, and Favell drove to Barnet to see Doctor Baker. Rebecca had visited him on the day she died. The Truth Doctor Baker revealed that Rebecca had terminal cancer. She would have been in great pain. This explained her despair—and her manipulation. She had wanted Maxim to kill her. The Aftermath Favell's threat evaporated. Colonel Julyan suggested they go abroad. Maxim and the narrator felt a strange peace. Rebecca's final joke had been to make Maxim her murderer, but now the truth set them free.

The Burning of Manderley

The Final Journey The Drive Home After dinner in London, Maxim insisted on driving back to Manderley that night. The narrator slept in the back. She woke to see a red glow on the horizon. The Fire Maxim said, "That's Manderley." The house was burning. The sky was crimson. The narrator realized that the past was being consumed. Manderley, the symbol of Rebecca's power, was destroyed. The End They drove on, leaving the fire behind. The narrator felt a strange relief. They were free. The dream of Manderley was over, but they had each other.

Afternoon, day after the ball

Tuesday afternoon, inquest at Lanyon

Late afternoon, inquest conclusion

Evening after the inquest

Following day, visit to Doctor Baker

Early morning, after the return from London