From the diary of Herrick Grimmer, Head Butler to the Redde-Chapel sisters:

I will ever defend the right of the Sisters to go as they will and do as they please, although some would fault me for not enforcing the presence of the chaperone.  These widows are world travelers and more intrepid in their everyday habits than any man at the very height of his courage.  It is as if they have no fear of any environment - nor of any creature on God’s green earth.

So it was that I was not alarmed when Mrs. Dreadpenny failed to attend evening tea at sunset on the 3rd … and did not attend upon any sunset thereafter.  I cannot deny that I found it strange she had left without packing her clothing and toiletries, but these are women of wealth and privilege and it is not for them to lug common items hither and yon.  Surely, new items can be purchased anywhere.

But there was a certain aspect of melancholy in the house - a sense of loss and loneliness that emanated from Mrs. Undercrypt in unguarded moments.  I did attempt to broach the subject gently, but was stopped from a deeper inquiry by the touch of her cool, dry hand upon mine.  She only smiled tenderly, sadly … and instructed me to tell the staff not to go into the woods after dark - not even to draw water from the well.  Additionally, I was to post signs around the perimeter of all her forest lands that no hunting was allowed and trespassers would be dealt with most harshly.

I am comforted in my duties, for I know these cautions are reasonable and protective - Madam thinks of us with regard even as more weighty matters demand her attention.  And I know at once that she, too, has heard the howling in the deep woods and can sense danger.