Chapter 9 Summary

As word of Johanna's untimely death spreads, a host of strangers come to Dragonwyck to pay their respects. She lies in state in her bedroom, and Nicholas orders Miranda not to join the mourners. He also locks himself in his room, leaving Magda in charge of all that is happening. Toward evening, the girl slips in with the crowd and finds that Johanna's face expresses a quiet dignity in death that surprises her, and she is saddened to realize how much she hated Johanna when she was alive.

After midnight, Miranda is awakened by the sound of Nicholas calling her name. Then, he kisses her passionately and she is frightened by what is happening. When they stand talking by the fire, he places a ring on her finger, the Van Ryn betrothal ring that Johanna never wore. He explains that she must hide...