Sir Hale was gone.

At the moment he passed, he gripped the hands of his two sons tightly. His departure was not inundated with pain; he didn't even hear the sound of mourning music or the sobs of his children and grandchildren.

In his ears was the music of a grand procession. Ahead, stretched a red carpet for ten miles.

His wife—still young, still radiant—stood at the distant end, waiting for him.

“Jonathan, Jeffrey, your father has ...