An Alternative Ending
Maxim gently decelerated the car, his eyes wide with fear. He gingerly stepped out of the vehicle, and, the gentlemen he was, opened the door for me. I, however, had no earthly idea what was going on. Maxim noticed my confusion and discomfort.
"Don't you smell smoke? Can't you hear the crackling of a raging fire?" he hastily said. His hands suddenly grasped for mine. "Only Manderley is up there. Something happened to Manderley."
"Why are we stopping the car, then? Shouldn't we continue to see-"
"No," interrupted Maxim, "no. We can just walk up this hill. Manderley should be in plain view there, and I don't want to get any closer."
He led me up the path, still holding me by the hand. I knew that he wasn't fond of Manderley anymore, since it reminded him of Rebecca. His grip was tense and firm, though, and it became apparent that the destruction of Manderley was nevertheless too much for him to bear. Once again, he needed my support, my company, and my presence. I quickened my pace to be at his side.
The view from the hill devastated me. The magnificent Manderley estate was ablaze, with no sign of an end to the fire. Losing my breath, I lost my balance and nearly tumbled down the hill (if it weren't for dear Maxim). It was his turn to give me support, as he wrapped his arms around me and embraced me. This was the striking mansion of the postcard, the famous estate that everyone seemed to know, and my beautiful home. I reached my free hand out to Manderley, and the dancing flames seem to caress my skin.
"Cadence, darling, please wake up," whispered Maxim, as he gently nudged my shoulder.
"I'm awake," I responded coolly. I continued to lie in the hotel bed in silence, my blank stare remaining on the ceiling. Images from my dream of Manderley replayed in my mine. Not even shrill ringing of the telephone fazed me. I still could picture the rolling hills, the creeping ivy, the waves crashing upon the sandy shore, and the vastness and majesty of the Manderley estate. I had become so optimistic too, knowing that I would enjoy Manderley much more with the ominous presence of Mrs. Danvers eradicated. Now, Manderley was a ruin, laid to waste due to the mysterious fire.
I finally tore my eyes away from the bland ceiling. Maxim was still conversing on the phone. I sat up and patiently waited for him to finish. After delivering his ending salutation, he carefully placed the telephone on the receiver. Our eyes did not meet, and he continued to be silent.
"Maxim. . ." I began, but the rest of my words escaped me. Fortunately, he evaded my gaze no longer.
"That was Frank Crawley. He had news about the fire."
"Oh? Well, what happened?" I responded, though I tried my hardest to hide my eagerness.
"It was Rebecca; I just know it. Well, it was Jasper, really; that dog knocked over a lantern, and the rest of the estate burnt down as a result. But, I know it had something to do with Rebecca. " He seemed so sure of what he was saying, and yet it was bewildering even himself.
"Darling, what are you talking about?" I inquired.
"She always loved that dog," continued Maxim, "He was the only living being in Manderley besides Mrs. Danvers that she liked, and now, her vile spirit used him once more to curse me. I told you that she was never going to allow me to be happy. Her curse will never leave me, now I'm sure of it!"
He nervously ran his fingers through his hair, and my heart filled with emotion. I gently placed my arms around his broad shoulders, and I began whispering in his ear.
"Our lives aren't over yet, and Rebecca hasn't won. Why, we need to go someplace that will have no trace of her. Please darling, let's go to America. Surely, we'll find a new and happy life there." He pondered my suggestion for a moment, and then he turned around to face me once more.
"Yes," he said, "yes, we shall leave. Let's hope that her evil spirit lingers no longer."