The Secret of Beaufort and the Daughter of the Night
The Return of Isabelle to Beaufort
The story takes place in a small French town called Beaufort. This town, as usual, was a quiet place until it was altered by the return of a young lady named Isabelle. Everyone is surprised to see her again, especially five years after her sudden flight. Like all small towns, there are gossiping grandmothers. Beaufort was scandalized by the flight of Isabelle and her beloved Philippe; as the village women said, it was outrageous that an orphan girl like Isabelle would pursue the son of an important Marquis.
A Scandalous Past and the Grisard Mansion
Isabelle bought the Grisard mansion, something that everyone finds strange, since no one knew where she could have obtained such a fortune—let alone why she would spend it on an abandoned mansion. Days after her unexpected arrival, a strange event occurs: one of the local farmers seeks out Max because one of his cows had died in a bizarre manner. Then there was another incident: a child appeared in a state of shock. Max, who has been in love with Isabelle since childhood, decides to investigate the matter further.
Mysterious Events and Local Suspicion
Isabelle lived in the mansion and was rarely seen by the townspeople. She looked sickly and always dressed in mourning, which gave the village women much to talk about. The lack of furniture in the house also caused gossip, as did the presence of only one man, Mikhail, who helped her with the chores. One day, five women visit the house but return disappointed by the state of the mansion and, especially, the appearance of Isabelle. However, as they leave, they hear a chilling howl.
Max’s Investigation into the Unknown
Over the following days, Max begins connecting the dots. He sees that the case of the dead cow—gored with teeth marks—and the child in shock (which caused an expedition of children) were all connected. When another child disappears, the townspeople want to take drastic action against Isabelle and her servant.
The Secret Within the Mansion
Max, investigating the case of the dead cow and the life Isabelle led after leaving town, realizes what is truly happening. He decides to go quickly to Isabelle's abode before the angry townspeople reach it. When Max arrives at the mansion, Isabelle realizes he knows practically everything and decides to show him the secret hiding place, revealing the mystery.
The Truth About Philippe de Latour
They went down to the basement. Isabelle moved a wall, and Max could see what was hidden there. Inside was Philippe de Latour, who, according to Isabelle, had turned into a vampire. But this vampire was different; he was rational, could control his instincts, and was able to speak. He tells the story of what really happened: how, on his way back home after his stay in Beaufort, he found himself in a forest and was bitten. Because Isabelle was deeply in love with him, she decided to help him, eventually offering her own blood to help him survive.
The Escape and a New Beginning
Seeing the common people approaching, Max gives his horse to Philippe and Isabelle so they can flee to a place where the Marquis might be cured. At the end, Philippe de Latour is finally able to see the sunlight once again.