- Valentin passes away the next day.
- Naturally, Newman writes to Claire of the news right away.
- Although Newman's totally broken up about his buddy's death, he also wants an excuse to see her one more time.
- Claire writes back and agrees to see Newman at Valentin's funeral, but she says it will "distress" her. Bummer.
- Newman goes anyway, because a guy has to pay his respects. He doesn't hang around the funeral for long, though.
- A few days later, he goes to find Claire at her family's home. There has to be an explanation, right?
- Claire isn't looking too hot. She's pale, haggard, and barely looks like herself.
- Claire apologizes for leaving Newman in the lurch, first of all.
- But she refuses to budge on coming back to him.
- Newman says some pretty nasty things about how cruel the rest of Claire's family is.
- Claire basically agrees. Her family's like a cult, she says.
- She reveals her final decision: she's going to hole herself up in a convent for the rest of her life.
- Newman isn't having it.
- At least Newman manages to determine that Lord Deepmere has nothing to do with Claire's sudden decision.
- Claire says goodbye for the last time, but Newman can't help but kiss her.
- She lets him for a second, then pushes him away. It's all so romantic.
- Newman leaves, totally distraught.