Summary

The novel’s final chapter beings on August 6, 1892, the morning of the funeral. Lizzie, from whose perspective the chapter is narrated, reveals that a man has confessed to the murders he did not commit. When Mrs. Borden’s sister stops by the house to give the Borden sisters a sash to put on Abby’s body, Lizzie refuses her, stating that she and Emma will be deciding what Abby wears. The sash reminds Lizzie of a dress Abby had that Lizzie played with as a young girl.

After Mrs. Borden’s sister leaves, Lizzie gets a headache. The doctor, who was already at the house, gives her a sedative. Lizzie welcomes the numbness it brings. As people gather for the funeral, Emma quietly asks Lizzie again about the details of the day of the murders, upsetting Lizzie.

After the funeral, when the Borden sister...