I think the black girl was burnt in the fire but maybe by the wife instead of Micheal .It's looks as though they stole her manuscript and passed it off as his. I think his wife was unable to have kids and they've used Ophelia as a surrogate (unknown to her ) and will get rid of her once the baby is born ,his MIL has a keen interest in the baby too and will do anything for her daughter by the look of it. If she's her locked up she might have MH issues and has killed before ? the only thing I can't work out is why other people are in on it ,the doctor ,the child behind the curtain at the wake ,unless there's some kind of cult in the village and they want to sacrifice the child ? The black girls brother or Shelly Conn character will will blow it for Micheal ..