The dining room felt incredibly large for just two people, but it no longer felt cold. A bright fire burned in the stone fireplace, and dozens of thick wax candles lit the long wooden table.

Delaney and Aunt Renee ate their evening meal in comfortable, happy peace. The new cook had prepared a wonderful roasted chicken with fresh vegetables.

After dinner was completely finished, Delaney excused herself. She kissed her aunt on the cheek and walked slowly up the sweeping wooden staircase.

She walked down the long, quiet hallway and went directly to her parents’ room.

She had made a firm decision earlier that afternoon. This would be where she sleeps now. She wanted to reclaim the master suite and fill it with new, happy memories to wash away the dark years of loneliness.

The maids had already prepared the room for the night. The heavy velvet curtains were drawn tight against the cold night air. The bed was turned down, revealing crisp white sheets. A small, warm fire cracked merrily in the fireplace.

Delaney did not change into her nightgown right away. She walked over to the writing desk sitting near the window.

She sat down on the padded wooden chair. She opened the top drawer and pulled out a clean, thick sheet of writing paper. She opened the small glass bottle of dark black ink. She picked up a sharp feather quill.

She wanted to write to Rowan. She had only been gone for a single day, but she already missed his deep voice, his bright brown eyes, and the safe feeling of his strong arms.

Delaney dipped her quill slowly into the ink. She tapped the edge of the feather against the glass to remove the extra drops. She rested her hand on the crisp paper and began to write.

My Dearest Rowan,

I hope this letter finds you well and happy. I arrived safely at Oakridge Manor this evening. The journey was long, but it was very peaceful. Aunt Renee is resting comfortably in the guest wing.

I am writing this letter sitting at the desk in my parents’ old room. I have decided to make it my own bedroom from now on. I cannot truly explain the feeling in my heart right now. I am just so incredibly happy to finally be home again. For twenty years, I dreamed of walking through these halls. Thanks to you, that dream is finally real. The new servants you and Mr. Simmons found are wonderful. The house is clean, warm, and full of light.

Being back here has given me much time to think. I have made a final decision about the past. I want to sell the Kingsley estate entirely. The Crown gave it to me as compensation, but I absolutely do not want it. That massive house holds nothing but dark, terrible memories for me. Every time I think of its walls, I remember the cold, dusty attic. I remember the hunger, the cruel words from Aunt Eunice, and the terrible abuse I faced from my uncle Cole, Aunt Eunice and my cousin Lucas. I do not want to own the place where I suffered so much. I will instruct my man of business to put it up for sale immediately. I want to wash my hands of that terrible place forever.

Now that I am settled, the house feels a little too quiet without you. When are you coming to call on me? You promised you would court me properly. I simply cannot wait to see you again.

Please travel safely. I will be eagerly anticipating your reply, or better yet, your arrival. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

With all my love,

Delaney.

Delaney read the letter over twice. A soft, loving smile touched her lips. She gently sprinkled some fine drying sand over the wet ink. When the words were completely dry, she blew the sand away.

She folded the thick paper carefully into a neat square. She lit a long, red stick of sealing wax over the small desk candle. She let the hot, melted wax drip onto the fold of the paper. She pressed her father’s brass seal firmly into the warm wax, leaving behind the proud crest of the Kingsley family.

She placed the sealed letter gently on the edge of the desk. She would give it to a footman first thing in the morning to ride to London.

With her heart feeling light and hopeful, Delaney finally stood up, changed into her soft nightgown, and climbed into the large bed, falling into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Three days later, the bright morning sun was shining warmly over the green grounds of Oakridge Manor. The air was crisp, but the sky was a clear, beautiful blue.

Delaney and Aunt Renee were sitting together on the large, wide stone balcony that overlooked the back gardens.

They were sitting in comfortable wicker chairs with soft cushions. A small, round iron table sat between them. On the table was a beautiful silver tea set, two delicate porcelain cups, and a plate of sweet lemon cakes.

Delaney was feeling much stronger. The fresh country air and the good food had brought a healthy, pink color back to her pale cheeks.

The cut on her head was healing perfectly, and she no longer needed to wear the white bandage.

Aunt Renee took a slow sip of her warm tea. She smiled at her niece. "This garden is just as beautiful as I remember it, Delaney. Your mother used to spend hours down there, planting white roses."

Delaney looked out over the vast lawns. "I plan to hire more gardeners to bring the rose bushes back to life in the spring. I want the house to look exactly as it did when she was here."

Suddenly, the glass doors leading to the balcony opened.

Mr. Benry, the dignified butler, stepped out onto the stone floor. He was not carrying a silver letter tray. Instead, two strong footmen walked closely behind him. Between them, the footmen carried a very large, beautifully carved wooden trunk.

"Pardon the interruption, my lady," Mr. Benry spoke, bowing politely to Delaney. "A special delivery has just arrived from London. The driver stated it originated from a ship arriving from France."

Aunt Renee gasped happily and placed her teacup down with a loud clink. "It is here! Oh, Delaney, it is the trousseau!"