The news that Delaney Kingsley had finally opened her eyes spread through Hamilton House like a sudden, warm burst of summer sunlight on a cold winter day.
Within minutes of Rowan leaving the bedchamber, the door opened again. A small, joyful crowd hurried into the room, their faces completely bright with undeniable relief.
Aunt Margery was the very first to reach the bed. She practically ran across the soft carpet, her simple morning dress rustling loudly.
Margery reached out with both hands and gently took Delaney's pale hand, holding it delicately between her own warm palms. She looked down at the young woman, her eyes shining with unshed tears of happiness.
"How are you, my sweet child?" Aunt Margery asked, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. Her eyes quickly scanned the white bandage on Delaney's head. "Does it hurt terribly?"
