The day to leave had finally arrived.
The bright morning sun poured generously through the tall glass windows of Hamilton House, casting warm, golden squares of light onto the patterned carpets. Outside, the London streets were already waking up, filled with the sounds of horse hooves and carriage wheels. Inside the Duke's house, there was a busy, excited energy in the air.
Delaney stood in the center of her large, comfortable bedchamber. She started preparing for her long departure. She wore a beautiful, simple traveling dress made of dark green wool, a garment perfectly suited for a long carriage ride to the country. Her dark hair was styled neatly, and the white bandage on her head had been reduced to a small, discreet patch hidden beneath her curls.
She looked around the room that had been her safe sanctuary. She felt a deep, profound sense of gratitude.
She was completely ready to go back to Oakridge Manor.
