Maybe she could let it go.
It felt as if a weight had been lifted. She would have to write Uncle Joseph and thank him for those herbs because it seemed very possible that they were what had made all the difference. And while she was at it, she was going to have to find out exactly what he had given her so that she could keep it on hand from now on.
She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, then released it.
Saying goodbye to the nightmares meant giving up her last connection with the family she had lost. But that connection was holding her back. They wouldn’t have wanted that for her.
And Madeleine didn’t want to spend her life as the cursed lady. She was ready to be the Duchess of Westcourt instead.
Horatia knocked at the door and came inside. “You look pleased about something,” she observed. “What’s on your mind this morning, Madeleine?”
“I just got a good night’s sleep, that’s all,” Madeleine said.
“I’m glad to hear it.”
Madeleine went to the wardrobe and selected a gown. It was one of her finest options for everyday wear. “Will you help me with this?”
“Of course.” Horatia began to help her dress. “You don’t often wear this one.”
“Today feels like a special day.”
Horatia smiled. “I must say, I’m very happy to see you so full of life and energy, Madeleine. It makes a very nice change. I’ve been worried about you these past few days. But right now, you look happier than I think I’ve ever seen you.”
“I feel happier than ever,” Madeleine admitted. She couldn’t wait to go down to breakfast and see Thomas.
She hurried out of the room as soon as she was dressed, expecting to meet him in the dining room, but to her surprise, their paths crossed before that. He was crossing the foyer as she came hurrying down the stairs.
He smiled hesitantly, and she felt a pang. Of course he would hesitate. He would have no idea what to expect from her today, given the way she had changed her behavior toward him so many times.
It felt so different looking at him today when she hadn’t just awoken from a dreadful nightmare.
What had she been so afraid of? He was right. Curses were something for children to fear. Her curse wasn’t real. It never had been. The crueler members of thetonhad made it up.
It was so strange to say that to herself and to actually believe it might be the truth.
She went to him. “Good morning,” she said softly, gazing up at him. “I’m happy to see you.”
“Are you?”
“I really am. I know things have been difficult between us. But I slept so well last night, Thomas, and I woke up with a whole new outlook on things. I think this is going to be all right.”
He smiled. “I’m so pleased to hear you say that,” he said. “You really don’t know how much it means to me.”
“No, I think I really do,” she murmured. “I think about you all the time. I wake up thinking about you. And when my head is clear—thanks to my uncle’s gift of herbs—I dream about you at night. I dream about the life I want us to have together.”
“We’ll have it,” he promised.
They were about to enter the dining room when they heard a knock at the door. Thomas turned toward it. “It’s early for visitors.”
He strode over to the door and opened it. A messenger stood there.
“For Her Grace, the Duchess of Westcourt,” he said, holding something out. Thomas accepted it and thanked the man, then closed the door and turned back to Madeleine.
He was holding a package identical to the one that had been sent over yesterday. “More herbs,” he said. “That’s a good thing.”
“I’m surprised he sent more already,” she said. “I haven’t used up that last package yet. But this is good. I didn’t know when I’d have a chance to get to him and ask him what they were and to provide more of them.”
She accepted the package and the note. Flipping it open, she read,Madeleine—here is a more potent selection of herbs that you will find even more effective. I do hope they’re working. Regards, Uncle Joseph.
