Gabriel’s expression softened. “Everything is under control,” he assured her. “Get some rest.”
They curtsied once more before hurrying quietly down the corridor. Gabriel waited until they disappeared before gently opening David’s bedroom door. Only the glow of the dying fire illuminated the nursery. David slept peacefully beneath his blankets, one small arm wrapped around a stuffed rabbit, utterly unaware of how close his past had come to finding him again. Grover slept at his feet, and the cat slept in a chair.
Gabriel stepped quietly to the bedside. Looking down at the little boy, he remembered every frightened cry, every nightmare, every silent tear Amelia had patiently soothed over the past month.
David deserves peace. Valerie deserves freedom. Amelia deserves happiness. Helen will not take those things from them.
He rested one hand lightly upon the bedpost and made the promise silently, the words echoing only within his own heart.
I failed to protect you once. I shall not fail again.
Amelia did not sleep that night in any meaningful sense of the word. She and Valerie remained in David’s room long after the candles had burned low, the three of them settling into uneasy vigil beneath the watchful glow of the dying fire.
Valerie had eventually curled up in the armchair by the bed, her posture still proud even in exhaustion. Amelia herself lay on the rug beside David. Every sound in the house seemed louder that night, every creak of wood sharpened into something threatening.
David slept peacefully for most of it. When he finally stirred at dawn, it was with the soft confusion of a child waking somewhere safe. His eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, he simply stared at the two girls as though trying to confirm they were real. Then recognition bloomed across his face, and he smiled.
Amelia felt something in her chest. It was such an uncomplicated happiness that she almost could not bear it.
“Good morning,” David mumbled, pushing himself upright beneath the blankets.
Valerie stirred, sitting straighter in the armchair. Amelia leaned forward at once, smoothing his hair back from his forehead.
“Good morning,” she replied gently, keeping her voice warm and steady.
“How are you this morning?” she asked, studying him carefully for any sign of distress. David considered this very seriously for a moment before nodding.
“I am very well,” he declared. Then his expression brightened further. “This is nice,” he added, looking between them.
Valerie let out a soft laugh despite herself. Amelia smiled, though her heart still felt heavy from the previous night.
David’s gaze shifted around the room with sudden expectation. “All are here… except- where is Uncle Gabriel?” he asked brightly.
Amelia’s throat tightened briefly before she managed to answer. “He had business to attend to,” she said carefully, keeping her voice light.
“Oh,” David replied, accepting this without hesitation. Then, as though the thought had only just occurred to him, he added, “The day would be perfect if he were here too.”
Valerie glanced quickly at Amelia, her expression softening.
Amelia forced a reassuring smile for David’s sake. “I am sure he would agree,” she said. “Uncle Gabriel is very fond of perfect days.”
David seemed satisfied with that answer and promptly changed direction. “I am hungry,” he announced with sudden urgency.
Valerie laughed again. “That is the most important crisis of the morning,” she observed.
Amelia nodded, grateful for the shift in tone. “Then we should all get ready for the day and go down to breakfast.”
David accepted this as though it were a military command. “Yes,” he agreed firmly, pushing back the blankets.
Amelia smiled as she rose. “Then I suggest you begin by allowing Katie to assist you,” she said gently.
David hesitated only a moment before nodding again.
Katie, who had been hovering anxiously near the door, stepped forward with visible relief. “Come along, Master David,” she said warmly. “Let us get you properly dressed.”
As David was ushered away, Valerie followed more slowly. “I shall meet you downstairs,” she said to Amelia, stretching her arms.
Amelia nodded. “Yes, of course.” Amelia left the nursery and went to her own room. She donned a modest day gown. Her gaze drifted toward the window, where the pale morning light filtered across the estate.
