As the week went on, Leanna spent the days basking in the warm summer sun, taking strolls with Delaney and her family. Teatime was spent on the rose terrace, where the sweet smells and sunlight cascading through the rose vine canopy made each moment even more special. Delaney was working even harder to ensure Leanna had an excellent diet, and it showed, from her rounder cheeks to the twinkle in her eyes. Her hair had finally started to take on more of its original shine, and the summer sun had started to give Leanna a slight golden glow. She walked with more purpose and with her shoulders thrown back and her head held high made many servants secretly blush. 

Her collarbone and the other areas of her body that were once gaunt began to fill out a little, and she felt more beautiful with each passing day. Before the fifth day was up, Leanna had spoken with Edmond and Charlene, and they agreed to stay another week or two. Charles, despite not being all that happy, begrudgingly accepted, and continued to sulk in his wing of the mansion before leaving on a business trip a week later. Edmond went back to the Gresser Marquiship to fetch some documents, and instructed his aid in what was needed for the next few weeks. Edmond returned to the dukedom brimming with energy.

 The three and Delaney enjoyed the next two weeks of peace and freedom. The new servants had not only grown accustomed to Her Ladyship, they also came to highly respect Duchess Leanna, while on the contrary grew wary and mistrustful of Charles. The majority of the previous female servants had been charmed or seduced by Charles one way or another, which Leanna had thought about when fixing the mansion’s workforce. She would not remain there forever, but for the time she was the Duchess, she wanted servants that were loyal and knew their place. Tatiana the head maid had ensured that the women she chose were either married, engaged, or were strongly willed. The male servants had been chosen as either young men who had good morals, or had never had a chance to be bribed or twisted. It was easier said than done but the results were telling. 

Leanna was able to fully enjoy the summer for those precious weeks, and spent more time in the main village at the boutique. Her meals were more lavish and delicious than ever, and the small freckles dotting her cheek bones and arms had become prevalent. Leanna had transformed into a tiger lily, from the pale daisy she had once been. On the third to last day before Edmond and Charlene left, they had one last picnic in the wildflower fields, and enjoyed making flower crowns and necklaces. The tall grasses and flowers swayed, and the ocean of plants made a swishing noise that felt soothing to the soul. 

Delaney had made a crown for Leanna from daisies, and when placed on her bright reddish auburn hair looked quite pretty. It was almost as if she was wearing a crown of diamonds. Delaney curtseyed and said in a hilariously pretentious tone “My Queen, it has come to my attention that the peasants are slacking.” Delaney pointed to Edmond and Charlene who laughed and pretended they were farmers who were playing catch. Leanna laughed and strutted around, and using a hoity toity voice called out “It appears as if the commoners are not doing their job. I suppose I'll have to punish them.” She spoke with her chin pointed up and jutted out, and Delaney held her stomach as she howled with laughter. Leanna chased her siblings around, waving a stick, and the three four eventually collapsed on the picnic blanket, out of breath. 

The late afternoon sun cast a glow on the field, and everybody basked in the warmth. They chatted the afternoon away and Charlene even took a nap. Leanna sat in thought, and recalled that the last time she had run or laughed like that it had been at least five or six years. The wind whipping her hair around and and the grass underneath her feet felt so nostalgic she wasn't sure if she was going to cry. Edmond scooted over while Delaney started to gather the picnic items together and put his arm around Leanna’s shoulder. She rested her head on his arm, and they spent the sun’s parting moments before sunset in a happy and quiet peace.

 Charlene was eventually woken up, and Edmond carried her piggyback style back to the mansion. The two flopped into bed, while Leanna spent the evening gazing out as the sky was draped with a glittering midnight cloth. The moon was almost full, and shone down on Leanna, a light breeze blowing. The wind gently rustled through her hair and silk nightgown making her look like a goddess. Delaney stopped for a moment, and smiled at seeing her master’s relaxed posture. Leanna continued looking out at the night sky, and when she heard the door open and close she smiled and beckoned. Delaney joined her on the balcony, resting her forehead on the cool marble. 

The two both sighed at the same time and chuckled. Leanna rested her head on Delaney’s shoulder, and they stood there, as if in a trance. Leanna felt peace in cool darkness, and after a ten or so minutes, they headed back inside the room. Leanna settled in for the night, asking Delaney to keep the windows open, if even just a crack. Delaney left as Leanna drifted off into sleep, and went back to put away their picnic items. She later headed to the servants kitchen to make a cup of chamomile tea, and withdrew to her private quarters. Delaney grabbed her journal from its secret drawer, and wrote for several hours before closing it and falling asleep. The peaceful night continued, whereas Charles and Keaia were stuck halfway between the Sihnegh Dukedom and the Raelon Countship. The wagon had broken two wheels, and the area had been heavily rained on, making traversing through the muck even more irritating. Keaia would only sigh lightly every now and then, but Charles threw a temper tantrum every five minutes. His true colors had become off-putting to Keaia. She looked up at the night sky, at the bright northern star in the sky, and wondered if Leanna was gazing up at the same star as she.