A LITTLE TWIST OF FATE

Chapter 38

"Danielle?"

She picked her head up and turned toward the door at the sound of her name, and then she turned back.

"Danielle, are you alright?"

This time she stood up and faced the door, but still made no answer.

"Danielle, please answer me." The door opened just a crack and Henry stuck his head through. "Danielle? You've been in here so long we just wondered if."

He opened the door wider to find Danielle standing opposite it. "She's gone, Henry. The only mother that I've ever known is gone from me."

Henry stood there letting Danielle's words sink in.

"Aunt Thérèse? You don't mean."

Danielle nodded her head, her tears falling faster now.

"Danielle," Henry said, opening up his arms, allowing her to rush into them. "I know it hurts. I loved her as well."

The open doorway had become crowded with people staring inside.

"We've got to let the doctor in, Princess. We should let him examine Thérèse one last time and make the final determination."

Danielle nodded and let Armand inside the room followed closely by Marie and Francis. They stopped by Henry and Danielle while the doctor walked over to the bed, calling Thérèse 's name out softly. When there was no answer, he placed his head on her chest and felt for a pulse.

He turned around, looked up and shook his head.

The final determination had been made.

Danielle began to cry again as she buried her head in Henry's chest. Marie looked up at Francis with tears in her eyes.

"I believe it's time you called that meeting to order, Francis," she said simply.

"Yes, you are right, milady. We will have to make some preparations for her burial as well."

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