“I can't believe this is happening. Look at this.” Adam cut in, in his usual chipper self, showing Peter a passage in the gossip sheets.
“People believe the marriage proposal is only but a veil to cover the shame the two culprits had brought on their respective houses.”
Juliet frowned at the giant title on the paper. Especially at one particular word.
Unchaperoned.
She had her father with her. All she did was sneak out for some air, and somehow, it had ruined her and her family for life.
“This is your doing, Juliet. How am I going to face the other Lords the next time I meet them.”
Juliet brought a white handkerchief to her mouth, cleaning off imaginary food smears.
“This is all one big misunderstanding.” She said, her voice as meek as it could be.
“If you knew what was best for you, you would remain quiet. You have done enough damage already.” Peter continued, his voice rising with each word.
Juliet didn't reply. She knew better. She cast a glare that could turn one into stone at Adam and his wife. She could tell they were enjoying this moment.
“Now, you're going to marry a complete stranger. We don't know anything of Lord Weston Edgeworth. I hope this makes you happy.”
Juliet stared at her food one more time. Suddenly, the meager desire to eat that she once had disappeared.
Without saying a word. She rose and exited the dining hall. Her shoes knocked on the floor angrily as she skirted past the hallways and towards the balcony, to her sanctuary. Tears threatened to escape her eyes, and she didn't want to give her family that satisfaction.
“Milady.” She heard Estelle call. Her feet froze on the ground.
“Estelle.” She replied, watching her maid approach her.
Estelle handed her a small lace scarf once she got close enough. The tears forming around Juliet's eyes were now beginning to flow freely.
“I just wanted you to know I'm on your side.” Estelle whispered. “Today and always.”
Juliet nodded, gently dabbing her face with the scarf. “Thank you.”
“Do you need me to come with you to the garden?”
Juliet tried to return the scarf to Estelle, but she motioned for her to hold on to it.
“No.” Juliet replied. “I think I need to be alone for this one.”
Estelle nodded and watched her mistress head down the hallway one more time. Juliet wanted to scream. She tried to yank her clothes off and throw her head against the wall. Everything was happening so fast. Her story was on every tongue in the entire town. They knew everything.
At least, what they've been led to believe.
She entered the garden and felt the familiar fragrance from the flowers infiltrate her nostrils. She needed to talk. She needed to vent. She needed to scream and be allowed to feel all the emotions going through her.
She needed her mother.
Her hands gently grazed through the flowers, memories of the pleasant times she once had with her mother pouring in like heavy rain. She could almost hear Celia tell her about the history behind each flower as they trudged through the garden. It had always been her mother's most prized possession. Now, it was hers, and if things kept going this way, it wouldn't be anymore. Juliet thought of the words being said about her, the pictures people were painting.
Caught in the gardens alone with a respectable marquess
At least, that was how the gossip sheets had eloquently put it. At that moment, a wave of uncertainty swept through her.
Was she going to get through this?
***
