“Please.” Juliet pleaded. “I am crashing underneath my wings here. I need to know if you're correct. I need to know if itdoesget better.”
In the moment of silence that ensued between them, Grace looked into her niece's eyes with pity.
“Alright.” she finally said. “Three decades ago, I attended a ball just like this one. I was still in my spinster years, so my mother was forcing us to attend events held by members of the high society.”
“And by us, you mean—”
“Celia, your mother and me. Yes.”
“I see.”
“She was so beautiful, your mother. Whenever we traveled together, she was always the center of attention. Men from all walks of life came up to have a chat or a dance with her.”
Juliet felt a slight smile creep up her face. Her motherwasindeed beautiful. She knew that, but it was great to know she was extensively known for her beauty in her early years.
“Sometimes, it got overwhelming.” Grace continued. “So whenever we went to a ball, and she became the center of attention, I would try to find a place to hide. Somewhere with silence. Somewhere with no one.”
“Like a garden.” Juliet affirmed.
Grace smiled. “Yes. Like a garden.”
Juliet nodded.
“One time, the Duke of Flower Harbour held a coming out ball for his daughter, Rose. As usual, Mother had stuffed us into carriages and had made us attend. As usual, your mother had gotten center stage. She took the attention away from me, away from Rose.”
Juliet placed her hands on her mouth. “That must have been horrible.”
Grace smiled. “Now, you see me, I am used to it. I didn't mind at all. Rose, on the other hand, grew upset. So when I snuck out of the ball to find a place to hide, there she was, near the fountain, drawing into the soil with a stick. She was a kindred spirit. We were both feeling the same things. So Iwent to sit with her, of course. Moments later, we were laughing and making fun of the desperate men wanting a dance with my sister.”
Juliet laughed. “That must have been relieving.”
“For a while, it was.” Grace continued. “Then, a young Lord exited the ball as well and found us. He asked for Rose to dance with him. I still remember how his mouth reeked from the wine and the fish. Rose had refused. The young Lord was hurt, of course, so he walked back to the ball and began to spread a lie.”
“Oh Lord.” Juliet frowned. She could see tears forming behind Aunt Grace's eyes and, for a moment, wondered if she could tell her to stop the story.
“He said he'd found Rose and me near the fountain, holding hands and kissing like lovers.” Grace said.
Juliet felt the color drain from her face. “What?”
“Of course, people believed the lie. Why not? It was salacious gossip, and it was as juicy as it came. Quickly, words spread, and we couldn't do anything about it. Mother didn't let me out of my room for months. The only person I was allowed to see was Celia. She would come to my room every day and tell me the latest stories on Father's new acquaintances and the people mother met at the market.”
“Oh.” Juliet whispered, unsure of what to say.
“It was only because of Celia I was able to stay sane in my room during those harrowing months. When I was finally free tocome out, I had learned that Lady Rose—” Grace froze. The tears were now beginning to fall freely from her face. Juliet watched her reach for a white handkerchief and slowly dab her face.
“I found out Lady Rose couldn't handle the aftermath. So she jumped into the river and drowned.”
Juliet's eyes widened in shock.
“Look.” Grace sniffled a while later, gathering herself. “Now it's been almost thirty years, and no one remembers anymore. Of course, the news faded a year later, and it was only brought up whenever Lady Rose's death was mentioned, but my point still stands. Gossip fades quickly.”
Grace reached for Juliet's hand and squeezed it once more.
“You just have to give it time. Remain resilient. Do not give them the satisfaction of seeing you fall. Not your father, not your brother and his wife. Not any of those mouthy people walking the streets.”
Juliet nodded slowly and continued to process everything her aunt had just told her. She couldn't help but wonder how long she would have to suffer through the eyes of judgemental people.
“Perhaps there might be a good side to this.” Aunt Grace continued.
