Estelle pressed one more brightly colored Rose at the hem of Juliet's dress. She rose from the floor and took several steps backward to admire her mistress fully.
“You look astonishing, Lady Juliet.”
Juliet turned to look at the large mirror a few steps before her. Estelle wasn't wrong. This might be the dressmaker's best work yet. The emerald gown shone as fragmented rays of the sun hit it from several areas. A veil the same color as the dress elegantly sat on her head. In another world, this was the best day of her life. She raised the gown and twirled to take in the view fully.
“After the wedding, I might just burn it.” She said, her voice impressively monotonous.
“Why on earth would you do that?” Estelle asked, covering her mouth in shock.
“Estelle.” Juliet replied, turning to look at her. “This dress is going to haunt me for the rest of my life. When I turn old, and my skin starts to wrinkle, I don't want to look at it and get transported to this moment.”
“Milady—”
“Nothing about today is going to be memorable. I am trying to make sure of that.”
Estelle sighed. She didn't know what else to say. The dress had cost her mistress so much money and the dressmaker so much time.
“Perhaps we might give it back to the dressmaker? She might be able to sell it to another lady.”
“This—” Juliet resumed, gently waving the gown. “Is one of a kind. It will torment me even more if I see it on someone else. The best thing to do will be to burn it.”
Silence descended between them. In a few moments, her father would walk through those doors and drag her to the Chapel. Weston and his family were probably waiting for her already. She wondered if her intended husband felt aloof and uncomfortable about this day just as much as she did.
“Shall I fetch a few more roses for the veil?” Estelle asked, dusting her palms against her apron.
“No. This is enough.” Juliet replied.
This was enough.
As her eyes swept through each rose plastered on her dress through the mirror, she thought of her mother. Would she also be in support of the entire situation if she were alive today? Would she allow her daughter to marry a stranger and risk herlifelong happiness? Would she let her burn the dress after the wedding? Would she adorn the dress with even more roses?
“She would have adored the way you looked today, milady.” Estelle said, her voice a calming response to the questions swirling through Juliet's mind.
“Estelle. I know my father hired you, but I couldn't possibly ask you to—”
“I am coming with you.” Estelle interrupted, her voice solid.
“Look, I don't know what woes the Estfield Manor might bring. I do not want to subject you to whatever torture is waiting for me.”
“There is nothing left for me here if you leave. I might as well come with you.”
Juliet smiled. Estelle had been her maid for so long that she couldn't imagine moving on to a new life without her.
“Thank you.” She said, her voice laced with faint shakiness.
“Do not thank me, milady. You are saving me. I should be the one filled with gratitude.”
As Juliet opened her mouth to speak, Camilla appeared in the doorway, her eyes sullen.
“Camilla, if you are here to gloat. I'm afraid you haven't found me in the right mood.” Juliet said, catching her in the mirror at first before turning around.
“On the contrary, Juliet.” Camilla said. Juliet frowned. This was out of character for her sister-in-law.
Or shall she sayhalf-sister-in-law?
“May I have a moment to speak with you?” Camilla asked, her eyes darting suspiciously towards Estelle. “Alone?”
Estelle turned to Juliet, her eyes searching hers for permission to exit the room. Juliet cleared her throat.
