After a few more words from the vicar, Weston reached for her hand and led her outside the chapel and towards their decorated carriage.
“After you.” Weston said, helping Juliet climb into the new carriage. He entered right behind her.
Juliet couldn't help but feel her future become solidified as the carriage started to move. Before her was her husband. Weston wore a stony face, but Juliet could tell that behind his cold expression there was hurt and pain, just like hers.
Perhaps even more.
“You shall love Estfield.” Weston managed to say a few minutes into their journey. We have acres and acres of fields perfect for riding horses. Do you ride?”
Juliet nodded affirmatively. “My mother taught me before she—” She trailed off.
“I understand. She must have been an outstanding woman, your mother.”
Juliet managed to wear a slight smile. “That she was.”
Weston nodded, giving in to the awkwardness.
“Tell me, Lord Weston, does Estfield have gardens?”
“It used to.” Weston replied. “But none of the maids knew how to take care of it. It is more or less an abandoned space now.”
“That is going to have to change.” Juliet responded.
Weston nodded. “You're Marchioness now. You can do with the Manor as you wish.”
Juliet wanted to ask about Weston's mother. Perhaps he could tell and was purposely avoiding talking about her.
“Whenever I'm feeling down—” Weston started, cutting into Juliet's thoughts. “I like to lie down and bury my face into a book.”
“You read?” Juliet asked, and her face lit up.
“As often as I can.”
“Me too.” Juliet stated.
Weston wore a weak smile. “We are already finding something in common, wouldn't you say?”
“I would say.” Juliet replied.
Weston reclined into his seat as the carriage jostled on. In a fair and just world, Eliza would be the one on the other side. She would be the one making him laugh and eager to start his new life. He couldn't help but feel unjust towards Juliet as ghosts of his past continued to torment him.
No. He would not let another potential love see past the walls he had built around his heart. He once had true love, and he had to watch it die.
This was only a marriage of convenience. It changed nothing. He would try as much as possible to be a fine husband to Lady Juliet but he would not allow another woman to reach into his heart. No amount of heirs or respectable appearances could change his mind.
Juliet's mind, on the other hand, was flooded with doubt. Questions no one had answers to. What would this marriage lead to? Will she be able to escape this? Was she doomed to this fate for life? Was this her destiny?
Soon, the carriage made an abrupt stop, and Juliet felt her heart jump into her throat.
“Welcome to Estfield, Lady Juliet.” Weston announced, parting the carriage curtains. He climbed down and reached for Juliet's hand, waiting for her to do the same.
Juliet descended from the carriage and felt the new breeze sweep through her hair. Unlike the inner city, the outskirts of London seemed vast and continued to stretch out for miles. Her eyes finally settled on the manor. Her new home, if all went well.
Her new prison if it didn't.
Just like Willowbrook, Estfield was huge and had a lot of windows, most of them overlooking the fields beside it.
“Shall we?” Weston asked, reaching for her hand one more time. Juliet nodded and slipped her hand into his arm. They began their walk towards the entrance, about to start a new chapter. One that was bound to either be the best thing that had ever happened to Juliet Fairmont or ruin her for the rest of her life.
