“Let her be, mother.” Weston commented. The first word he'd said since they all started to eat.
“I'm just saying.” Beatrice continued. “She's a newlywed. She needs all the strength she can get.”
“Mother.” Anne warned, throwing a hard look at Beatrice.
“It's alright.” Juliet said. “I am only preparing my stomach for lunch. I don't eat much.” Juliet responded.
“Would you look at that?” Beatrice said. “A proper lady.”
Silence followed her words. Nothing could be heard except the sound of spoons clunking against plates and teapots against the table.
Teatime was over just as soon as it had started.
“Come with me.” Anne said. “I hope you like your new room.”
Hand in hand, they both exited the drawing room, leaving Weston and his mother to remain in uncomfortable silence.
“She might be a bit scary sometimes.” Anne said, once they were out of earshot. “But she only wants the best for her son.”
Juliet nodded. The best didn't include a maiden he had to marry out of shame.
“Mother had her eyes fixed on someone else. Lady Helena Waters. At least before everything happened the way it did. So itmay look like she has some resentment towards you. It would be best if you do not take them personally.”
“I shall try.” Juliet replied.
“Your dress is the most exquisite, by the way. I could tell a lot of time and effort were put into it.” Anne continued, examining Juliet's gown in admiration as they made their way across Estfield's hallways.
“Thank you.” Juliet replied, smiling loosely.
“Look, I know Weston can seem a bit taciturn and mother might sometimes be—well, mother. If you need anything, do not hesitate to come to me.” Anne said, gently squeezing Juliet's arm.
Juliet nodded.
“It is nice to have a newfound sister. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. I came close when—” She trailed off.
Juliet frowned. “When what?”
“I cannot tell you.” Anne said, a wary expression on her face. “It has to come from Weston himself. I'm sorry.”
Juliet wanted to tell her that Weston hadn't said more than a few words to her on their way here. She wanted to tell Anne that she wasn't sure her husband would ever speak to her except in monosyllables if he couldn't help it. Instead, she nodded slowly and swallowed hard.
“I shall find out from him.”
Soon, they arrived before an open doorway.
“Here we are.” Anne said, gesturing towards the room. Juliet smiled and walked in slowly. Her feet barely touched the floor. It was like she was wary of what her new room might look like.
One thing was sure. It was twice the size of her room in Willowbrook. The bed was wider since it wouldn't only be for her anymore. The windows overlooked the windy fields and a giant oak tree. The walls glistened in bright green, and the floors shone from how hard they had been scrubbed.
“It is—magnificent.” Juliet said, her eyes sweeping around.
“I am glad you like it.” Anne continued. “You might want to change into a more convenient attire for lunch. Some dresses have been placed in the cupboard.”
Juliet nodded, the words of Beatrice echoing in the back of her mind.
Seeing as you're now a Marchioness, we need to have you appropriately outfitted.
“Would you like me to fetch your maid?” Anne asked. Juliet turned away from the windows to look at her.
