“I wouldn't want to be a bother—”
“Nonsense.” Anne responded, waving gingerly. “I shall get her to come to you immediately.”
Juliet threw Anne a grateful smile. Anne returned the smile and exited the room, leaving Juliet to her thoughts.
For a minute, Juliet thought of sinking into the bed. Perhaps she might just lay there forever. She walked to the cupboard and gently pulled the doors open. New dresses hung from a rack. They felt fluffier than her usual wears. More mature.
Juliet sighed. Everything was happening too fast. She wished she could take a pause on life and take it in one at a time.
“Milady?” Estelle's familiar voice sent soothing chills down her spine.
“Estelle.” Juliet whispered, turning to her maid. “These dresses look heavy.”
Estelle moved closer to the cupboard and inspected the gowns as well. “I agree. It doesn't look like you have a choice, though. Lady Beatrice might tear you apart if you refuse to wear them.”
“She does look the sort, doesn't she?” Juliet asked.
“I am certain she does.”
Juliet snickered. “Pray close the door. She might hear you.”
Estelle smiled and headed to the door. She looked around, and when she became sure no one was lurking, gently closed the door behind her.
Juliet shrugged. “What do you think of the room?”
Estelle took a long look around the room. “It's nice.”
“But?” Juliet asked.
“It's too—”
“Green?”
“Precisely. I think it could use more colour.”
“Me too.”
Estelle laughed. “Itisastonishing, though. Your matrimonial room.”
Juliet drew a large breath, the word tugging at her heart.Matrimonial.
“I shall draw you a bath.” Estelle said, heading towards the only other door in the room.
“I do not think I have the time for a bath before lunch.”
“You've been on a long journey. A bath is going to soothe you.” Estelle responded, not taking a break in her steps. “The maids at the quarters informed me that it is tradition for one to have a bath before every meal.
“I see.” Juliet responded. This was altogether a new life for her. One she might have to adjust to incredibly quickly. She looked around her room once again, taking it in slower thanbefore. This was her life now. She would be seeing this room for the rest of her life. She was going to be seeing it with Weston.
Stony, cold-faced, Weston.
***
Weston took calculated bites. When the butler announced that the wedding feast was ready, he couldn't help but feel even more dejected. Right before him, separated only by the side tablecloth, was Juliet, who was only prodding at her food as well. Weston wondered if she was being truthful earlier when she said she didn't eat much or if she only said so to avoid eating more than necessary.
Or at all.
Just like in the drawing room, silence had occupied the dining room. While the table was filled with all the kinds of foods one could wish for, the situation at hand didn't warrant any form of excitement. His sister, Anne, wasn't having the same problem. She took appropriate helpings of her food and remained focused on it. So did his mother.
