“What if he is not in the mood?”
Juliet turned to Estelle, the sadness on her face viciously evident. “Well, let's hope he is.”
Then, like clockwork and as predicted by Juliet, Weston's boots started to knock on the floor in the distance. Juliet jumped off the bed and hurried to the mirror.
“Quick, how do I look?”
“You look fine, milady. Just like you did a few moments back.”
“Fine?” Juliet said, her voice on the edge of a screech. “I do not want to lookfine.He most probably would not talk to me if I looked just fine.”
Estelle opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came forth.
“Forget it.” Juliet whispered. Weston's footsteps were getting louder. It was only a matter of time before he crossed her doorway.
“How about my teeth? Do I have anything in it?” Juliet asked.
“Nothing, milady.”
“I wonder if I should eat some fruit for fragrance.” Juliet said to herself, checking her breath.
“Milady—” Estelle started, getting off the floor. “Lord Weston is your husband. You are both bound to each other. Someday, you must speak to him without worrying about fragrance or appearance. He is your husband. He is bound to see you when you look the least attractive.”
“That will happen later. Just not today.”
Weston crossed her doorway, looking ahead.
“Weston!” Juliet called, hurrying towards him. Weston froze in his steps and waited for Juliet to catch up with him.
“Juliet.” He replied once she got close enough. “Is there a problem?” He started to walk again, and Juliet had to keep up.
“Not at all. I was wondering if we could take a stroll around the fields and—well, talk. We haven't done a lot of that since the wedding.”
“I'm afraid the last thing I have the time for is a stroll. Charles is waiting for me at the stables. We are riding into town.”
“Well, we could ride together. I shall fetch a horse and come with you.”
Weston froze again. “No.”
Juliet frowned. “No?”
“No.”
A slight pause ensued between them. The awkwardness had been evident since the wedding day. Now, it continued to feel like it wouldn't stop anytime soon.
“This is an urgent matter, Juliet. It is more effective if Charles and I ride alone. You must understand.”
Juliet nodded. “I know how important matters can be, my lord. I shall wait till you get back.”
Weston reached for her arms and squeezed them gently. “Please save yourself the trouble. I shall not be back until later in the night. I hope you find the manor entertaining before I return.”
Juliet nodded and curtsied. “Goodbye, my lord.”
Weston released her from his grip and turned towards the entrance. Juliet watched him walk away, his steps brisk and fast. She could almost swear that he was walking away from her.
Running away from her.
She turned and started to walk back to her room, paying no mind to the servants that passed her by as she walked. All she wanted to do was get to her room and curl up into a ball of dejectedness.
