Estelle paused and let a moment of silence descend between them.
“I will try and talk to him, milady. For you.”
A wide smile appeared on Juliet's face. “Thank you.”
“I heard Lady Beatrice talking to you earlier. Did she mention the corset? Did she think it was too tight?” Estelle asked. Before Juliet could respond, she rose and walked to the bed, nudging her lady to turn her back towards her.
“I miss home, Estelle. I cannot believe those words just exited my mouth, but they are true. I miss the rose garden. I miss having my own room. I miss being able to roam around the house without worrying about someone's discerning glare.”
She felt the corset loosen around her back as Estelle continued to untie the ropes.
“Estfield is awkward. My husband has refused to talk to me ever since the wedding.”
Estelle cleared her throat. “I apologise for being a bit too forward, milady, but I must ask. Has he—”
Juliet frowned. “Has he what?”
“You know—has he touched you?”
“Oh. No. I have been here for three days and three nights. Every night, he would come to bed, turn the other way, and sleep off.”
Estelle untied the last string around Juliet's corset. “Well, at least he is a gentleman.”
“The only kind of cheer I receive here is from Anne. I cannot afford to climb down the staircase anymore while Lady Beatrice examines my dress. I did not know that becoming Marchioness meant I had to lock away parts of myself for life.” Juliet continued. “I barely know anything about my husband. The gardens in the manor are nothing but dry corn fields. This is just another prison, Estelle. Perhaps an even greater one.”
“This is only temporary, milady.” Estelle replied, sitting on the edge of the bed, slightly stroking Juliet's hair. “Things will change soon. You will see.”
“I fear this change everyone speaks about might not meet me alive.”
“Do not say such things.” Estelle replied, her voice rising with each word. “What would Lady Grace say if she were here?”
Juliet's mind fondly traveled to her eccentric aunt. “She would tell me to focus on building a great relationship with Weston.”
“Perhaps that is exactly what you need to do.” Estelle continued. “Your husband is trying to avoid you. It is your job to make sure he notices you everywhere. I know this was a sadturn of events, and you didn't exactly marry the person you intended.”
“It was my biggest fear.” Juliet said. “Marrying someone who wouldn't be able to love me for my heart, and I am afraid I have fallen right into that trap.”
Estelle's fingers continued to run through Juliet's hair. “All is not lost yet, milady. You just need to try harder. Make him notice you. Heisyour husband, whether you like it or not. Getting out of this situation is not something you are capable of, but perhaps you may control the situation by moving closer to him.”
“And how am I supposed to do that if he would not even spare me a minute of his time?”
“I'm sure you shall think of something, milady. You are one of the most intelligent people I know. Ideas will come. You just need to listen.”
Juliet rubbed her forehead furtively.
“You're right. I shall try harder. This is not easy for both of us. The least he could do is listen to me.”
“I agree, milady.”
“Do not forget about Charles. You shall help me find out what kind of man he is. I want to know if he is the right person to be around Weston.”
Estelle smiled and rose from the bed. Juliet watched as she walked back to the dressing table and resumed the arrangement of her jewels.
“I shall do my best, milady.”
Juliet turned her gaze from Estelle to the roof. She was growing sadder by the minute. She hoped these ideas would come to her soon, and she would find ways to talk to Weston and make him listen. At that moment, she wondered what her father and half-brother were doing back home.
***
