Crumbling under the weight of frustration, Juliet moved to her side of the bed and laid on it, feeling tears form behind her eyes.
“Milady.” Estelle's voice interrupted her reminiscence. “Shall I draw you a bath?”
Juliet sighed and waved towards the bathroom. “Why not?”
Estelle frowned in confusion. “Is anything the problem, milady?”
Juliet crashed into her bed in despair. “Lady Beatrice asked me to start preparing for childbearing.”
Estelle shuffled her legs. “Oh.”
“I know.” Juliet replied. “This is happening way too fast. I have only been here a week.”
“What about your husband? Have you been able to speak to him yet?”
“What do you think?”
Estelle sighed. Juliet could tell that she was stumped and short for words. This barely happened to her maid, which meant this was even more serious than she thought.
“How about you? Have you been able to speak to Lord Charles?” Juliet asked.
“I haven't had the opportunity to get him alone.”
“It has been three days, Estelle.”
“This is a delicate matter, milady.” Estelle replied. “One that requires the utmost diligence. I promise I shall get you the answer you need.”
Juliet rose from her bed. “Thank you.”
“Do not thank me yet. We still have work to do.”
As Juliet opened her mouth to speak, a loud knock came from the door. Estelle and Juliet exchanged confused expressions.
“You think it is Lady Beatrice?” Juliet asked.
“I hope not.” Estelle responded and hurried towards the door. She pulled it open, and Lady Anne walked in, a giant smile on her face.
“Anne.” Juliet greeted, returning the smile. “What a pleasant surprise.”
“I was coming to see if you were busy.” Anne asked.
“No. I was only preparing to draw a bath.” Juliet responded.
“The bath can wait.” Anne replied. “I need you to come with me.”
Juliet frowned in confusion. “Come with you?”
“You have been in Estfield for a week. What do you say I give you a proper tour of the manor?”
“Really?” Juliet asked.
“My bone-headed brother should have been the one to do it, but we all know how Weston is.”
Juliet's eyes shifted from Anne to Estelle. Estelle shrugged.
“Come. There are things I would like you to see.” Anne said, reaching for Juliet's hand.
Estelle watched Anne pull Juliet from the bed, lead her out of the room, and close the door behind them.
