“It must have been a terrible sight to behold.”
“Yes. They had no children, so Richard had no heir. The title had to pass to Weston after his death.” Anne continued.
Juliet sighed. That would explain why Lady Beatrice was talking to her about kids so early in the marriage. She didn't want her son to suffer the same fate as Richard. A shudder ran through her body as dark thoughts crept into her mind like flames in a chimney.
Was she going to suffer the same fate as Lady Isabella? Live through marriage without children. At least Lady Isabella had her husband's love to keep her company. Juliet was stuck in a loveless marriage with a husband who wasn't the least curious to know anything about her. Would she also turn out like the woman in the painting as time went on?
Still feeling emotionally drawn to Lady Isabella, Juliet grew determined to continue her acts of tending the garden. Perhaps this way, she might even feel even more attached to her. She didn't see any reason why Lady Isabella's spirit shouldn't live on around the house.
“I shall fix the garden.” She said aloud, almost like her voice betrayed her. Anne's eyes shot up, and she smiled at Juliet encouragingly.
“I shall fix the garden.” Juliet repeated, now confident in her voice and her decision. This was a great idea, and she shall follow through with it.
***
Weston dreaded club meetings even more than breakfasts with his mother. At least back home, he didn't have to control any form of narrative. With his friends, he had to try and correct them every time they made some irrefutably wrong assumption. He could feel his head pound miserably as his friends continued discussing his marriage.
“So what is the wife like?” Anthony, one of the Earls and a close friend, had asked when Weston settled beside him.
“She is fine. Thank you for asking.” Weston had replied. He wasn't in the mood to talk about his wife. Not now and not ever. He hoped Anthony would take the hint, but he was wrong.
“I bet married life is sweeter now that you have an astonishingly breathtaking maiden by your side.” George, another close friend of his, who overheard the slight conversation, asked, moving closer to Weston.
“I suppose.” Weston replied. His eyes darted to Charles, who was sitting across the round table before him. His eyes pleaded for help. He wanted to leave. Charles seemed to understand themessage behind his expressions and, using the same medium asked him to relax. This would all be over soon.
“You know who I thought you were going to get married to in the first place?” Anthony resumed, causing Weston's heart to rumble. “Lady Helena Waters. She was the perfect match for you. You would've had beautiful babies.”
“Do not write off Lady Juliet. If she can maintain her looks during pregnancy, her child may come out as handsome as ever.” George said, waving gently at Anthony.
“They don't always do, though, do they? I remember when my wife, Patricia, got pregnant with my second son. You could hardly distinguish her from a troll at night.”
Weston felt noise pierce the back of his head.
“Lady Juliet is as slim as they come.” George repeated. “If she is going to put on any weight when she gets pregnant, it will not affect her looks too much.”
“Quiet.” Weston muttered to himself. He was trying to say it out loud, but his pride would not let him.
“You never know. Women crave all kinds of food during that time. She may double in size.” Anthony replied, gently tapping George. They shared a knowing smile.
“Quiet.” Weston repeated, his voice still low. He couldn't bear this for much longer.
“Do you remember Elena? She started to fill out her gowns when her pregnancy reached only twenty weeks.”
“Enough!” Weston finally found his voice and used it to the maximum.
George and Anthony exchanged confused expressions as they watched Weston rise from his seat.
“I will not sit here and let you two talk badly about my wife or any other woman in town. You should both be ashamed of yourselves.”
“Weston—” Anthony called.
“No. I am going home, and that is it. I cannot bear this any longer.” Weston replied. He threw a knowing look at Charles, who was also already up from his seat.
“Weston, this was not a serious matter. You do not have to leave just because of a few jokes.” George said in his bid to calm him down.
“Your jokes are not to be made at the expense of my wife.”
Weston felt gazes on him from several parts of the room as he excused himself and exited the building.
