“I need you to alert me whenever Lady Beatrice is ready to come out of her room.”
“Breakfast will be ready soon. It shouldn't take time.”
“Great. I need to make it out of here before then.”
“You won't attend breakfast?”
“I can't—” Juliet froze, choking back hot sobs again. “I can't face her after what she said about me last night. I need time. I need time on my own.”
Estelle stared at Juliet, the pity she once felt for her mistress swimming up to the surface again. Juliet deserved none of this. She had always been a kind-hearted spirit. Seeing Lady Beatrice slowly starting to break it caused a pang in Estelle's heart. She was determined to do whatever it was for Juliet. Whatever was going to make her happy, she would be sure to do it.
“I shall be on the lookout, milady.” she finally said.
Another flash of lightning breezed through the dark clouds, as if adding weight to Estelle's words.
***
The thunderous clouds continued to roar even louder as Weston rode into the stables. As usual, a ride around town to clear his head was always in order every morning, this one more than usual. He couldn't bear to look Juliet in the eyes this morning, especially. He felt weak, having sat there the entire dinner, unable to do anything. He had to listen to the duchess and his mother throw snide remarks and antics at his wife throughout. Charles had been the one who had managed to keep him restrained. It would not reflect well on him if he had tried to defend his wife before them the previous night.
He got off his horse and headed towards the manor, yanking his gloves off his hands as he neared the entrance, anger still lingering in the back of his mind.
“My Lord.” Alfred, the footman, greeted as he walked inside. “Welcome back.”
Weston waved in response. “Thank you.”
He walked across the halls and towards his drawing room. Perhaps he could sit in silence for a while and wallow in his misery.
“Weston!” He heard Anne call just as he grabbed the doorknob. “Mother has asked you to appear for breakfast.”
She was standing near the staircase, already in full breakfast wear. Her maid was slightly helping her adjust her hair.
“No.” Weston replied, his voice surprisingly pristine. “I shall eat on my own today. Thank you very much.”
“You have to come eat with us.” Anne called again. Weston could hear the nuanced plea in her voice, but he wasn't determined to give it any audience.
“I do not want to. Not after what happened last night.”
“Weston—” Anne called, moving closer to her brother. Her maid tried following, but she gestured for her to stay back.
“I cannot eat alone with her. Please. You need to appear.”
Weston frowned in surprise. “Juliet is not at the table?”
“Can you blame her? She had to listen to all of that last night. If it were me, I would do the exact same.”
Weston contemplated the idea for a while and shuffled his feet. She was probably in her room, too ashamed to make an appearance. He blamed his mother sorely for everything. The lingering anger he had been carrying with him suddenly started to grow.
“Please.” Anne continued, gently grabbing her brother's arm. “You cannot leave me in there with her.”
“Fine. But only for a few minutes.” Weston responded. Anne wore the most grateful smile on her face and slackened her grip on Weston.
“Thank you. I already asked Estelle to take the food up to Juliet's room. The only thing we can give her now is space.”
Weston exhaled. “I agree.”
He looked at the door to the drawing room, feeling the tiny freedom he thought he would have get pulled away from him,again.
Maybe some other time.
