“Good morning.” He replied.
“I shall go check on the food.” Estelle said from the door. Juliet threw her a grateful nod and watched her walk out of the room.
“How are you feeling?” Weston asked, gesturing towards her hand.
“Better than ever.” Juliet replied, desperately trying to make sure her anxiety didn't seep into her voice.
“Uh—” He started, moving towards the edge of the bed. “I am supposed to go riding with Charles in a few minutes.”
Juliet watched him lower himself to the bed, beside her.
“I see. Did you want to take something from the room before you go?”
“No. I—” He trailed off again. Juliet continued to watch him intently. “I was wondering if it isn't going to be too much trouble, that I follow you to the garden today.”
Juliet's lips parted. “What?”
“I imagine it would give us some time away from—curious eyes, you know. The garden seems to be the one place you seem to relax. I would like that for myself too. We could talk while I watch you plant the lilies.”
“Roses.” Juliet corrected.
“Weston frowned in confusion. “What?”
“I'm planting roses today.”
He nodded. “Ah.”
“But of course.” Juliet said, the anxiety in her body slowly transitioning into mild excitement. “It would be nice to have someone to talk to while I work today.”
“Splendid.” Weston said, grinning, partly from relief and partly from curiosity. “I shall tell Charles something else has come up. He could ride without me today.”
“Are you sure he is going to take that well?” Juliet asked.
“He will. Do not worry about him.” Weston replied, intensely confident in his decision.
Juliet nodded. “Fine.”
Weston rose from the bed and, without turning to look at her once, exited the room.
She felt several emotions flowing through her at once. Did this mean he wasn't being aloof towards her anymore? Had she managed to get through to his heart? Was this Weston here to stay?
Then, like a bell echoing in a cave, one question rang true in the back of her mind.
How long was all of this going to last?
***
“Roses were the flowers my mother and I planted together.” Juliet started, pressing her knees into the soil. Weston sat on the bench a few yards away from her, entirely focused on her words and her actions.
“You know, I have heard a bit about Lady Celia from Anne. She has grown to become friends with some of the women in the high court.”
“Is that so?” Juliet replied, digging further into the ground. A cluster of rose plants was gently laid beside her, ready to be planted.
“They often talked about the wondrous woman who walked the streets of London and held men spellbound with her beauty and intelligence.” Weston continued.
Juliet smiled. That sounded like her mother, alright.
“She was the brightest human I knew. She loved life and always entertained everything it had to offer. She was happy, even on her deathbed, as the fever snatched her life harshly from her.”
