Weston shrugged. His friend was wrong. That was the fact. He had found Juliet to be a kind human being who seemed wise and knew how to pick her words. He had learned more about her mother in the past few days and knew how she felt about specific subjects. He liked conversing with her. He should've known that would happen since that was what drew him to her in the first place.
But that was it. He only liked talking to her. She was his escape. He wasn't in love with her. He would know if he was.
Chapter Eighteen
Juliet stared at herself in the mirror as her maid continued to fix her dress for her. She was in a lacy silver gown embroidered with several side adornments. It also came with a silky pair of arm gloves and a headdress. This was a new dress, one she had kept hidden in her wardrobe ever since the dressmaker brought it. She had planned to only reserve it for the most special of occasions. Now, one of those occasions had come, and she could almost burst with joy.
“Is she here yet?” Juliet asked, looking through the window.
Estelle moved to Juliet's back, starting to tie her corset. “Even if she were, you wouldn't be able to see her from out there.”
Juliet felt a happy shudder run through her body. “Isn't this exciting, Estelle? I haven't seen her in months.”
“Since you got married. I remember.” Estelle replied. She started to inspect Juliet's hair as well.
“I bet she is going to have a lot of stories to tell. I can't wait to hear all of it.”
“I'm sure she would be expecting the same from you as well, milady.”
“Well—I don't have much to say. I'm only interested in hearing what has been happening back home.”
“Oh, do not sell yourself short. I bet she will be impressed with the improvements you've made to the house.”
“It is no bother. She has never been one to tend to gardens. It may not seem like a lot to her.”
“I trust that it might.” Estelle replied, grabbing her mistress's hand. “As I said, do not sell yourself short.”
A knock from the door interrupted their conversation. Estelle moved to open it. Anne appeared on the other side, a sheer giddiness similar to Juliet's on her face.
“She's here!” Anne announced. A chill ran down Juliet's spine, and for half a second, waves of doubts started to come in.
What if she was disappointed with her progress so far? What if she didn't truly care about the garden like she had said earlier? Her heart skipped a beat as the last thought crawled into her mind.
What if she brought terrible news from home?
“Well, are you coming or not?” Anne called impatiently, oblivious to why Juliet suddenly froze in her steps.
Juliet shook off all negative thoughts and took off. Her feet floated on the marbled floor as she skated down the stairs, past the confused maids and servants, and towards the doorway. Her heart pounded hard in her chest as she reached for the doorknob and pulled the doors open. She could see the familiar carriage right across the cobblestones. She leaped in joy as she watched her slowly descend from the carriage, holding on to one of the footmen who had come with her.
Juliet left the entrance doors and proceeded to meet her, the smile on her face so bright it was hurting her cheek.
“Aunt Grace.” She greeted, her voice high-pitched. “You're here.”
“Juliet. My darling.” Grace replied, instantly reaching for her niece's hands. “You look ravishing.”
Juliet pulled her into a light hug and kissed her on both sides.
“You know, for a moment, I was thinking I was going to have to rain down some serious pain on everyone in this manor if I'd seen the slightest hint of suffering on your body.”
“It is really good to see you.” Juliet said. She had missed her Aunt's antics.
“You too, my dear.” Grace replied and pulled her into another hug.
Juliet pulled away instantly and motioned for Anne to come closer. “This is my sister-in-law. Anne.” She said, introducing her to Grace.
“It is an honour to have you in our home today, Lady Grace.” Anne said, throwing in a slight curtsy into her greeting.
Grace reciprocated. “Likewise. You look really young. Are you married yet?”
