“Aunt Grace!?” Juliet called, slight horror crashing into her voice.
“No, it is fine. I do not mind.” Anne replied, reaching for Juliet's shoulder. “No. I am not married yet, I'm afraid.”
“But I bet with a face like this, you have a long line of suitors.”
“Oh, dear lord.” Juliet whispered, feeling a wave of hot scarlet swim up her cheeks.
“You are absolutely correct, Lady Grace.”
Grace reached for Anne's gloved hands. “Little bit of advice, my dear, take your time. It is better you choose a wise husband than one who would cease to respect you in the long run.”
“Thank you for the advice, Lady Grace.” Anne replied, grinning profusely. “Now, we have to actually get you inside. You've had a long day and I bet you must be starving.”
“Well, seeing my beautiful niece look even more so has made me happier than I thought it would. But I am a bit peckish and could do with some food, yes.”
“Well, come on. We hope you find our food to your satisfaction. It is obvious that Juliet has.” Anne said, leading Grace across the way towards the entrance.
“It is really good to see you, Aunt Grace.” Juliet repeated as they got closer to the doors. She knew her Aunt would have a lot to tell her, and she couldn't wait to listen to all of them. It was only a shame Weston wasn't available to see her. He had gone into town to meet with some Dukes and have some discussions with them regarding some political matters. It did not matter anyway. Today, she would relieve some part of her past life through her aunt. As she led her to the dining room, she couldn't help but wonder how much she would be pleased to hear.
***
Even with Grace behind her, Juliet could tell she was looking around the interiors of Estfield the moment they all walked in. Juliet scoffed. She was probably examining the quality of the walls, the floors, the painting. She wanted to know if this place was a step up from Willowbrook or a downgrade, a fact Juliet had determined herself on the first day here.
She wouldn't say anything to Grace, though. She would let her decide for herself.
“Come. The maids have been cooking all morning. They made lamb. I know how much you like that.”
“Good to know Willowbrook has not made you forget certain qualities about your loved ones.”
Juliet laughed. “Maybe if I spend a few more years in here, memories of Willowbrook shall vanish from my mind.”
“That would speak to how well you're being cared for, my dear.”
“Let's eat.” Juliet said once they all got to the dining table. The maids pulled their chairs, and they settled comfortably into them.
“Your father sends his regards.” Aunt Grace said. “He said he wishes you the very best in your marriage.”
“Is that all he said?” Juliet asked, a curious frown resting on her face.
“That was not at all what he said.” Aunt Grace replied. “But I would like you to just assume he did. Adam on the other hand, mumbled something about turning your room into his gentleman's lounge.”
Juliet sighed. “Of course he did.”
“You should know, the gossip carriage is beginning to die down. I heard some Lord was caught in a compromising position with a seventy-year-old woman in a tavern. That is all everyone is talking about now.”
Juliet laughed. Her aunt's words did relieve her a little, but she wasn't convinced that stories about her couldn't start up again if somebody wanted them to.
“I don't hear bats screeching around the castle. Where is the matron?” Grace asked, grabbing a bib from the corner of the table.
Juliet felt a gasp escape her lips. “Aunt Grace!”
“I approve of the jest. Let her be.” Anne interrupted, laughing heartily at Grace's joke.
“See?” Grace said, gesturing towards Anne. “The daughter found it funny.”
Juliet shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Conversations like this were best reserved when she was alone with Grace. She had grown to like Anne because she had been a constant source of cheer even when overwhelming forces in the house would try to bring her down. She wasn't worried about her getting offended, but there were only so many jokes you could make about a person's mother in their presence before they could adversely react.
“So tell me, where is the husband? I assume he isn't home?” Grace asked, slowly chewing a piece of chicken.
