“I agree that the sophistication and politics can be overbearing. Sometimes, I secretly yearn for a life where things are simple and quiet.”
Weston smiled, feeling even more reassured. “The cottage is near a small river that runs down a valley. At night, you can hear the river run, the crickets chirp, and the wind blow gently. It is the most beautiful thing ever.
Juliet reached for Weston's hands and squeezed them gently. Weston reciprocated as well, and at that moment, all that didn't need to be said was effortlessly conveyed. It was them, alone in the room, alone in the world, fully with each other.
Weston felt like a weighty stone had been lifted off his chest. Knowing he could share these thoughts with Juliet made him adore her even more. Perhaps one day, if he could get her out of the manor without having his mother's piercing glare follow them, he would take her to the cottage and show her. He would show her what life could look like if he didn't have society breathing down his shoulders like a thirsty dog impatiently lapping at his patience and sanity.
Juliet, on the other hand, couldn't wait to see where her relationship with Weston goes. Since Grace had mentioned that what she felt for him might be more than friendship, shecouldn't get the thought out of her mind. She knew, deep down within her, that the days that would follow would fully define her feelings towards Weston. She would know where she truly stood with him and vice versa. Whether it would come in the form of a sign from nature or an act of man itself, something would manifest and make her feelings concrete.
One way or the other, she would know if she was indeed in love with her husband or not.
Chapter Nineteen
Juliet knew, even as she woke up a few mornings later, that something catastrophic would happen. She couldn't exactly point her finger on it, but she had this nasty feeling growing down her spine. As she took her bath, her heart would not stop beating. The tension surrounding her was palpable. At some point, Estelle took notice of it.
“Is anything the matter, milady? You seem a bit tense today.” She had asked, her voice laced with concern.
“I don't know.” Juliet replied, the cluelessness catching her off guard. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that the ball Lady Beatrice was throwing for Abigail's anniversary was happening today.
It couldn't be that could it? Why was she so uncomfortable all of a sudden? Yes, maybe she wasn't the most confident of all maidens out there, but she had attended her fair share of balls and parties. None of them had ever made her feel this way. Something sinister was happening.
Something sinister was going to happen.
“Do you want me to fetch you some water to drink?” Estelle asked, the worry in her voice now growing. She was helpingJuliet put on one of her dresses. Since she already promised Beatrice that she would attend to all the members planning to grace the party, she couldn't sneak away as usual and find solace in her garden. Some part of her was convinced that if she could do so, she would be able to rid herself of the tense nervousness clouding her body all of a sudden.
“Should I fetch Lord Weston? Perhaps he might be able to calm you down?”
Juliet scoffed. “No. Leave him alone. I do not want to bother him.”
Juliet stared at herself in the mirror as Estelle continued to adjust the edges of her dress. She wore a dull brown gown adorned with lacy ropes and shiny flowers. This was not her typical day-to-day wear, but since it was a party, she didn't mind dressing up for the occasion. She tried to shrug off the feeling of impending doom and decided to focus on the day instead. Beatrice had informed her that the guests would be in a line, and it would be up to her and Anne to properly welcome them into the manor individually.
When Estelle finished adorning her mistress, she turned her head towards the door.
“Should I come with you?” Estelle asked. She didn't want to leave Juliet like this, so inherently uncomfortable. If she couldn't figure out what was going on with her mistress, the least she could do was stay by her side until she knew what it was.
“No.” Juliet responded, her voice crisp. “I am sure you will find some work to do in the kitchen. Go help them there. Do not worry. I will be fine.”
Lie.
She was far from fine, but she hoped her words were convincing enough for Estelle to take them.
Estelle nodded and watched Juliet head out of the room and gently close the door behind her.
Meanwhile, Juliet, on the other hand, skirted peacefully down the Estfield halls. The buzz was a bit louder than usual as maids flooded the rooms, scrubbing and mopping the floors. Weston had gone for a ride earlier than usual because he was also bound to attend the ball. The guests were beginning to arrive, and soon, she would have to start attending to them.
“My grandmother can scrub that floor harder than you. And she's already dead!” She could hear Lady Beatrice screech at some helpless maid. Juliet shook her head and moved to the staircase after the drawing room. Lady Beatrice was standing next to the railing, watching the servants work. Her eyes landed on Juliet the moment she appeared in her field of view.
“Well, don't you look ravishing.” Lady Beatrice called, throwing a slight smile at her. Confused and taken aback by this compliment, Juliet curtsied.
“Do you need my help with anything, Mother?” She asked, dangerously hoping she didn't.
“The guests are arriving already. I can hear their carriages from here. Do what I already asked you to do in the first place. Or will that be too much for you?”
There it was.The mother-in-law she was used to.
“Not at all, mother.” Juliet replied, remaining as polite as possible.
“Good. Go stand by the doors. Anne is going to join you soon.”
