Weston leaned closer to her bed, stroked her cheeks gently, and pulled her in for a kiss. A deep, satisfying, and cathartic kiss.
And in that moment, a new chapter of their life began. One filled with laughs, joy, happiness, warmth, care, and most importantly, love. Beatrice, Anne, and Estelle walked in, their faces covered in joy. The malice Beatrice once shared with Juliet had utterly disappeared. Seeing her alive and genuinely in love with her son had manifested her in a new light. Juliet would perhaps be the daughter-in-law that she had always asked for.
“You look thin.” Beatrice said, studying Juliet who still lay on the bed, her hands weakly placed over her stomach. “I'll ask the maids to bring you some food. After which, you can tell them exactly what you want to eat.”
Juliet's eyes widened in surprise. She turned to look at her husband and pulled him closer.
“Are you sure I did not die and wake up in another world?”
Weston laughed and shook his head negatively.
“Welcome back, Juliet.”
Epilogue
Irene alighted from her horse and led it towards a nearby tree. Usually, she would be worried about bandits and children pranksters, but this environment was different. It was quiet and distant from the town itself. Nothing could be heard for miles except a babbling brook nearby and chirping birds. Her eyes searched the area even more properly after letting her horse graze on the nearby pasture. A cottage stood only a few steps ahead of her. The entrance was lined with stones washed white, and each side was decorated with blooming flowers. While the sound of the river running in the background grew clearer as she moved closer, she couldn't see it. She removed her hood to reveal her shiny silver hair and let the fresh breeze run through it. She shut her eyes tight for a few seconds to take in the atmosphere. This place was different. It was quaint cozy. It was comforting.
She walked towards the cottage, her grip tight on her bag of supplies as usual. She got close to the door and knocked gently. As she awaited a reply, her eyes swept the surrounding one more time. The cottage was not too big or too small. For a family of just two, it seemed just perfect.
The door creaked open, and Weston’s worried face appeared.
“Thank you for coming.”
“I might have to charge you extra, my lord.” Irene replied, a smile playing on her face. “Where is she?”
“She's in the bedroom. I do not know what happened, but she might be able to explain better to you.”
Irene nodded and walked in, the smell of fresh flowers penetrating her nostrils with each step. Weston led her to the bedroom, and there, on the bed, was Juliet, her eyes narrowed and her hands placed on her sides.
“I told him this was only a fever. It will pass.” Juliet said, her eyes widening as Irene walked in.
“He was right to have called me. You never know these days.” Irene replied. She sat on the bed beside Juliet and started to feel her body's warmth.
“Tell me exactly what happened. Do not leave anything out.” Irene said, the back of her right hand traveling from Juliet's forehead to her neck.
Juliet sighed. “Is that really necessary?”
“Do what the woman says, Juliet. She is here for you.” Weston called from the doorway, his hands folded against his chest.
Juliet rolled her eyes in retort. Sometimes, her husband doted on her just a little too much. “Fine.” She turned to look at Irene.
I was out this morning, looking over my flowers as usual—”
***
It had been almost six months since Juliet and Weston decided to leave behind the manor and the politics that came with it and retire to Weston’s cottage on the Scottish border. Of course, Beatrice had a giant problem with it.
“Who will become the Marquess in your absence? This is unprecedented. There is no male heir.” She had asked her son after he'd informed her of his plans.
Weston had turned to Anne, who stood in the corner. “She can do it.”
“Don't be ridiculous. She's a woman.” Beatrice had commented almost immediately.
“A woman who happens to be my sister. Do not underestimate Anne. She is as brilliant as they come. She can become a Marchioness and hold down the fort for the next male heir to come along. That is if she decides not to get married.”
“Of course, she will get married.” Beatrice had retorted. “Are you sure about this decision? You are going to be leaving the manor forever.”
“Well, not exactly forever. I will still come back here with Juliet occasionally. I just do not want the responsibility anymore. I never have.” Weston had explained.
