Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

S hortly after Juliet had changed into her nightdress and sent Leila away for the evening, there was a knock at her door. She had thought that Leila had forgotten something, or the housekeeper wanted to check on her, but instead, she was greeted by Hector, who was looking at her with an odd expression on his face.

“Hector? Do you need something?” asked Juliet, surprised to see him at her doorstep.

“I…I wanted to see if you have a proper bedcover,” Hector stuttered as his gaze darted around nervously.

“Is it always so cold here?” Her voice hitched slightly as she stood in the doorway and tightened a blanket around her shoulders.

“The nights can be unbearable. The cold seeps through the walls and can make it quite difficult to sleep comfortably.” Hector walked into the room and made a show of adjusting the curtains and pushing the fabric back and forth. “That was why I had this very room prepared for you. It is warmer than the rest.”

“Thank you for being so considerate,” Juliet said, genuinely touched. “I did not imagine you would be so thoughtful.”

Hector cleared his throat and turned around. “I will now let you rest.” At the door, he stopped and added, “Please ensure that you are sufficiently covered.” With that parting remark, he turned on his heels and disappeared down the dimly lit corridor.

Juliet shook her head and wondered what had instigated that odd conversation. As she climbed into bed, she mused that Hector was not the man she had initially believed him to be. In his own, strange way, maybe he did care about her.

Juliet awoke the next morning with that notion lingering in her mind. As she strolled through the grand hall, she noticed that Islington manor seemed to look brighter and more cheerful than the previous day.

Although she had been given a tour of Islington Hall earlier, she had become tired halfway through and had yet to see several areas within the estate. Since she had not made any concrete plans for the day, Juliet decided to take herself on an adventure and explore the rest of the estate on her own.

“Such a lovely design, and the walls are so tall,” she mused with a small smile.

The estate was vast, impressive, and filled with soaring ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and walls lined with portraits of generations past. Yet, despite its grandeur, the place felt more like a mausoleum than a home.

Juliet needed to make their space more pleasing and welcoming if she was to build a life for them within these walls.

“I must find ways to make it more attractive.”

As she walked, her eyes were drawn to one particular portrait. It was a family tableau that featured Hector, Lydia, and their parents. Lydia’s image had been captured at a younger age when she was still filled with health and life. Juliet felt drawn to it, unable to keep herself from stepping closer.

“Oh, darling Lydia, why did an illness have to claim you?” She sighed sadly as she ran her fingers across the milky face of her dear friend. “I do not understand why people like Mother Superior are permitted to live despite all their cruelty whilst the good souls are taken away so early.”

Her mood dampened as she gazed at her dear friend’s image. Lydia had always been the source of light in her life. She was the one person who had shown her kindness when the world was anything but.

“Your Grace?” A voice interrupted her thoughts, and Juliet turned to see the housekeeper standing a few paces behind her.

“Mrs. Harris,” Juliet acknowledged distractedly before returning her attention to the portrait. “Tell me, what sickness claimed my dear friend? Was it a brief one? I hope she did not suffer for too long if it was dire. Was there anyone with her? I was never told.”

“I am sorry, Your Grace; hers was a brief illness.” Estella’s gaze darted to the portrait. She shook her head as if to stop herself from saying too much. “Is there something I can assist you with?”

Juliet hesitated then nodded. “Yes, actually. I wanted to know about her…about her last days here.” Estella hesitated and Juliet sighed. “She was the only friend I had in London. Even after my family abandoned me, Lydia did not. We wrote to each other every month until she passed.”

“Those were your letters?” the housekeeper asked in surprise. “My lady was always sending letters to someone. She had been so excited each time she sent one off or received another that, at first, we assumed it was a secret lover.”

“Her letters also brought happiness to my days,” Juliet mused, the corners of her lips turning upward slightly with the memory. “I always stood by the gate, waiting for the coachman to drop off letters for the convent, and he would take mine with him.”

Estella took a deep breath and turned away from the portrait. “You made her happy, Your Grace,” she said. “Lady Lydia was a dear soul. Her passing was a great loss to all of us.”

Juliet swallowed, feeling a lump form in her throat. “I understand,” she said quietly. “But I…what I want to know is how she spent her final days. I could not be here for her when she needed my comfort the most. I desperately wanted to be with her before she passed. I owed her that much for all she had done for me.” "

Estella studied Juliet momentarily, her eyes searching the younger woman’s face.

“It was not an easy time,” she finally said. “Lady Lydia was terribly ill, and the Duke…His Grace took it extremely hard. He barely left her side the entire time.”

Juliet nodded, her heart aching at the thought. Lydia had mentioned her brother’s devotion in her letters, but hearing it confirmed in person made it even more real.

“He loved her very much,” the housekeeper continued. “And when she passed, it was as though a part of him died with her. He has not been the same since.”

Juliet bit her lip, holding back the tears that threatened to spill. “I wish I could have been there,” she whispered. “To hold her in my arms and tell her that I too loved her…and say goodbye.”

Estella reached out and placed a comforting hand on Juliet’s arm. After a moment, Estella reconsidered and quickly withdrew her hand.

“You mustn’t blame yourself, Your Grace,” she said kindly. “Lady Lydia would not have wanted that. She cared about you deeply as I am sure you did for her.”

Juliet nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. “Thank you, Mrs. Harris,” she said, her voice stronger now. “I appreciate your honesty. I just…I feel so lost here. I do not know what to do with myself.”

The housekeeper offered a warm smile. “I understand, Your Grace. May I suggest a visit to the ballroom to lift your spirits?”

Juliet returned her smile, appreciating the housekeeper’s thoughtfulness. “Yes, that is a clever idea. I should familiarize myself with where we will be hosting all of our events,” she replied. “Please, do lead the way.”

As they rounded a corner, Juliet noticed a shadow in a nearby doorway. She paused, her heart skipping when she realized who it was.

Hector’s silhouette was partially obscured by long shadows, but there was no mistaking him.

His eyes were fixed on her, and his expression was unreadable.

Juliet felt a shiver run down her spine, not from the cold but from the intensity of his gaze. She couldn’t tell how long he had been standing there or how much of their conversation he had overheard.

“These are the guest rooms. Some must still be redecorated,” Estella said, pointing down a long hallway to her left.

Juliet nodded quickly, turning to take it all in. “The house is truly magnificent,” she said although her thoughts had begun wandering. “I shall also turn my mind to their renovation.”

The housekeeper paused when they reached the grand double doors that led to the ballroom. “And this, Your Grace, is the ballroom.” She pushed the doors open, revealing the vast, opulent space.

Juliet stepped inside, her eyes widening at the grandeur. “It is beautiful,” she gasped, her voice filled with awe. But as she looked around, something felt wrong.

Estella noticed the shift in Juliet’s mood. “Is something the matter, Your Grace?”

Juliet hesitated before speaking. “It’s just…the drapes,” she said, glancing at the deep burgundy curtains. “They are a bit gloomy. And the chandeliers are lovely, but the lighting should be softened a bit.”

The housekeeper raised an eyebrow. “The ballroom has been like this for many years, Your Grace. It is how the late Duchess preferred it.”

Juliet smiled gently, remembering how her mother used to guide the staff in their home. “A few changes could make it feel warmer and more inviting. We could choose new, lighter drapes and add some greenery to bring life to the room.”

The housekeeper hesitated for a moment before arranging her expression into a neutral demeanor.

“If that is what you wish, Your Grace,” she finally said with a respectful bow.

Juliet’s smile widened, grateful for the housekeeper’s willingness to consider her ideas. “Thank you, Mrs. Harris. I simply want this place to feel like home.”

Estella nodded slowly. “Of course, Your Grace. We shall see to it.”

As they stood in the grand ballroom, Juliet’s mind was already spinning with ideas to transform the space. The project filled her with purpose and a spark of excitement.

“Now I will have something important to do each day. I wish to be personally involved in this renovation. We could go together to select the fabrics.”

“Your Grace…” the housekeeper started to complain.

“Oh, never mind. I will have Leila accompany me in your stead.”

“No, I shall come with you,” said the housekeeper with a determined set of her jaw.

Juliet glanced at Estella over her shoulder with an approving smile. “Good.”

The housekeeper guided Juliet through the grand hallways of Islington Hall and finally steered her towards Juliet’s room.

“Why are we returning to my room?” Juliet asked, unable to remain quiet.

She couldn’t understand why the house tour had ended at her door.

“There is something I would like to show you, Your Grace,” Estella replied, pushing open a door adjacent to Juliet’s chambers and turning to face Juliet. “The Duke had requested that we clear out this room.”

Juliet’s eyes widened as she took in the expansive room before her. “What is this place?”

Estella’s lips curled into a mischievous smile. “His Grace did not specify, but I suspect it is meant to become the nursery, given its proximity to your room.”

Juliet’s throat tightened as she stepped into the room. Her heart expanded with the realization that Hector had made plans for a nursery. However, she felt unsettled by his failure to consult with her.

The room’s grandeur and its promise of a future she hadn’t yet considered weighed heavily on her heart. She hurried further into the room, only then noticing the flurry of activity as staff scurried about.

“Your Grace,” the staff greeted.

“Please continue,” Juliet said, giving them a warm smile before moving aside. She still couldn’t digest what was unfolding around her. She now understood what Hector had been up to last night.

“The Duke won’t appreciate any further delays,” a young maid’s voice trembled as she dusted the mantelpiece, her hands shaking slightly as she worked.

The housekeeper glanced at Juliet and watched the bustling activity in the room.

“Am I the reason she is on edge?” Juliet asked the housekeeper. “No need to be so nervous,” she said as she stepped closer to the maid. “You are doing everything correctly.”

The young maid startled, and her eyes widened as the Duchess approached, and she accidentally knocked a delicate vase from the table which shattered loudly on the stone floor.

Juliet gasped and crouched down to help her pick up the pieces.

“Oh, no! Are you all right?” she asked.

The maid was mortified, her face pale as she stammered an apology. “I am so deeply sorry, Your Grace! I…I did not mean to…”

“It is just a vase,” Juliet interrupted with a warm smile, dismissing the girl’s fears with a wave of her hand. “Accidents happen. There is no need to worry.”

“But Your Grace…”

Juliet shook her head, cutting off any further protest. “Truly, it is fine. Let us clean this up, shall we?” She reached for a dustpan and handed it to the girl. Grabbing a glove from the table, she picked up the shards on the floor.

The other maids watched in stunned silence, their eyes wide as they saw their new Duchess kneeling on the floor and picking up broken porcelain alongside them.

Leila covered her mouth to stifle a laugh at the sight, but the housekeeper shot her a stern glare to silence her before she could utter a sound.

“Why are you all so ill at ease?” Juliet asked as she continued to pick up the pieces. “Does my presence frighten you?”

The maids exchanged nervous glances before the girl who had broken the vase whispered an answer.

“No, Your Grace. It’s just…we are not used to, well…someone of your standing being so…kind.”

Juliet paused in her task and looked up at the maid in genuine surprise.

“Kindness costs nothing,” she said simply. “And it certainly makes life easier, does it not?”

Estella, who had been watching the exchange with a blend of approval and concern, finally spoke up. “Your Grace, you needn’t trouble yourself with this. The domestics are here to serve you .”

Juliet stood up, brushing off her hands as she looked around at the gathered servants. “I am not troubled at all, Mrs. Harris. In fact, I find it quite satisfying to help where I can. Besides,” she added with a slight smile, “I believe I should become more involved in things around here. The earlier, the better. Do you disagree?”

The staff nodded, their apprehension gradually dissipating due to Juliet’s kind demeanor. Estella was, however, still unsure. “Very well, Your Grace. But it is our duty to ensure your comfort.”

Juliet’s smile widened as she handed the dustpan to one of the maids. “And you do it very well. But sometimes, it is nice to join in and share the load, do you agree?”

Just as she’d finished speaking, the door to the room flew open with a sudden force, startling everyone inside.

“Duchess!” Hector called out as he stormed into the room, his expression dark and imposing, his eyes locking onto Juliet.

The air in the room instantly filled with tension. The staff quickly averted their eyes and bowed their heads. Estella stiffened and regained her composure as she stepped aside to allow the Duke to speak.

Still holding a small shard of the broken vase, Juliet looked up at her husband, her heart pounding as she wondered what had brought about this unexpected visit.

“What do you think you are doing here?” Hector’s voice cut through the room like a knife, his eyes fixed on Juliet. “Everyone, leave us immediately.”