Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

“ S hall we begin the tour?” Juliet asked as soon as the door shut behind them.

“Lead the way, Your Grace,” Anne Cavendish replied with an eager smile.

Juliet nodded, glancing around to decide where she should start. Eventually, she decided on a direction and gestured down a hallway.

“This way.”

“I have always desired to see the view from Islington Hall,” Anne remarked as they strolled through the corridor. “It is much lauded; even my brother cannot refrain from extolling its beauty.”

Juliet smiled though inwardly she felt a bit of unease. She shuddered as she recalled how affected she had been by the high view from the balcony. Even though she wanted to be the perfect host and show every angle, the upper chamber was off-limits.

“Indeed, Islington Hall is renowned for its vistas,” she replied, keeping her tone light. “I confess, I have yet to see it all myself.”

Anne turned to her with surprise. “Truly? I would have thought the Duchess of Islington would have seen it all by now.”

Juliet hesitated, noting the subtle implication behind Anne’s words. “There has been much to occupy my time here, I suppose,” she said, hoping to steer the conversation away from any perceived shortcomings.

Anne nodded though Juliet wondered if the young woman saw through her carefully chosen words. She was all too aware of the whispers that followed her. She was the convent-raised Duchess, still finding her footing in a world that seemed determined to judge her at every turn.

“Was it too early to call on you? My brother…”

“Nonsense,” dismissed Juliet with a warm smile. “The Duke holds him in high regard and by extension, you. It is never too early to call upon friends.”

Anne sighed softly, “Thank you, Your Grace. I tried to dissuade him, but he was resolute in his decision to visit.”

Juliet had nothing to say to that. She simply nodded and continued the tour.

As they walked, Juliet pointed out the various rooms.

“This is the ballroom,” she said, pausing by the double doors which she gently pushed open to reveal a vast space with lofty ceilings and crystal chandeliers. The walls were sparkling white and adorned with colorful artwork.

Anne’s gaze swept over the room. “It is quite grand,” she remarked, not bothering to hide her awe. “Little wonder why my brother would not stop talking about it.”

Juliet chuckled as she realized that Anne adored her brother immensely. “True, although I find it somewhat overwhelming. I have considered softening the decor with more floral arrangements to warm up the space.”

Anne’s brow lifted slightly. “A charming idea, Your Grace. I believe it would enhance the room’s appeal.”

Encouraged by the exchange, Juliet led Anne to the library. The moment they stepped inside, Anne’s eyes brightened with genuine appreciation.

“I have always had a particular fondness for libraries,” she confessed, her fingers lightly brushing the spines of the books.

“As do I,” Juliet replied, smiling back at Anne. The more she learned about her, the more Juliet liked her. “This is where I spend most of my time. It offers a certain tranquility that I find most soothing.”

“A perfect sanctuary and hideout,” Anne murmured, her tone almost wistful.

After a few moments in the library, Juliet guided Anne to the drawing room. As they settled into the chairs, Juliet smiled at Anne.

“Shall we have some tea? We recently acquired a delicious assortment of flavors.”

Anne returned the smile, nodding graciously. “That would be most delightful.”

Juliet reached for the bell and rang it gently; the soft chime tolled through the room. Before long, a soft knock sounded, and Leila entered. She curtsied and approached.

“Your Grace?”

“Tea, if you please,” Juliet requested. “And please bring along a variety of biscuits as well.”

Leila curtsied once more. “At once, Your Grace.” She exited as quietly as she had come.

Juliet turned her attention back to Anne, who had settled into one of the cozy chairs near the hearth.

The afternoon light filtered softly through the tall windows and cast a warm glow about the room.

Anne smiled. “You have a beautiful home, Your Grace. It must be quite a solace to reside in such tranquility.”

“Thank you, Lady Anne. It is indeed peaceful here although I suppose one must learn to find peace within, regardless of one’s surroundings.”

Anne nodded thoughtfully. “Wise words, Your Grace. I dare say peace has been a fleeting companion of late.”

There was a wistfulness in her tone that Juliet couldn’t miss. But before she could inquire further, Leila reentered the room, this time with a tray carefully balanced in her hands. She placed it on the low table between the ladies, revealing a fine porcelain teapot, an assortment of delicate cups, and a selection of biscuits arranged in neat rows.

“Shall I pour, Your Grace?” Leila inquired.

Juliet shook her head. “No, thank you.” Juliet poured the tea with practiced ease, the steam rising in delicate curls from the spout.

The fragrance of the tea filled the air and mingled with the subtle scents of the garden that drifted in through the open window.

As she handed Anne her cup, Juliet’s hand accidentally brushed against a small vase, sending it toppling over. Tea and flowers spilled across the table.

“Oh, how clumsy of me!” Juliet exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She reached for a napkin, but Anne’s laughter caught her off guard.

Leila hurried in to clear the mess and then excused herself.

“I am so sorry about that,” Juliet apologized.

“Think nothing of it, Your Grace,” Anne said with a light laugh. “Such accidents are of no consequence.”

Juliet stared at her then laughed softly, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders.

“I suppose they are not,” she conceded, still a bit embarrassed but relieved that Anne was not offended.

She prepared a fresh cup of tea and handed it to Anne while also offering her a small plate of biscuits. “I hope the tea suits your palate, Lady Anne. Darjeeling tea is equally delightful if you prefer something lighter.”

Anne accepted the cup with a gracious smile and took a delicate sip. “Earl Grey is excellent, thank you. I have always had a fondness for its boldness.”

As they enjoyed their tea, their initial formality began to ease. Anne’s gaze flickered across the room and absorbed the minute details of the décor before returning to Juliet.

“Your Grace, I must admit, I find it quite refreshing to converse with someone who understands the subtleties of our world.”

Juliet arched an eyebrow, intrigued. “Subtleties, Lady Anne?”

Anne’s eyes twinkled. “Indeed. The things left unsaid often speak louder than words, do they not?”

Juliet couldn’t help but smile at that. “Quite so. There is a certain…art to handling such matters well.”

Anne leaned in slightly as if sharing a secret. “For instance, one’s brother might insist on a visit despite it being clear that the timing is less than ideal.”

Juliet’s expression softened. “It is understandable, Lady Anne. Family ties often come with their own set of expectations which are not always aligned with our own desires.”

Anne sighed softly, a trace of weariness in her eyes. “You are kind to say so, Your Grace. My brother…Edwin means well, of course. He is simply…protective.”

Juliet offered a knowing nod, her thoughts momentarily drifting to Hector. “Brothers and husbands often share that trait. They forget that we, too, have our own strengths and discernments.”

“I just wish my brother would not be so overbearing. I desire to be able to make choices for myself, especially about my future.” Anne gushed.

“Do you speak of the suitors who seek your hand in marriage? That is what brothers do,” Juliet chipped in.

She could well imagine that Hector had once been as fussy about Lydia’s choices, once upon a time.

“Mine toppled the group.” Anne shook her head. “He is rather insistent on having his way. I have my father’s temperament, so I am too stubborn to wholly relent.”

“I suppose that happens when there is someone a lady fancies,” Juliet teased. She remembered how Lydia wanted no man other than the rakish Duke she’d adored. “I wonder if there is a gentleman in particular who holds your affections, Lady Anne.”

Anne’s smile faded slightly, and she looked down at her teacup. “No, not really. My brother made certain of it. He would have you believe that no suitor is worthy of my hand. He is…overprotective, to put it mildly.”

Juliet tilted her head, intrigued. “Overprotectiveness is good…if it keeps the uncommitted men away.”

Anne shook her head. “Edwin tends to scrutinize any gentleman who shows interest in me. He seems to think that no one is good enough, and he takes it upon himself to dismiss them before they even have a chance to court me properly.”

Juliet smiled sympathetically. “That must be rather frustrating for you.”

“See? Even you agree, Your Grace. It is quite frustrating,” Anne admitted though her tone was light. “But I suppose he means well. He believes he is acting in my best interests though it sometimes becomes tiresome.”

Juliet nodded, understanding the challenges of dealing with overbearing family members. “He simply wishes to ensure that you are truly happy.”

“Perhaps,” Anne agreed though a shadow of doubt danced in her eyes.

The two women exchanged a glance that spoke of shared understanding. It was becoming apparent that a deep friendship was about to take root.

“I noticed you were excited at the library. Do you enjoy reading, Lady Anne? What sorts of books are your favorite?” Juliet asked, looking for a relatively easy topic that might steer the conversation in a fresh direction.

“I do,” Anne replied, dropping her teacup. “Though I must admit, I am particular in my tastes. I am drawn to novels that challenge the mind and engage the imagination.”

Juliet nodded in agreement. “I feel the same. There is nothing quite like losing oneself in a well-crafted tale.”

“Precisely,” Anne agreed, her eyes warming. “It is an escape and an education, all in one.”

The ladies chuckled. The shared laughter dissolved the last of the formalities, and their conversation flowed more freely. They discussed books and art and even touched upon a few neighbors to look out for.

The ladies sipped their tea, smiling and enjoying their bonding.

“I wish I’d met you at my wedding party,” Juliet said, putting down her teacup. “A lot of the ladies in attendance weren’t as…kind. It quickly became obvious they were not going warm up to me as you have now.”

“I expect they spent the afternoon showing their claws and being disrespectful.” Anne shook her head with a sigh. “I hate judgmental people, and I have seen enough of their wrecks. I am sorry you had to endure that and at your wedding reception, too.”

“I’ve come to terms with people and their gossip.” Juliet shrugged.

“You cannot come to terms with Lady Brightmoor…her claws sink far too deeply. You must simply cut them off.”

Juliet laughed at Anne’s fierce gaze.

“You would not believe the spectacle at the last ball. The hostess, Lady Brightmoor, was more rigid than a soldier on parade!”

Juliet chuckled, her amusement growing with each word. “I can just imagine! She looks the part.”

Anne straightened in her chair, perfectly mimicking Lady Brightmoor’s stiff posture, and adopted her haughty tone.

“‘Ladies, please refrain from any display of emotion that could be deemed unseemly. We must always uphold the utmost decorum!’”

Juliet burst into laughter, nearly spilling her tea. “Oh, stop! You are going to make me spill my tea!”

Anne grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I thought she might faint when someone dared to laugh during the waltz. It was the most entertaining part of the evening!”

Juliet continued to giggle, dabbing at her eyes with a napkin. “I think I shall be quite glad to avoid her ball and just have you share your tales of what transpired. Your retelling makes it worth all the trouble!”

They both laughed, the sound of their amusement filling the room. Juliet felt entirely at ease, and she couldn’t stop laughing.

Anne grinned. “Well, it is not every day one finds someone who appreciates a good laugh as much as I do.”

Juliet’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “I am beginning to think we will get along famously, Lady Anne.”

Their laughter filled the room as they chatted, making the space warm and welcoming. Juliet realized how much she had missed this: the simple joy of good company and light-hearted conversation.

They were still having a good laugh when the door opened.

Hector stood in the doorway with Somerton behind him.

“Forgive the interruption,” Hector said, his lips curled into a small smile. “I did not mean to intrude on such a merry scene.”

Juliet straightened up slightly although her smile remained. “Not at all, Your Grace. We were just enjoying some tea while we waited.”

Anne, still laughing, waved a hand. “Yes, the Duchess has been the most delightful hostess. I have not had this much fun in quite some time.”

Hector nodded, unable to look away from his wife. “I am pleased to hear that, Lady Anne.”

“I’m surprised,” Somerton began, but a warning look from Hector shut him up.

The butler walked past with a tray holding two glasses of brandy. Juliet glanced at the tray then back at Hector.

“I suppose you are still preoccupied with business?” she said, hoping to spend more time with Anne.

Hector raised an eyebrow. “Although it appears you ladies have found something to keep yourselves entertained, I must report that we are quite done.”

“All right then.” Anne stood to leave then turned to Juliet with a thoughtful expression. “Thank you for the tour, Your Grace. And for the lovely tea. I have enjoyed our time together.”

“The pleasure was mine,” Juliet replied with a warm smile. “I hope we can do this again soon.”

“I would like that very much,” Anne said.

Juliet appreciated the sincerity in her voice until Anne turned to her brother.

Juliet watched with interest as Anne’s bright demeanor dampened slightly as she took her place beside Lord Somerton.

“Yes, of course,” replied Somerton after a slight pause. “I must say,” Somerton remarked as he addressed Hector, “your wife certainly knows how to make an impression.”

Hector gave a slight nod as his eyes glanced at the doorway. “Yes, she does.”