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“Careful, Lance.”

“I am sorry, Your Grace. Some young boys were playing on the path.” The coachman pushed forward.

The rest of the journey passed in strained silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

Juliet stared out the window, her mind wandering. She had expected that their marriage circumstances would be the only confusing thing about the situation, but Hector’s mannerisms left her feeling all the more confused and slighted.

He had been warm during their reception, almost caring. Yet his words now felt as though she had imagined everything that had come before.

Juliet could see the giant structure ahead as they approached Hector’s countryside estate. It was grand and well-maintained, nothing like the falling-apart convent walls she had known for so long.

The coachman slowed the horses and brought the carriage to a stop.

“Welcome to Islington,” Hector said, helping her out.

Without another word, he turned around and walked inside.

Juliet scoffed. “Not even a proper introduction to his staff.”

An extensive line of staff scurried towards the carriage. They lined up in an orderly manner and awaited her approach with welcoming expressions on their faces.

An elderly man and a woman stepped forward with matching kind smiles.

“Your Grace, I am Peter Worthington, the butler of this estate,” the man greeted with a bow.

“Welcome to Islington Hall, Your Grace. It is a pleasure to have you here. I am Mrs. Estella Harris, the housekeeper of this lovely home. I am at your service for whatever you might need.”

Juliet smiled, relieved that they had appeared to acquaint her with the rest of the household.

“It is lovely to meet you, Mrs. Harris.”

Estella beamed joyfully and stepped back, so Peter could introduce the rest of the staff. They greeted her warmly and led Juliet inside. A fire was already burning in the fireplace, giving the room a soft glow. She was led into a spacious room down the hall that was beautifully decorated with rich fabrics and elegant furniture. Juliet shuddered and rubbed her arm.

“Are you cold, Your Grace? Do you need me to heat the room a bit more?” asked Estella.

“No., thank you” Juliet declined.

The chill in her blood had nothing to do with the room and everything to do with the frosty demeanor radiating from her husband.

“If you need anything, do not hesitate to ring for me or any staff member. We are at your service.”

Juliet nodded. “And my husband? Where is he?”

“You mean his room?” She raised her brows. “It adjoins yours, as is tradition, Madam.”

“Thank you,” she said. Her husband seemed to have planned it all out in advance. “That will be all.”

Estella walked out, and the door shut gently behind her.

Juliet stood alone in the room, the reality of her new life setting in.

She walked to the window and looked out at the night sky. The stars twinkled delicately like distant promises. She felt both fear and hope as she wondered what the future held for her here. Despite the emptiness of their arrangement, she would try to make the place as appealing as possible.

She thought back to the convent, her friends, and the nuns at St. Catherine’s. She wondered how Sonya and the others were faring.

Were they warm? Did they have enough to eat? Had Mary finally left to become a governess?

The worries she had left behind intermingled with the many uncertainties that shrouded her future.