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“You will find a great collection here, Your Grace,” Estella noted. “The late Duchess was quite fond of reading.”

Juliet nodded, feeling suddenly homesick. She remembered how her mother used to bring her to the city to buy books and how those moments had been some of the happiest of her childhood. “Is there a reading corner?”

“Yes, over here,” Estella walked towards a small door.

Juliet checked out the cozy room which was furnished with a leather chair and table. “This is lovely.”

“Lady Lydia loved this corner. She would spend endless hours in here attached to a book. She missed many meals because she was so engrossed by the words between the pages,” Estella sighed with a slight smile.

Juliet could perfectly imagine her dear friend curled up on the chair, feet tucked beneath her with her eyes fixed on the pages beneath her fingers.

“Can I have a moment here? Just a few minutes, and we shall resume our tour thereafter,” Juliet requested gently.

Estella nodded. “Of course, Your Grace. Take as much time as you need.”

The housekeeper left moments later, and Juliet settled into the chair, tracing the signs of wear along the leather with her fingertips as she inhaled deeply.

For what felt like the first time since she’d set foot in Islington Hall, she allowed herself to deeply miss her dear friend, and she prayed that Lydia had found a peaceful rest.

By the time that dinner was announced, Juliet had become quite exhausted.

She had met and spoken with every single staff member on the estate. While she was hopeful that she had made a good impression, she did no longer felt as confident as she had been earlier in the day about taking on the duties of Duchess.

She hoped someone would guide her through the process, but the only person available for that task was Hector, who seemed content to play mind games and leave her to fend for herself.

“Your Grace?”

“Hmm?” Juliet blinked, sitting up straight.

Estella glanced at the table set in front of the Duchess before she asked, “I wondered if there was anything else you needed?”

Juliet replied, “Ah… no, thank you.”

The housekeeper bowed slightly and said, “As you wish. I trust you find tonight’s meal to your liking.”

Juliet nodded her thanks and settled at the head of the table, feeling the weight of the empty chair across from her.

Hector had not joined for dinner since their arrival at Islington Hall, and tonight seemed no different. She sighed heavily and picked up her fork.

As she was about to take her first bite, she heard footsteps and watched as Hector strolled into the dining room. His presence filled the space, and Juliet was awed at how he dominated the room without uttering a word.

“Good evening, wife,” he said genially, taking his seat.

Juliet exhaled, willing the heat in her cheeks to go away. She couldn’t help but notice how the candlelight cast a warm glow and softened his rugged, chiseled features, making him seem less austere than usual.

“Good evening.”

They ate in silence for a few moments, apart from the clinking of silverware against porcelain. Juliet could no longer stand the tension she felt and decided to break the silence.

“I hope you had a good day?” he asked.

Juliet put down her cutlery. “I suppose I had a good day wandering around by myself and dining alone.”

“Can we not get through this meal without arguing?” Hector grunted, raising his eyes to the ceiling.

Juliet fumed. “We do not manage to resolve any of our issues as they arise, yet you expect to be greeted with a clean slate each time we meet?”

“No, but I expect some semblance of peace,” Hector pointed out.