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“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 warmerand 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.