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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.