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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. Itisquite 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.