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“I wish I’d met you at my wedding party,” Juliet said, putting down her teacup. “A lot of the ladies in attendance weren’t as…kind. It quickly became obvious they were not going warm up to me as you have now.”

“I expect they spent the afternoon showing their claws and being disrespectful.” Anne shook her head with a sigh. “I hate judgmental people, and I have seen enough of their wrecks. I am sorry you had to endure that and at your wedding reception, too.”

“I’ve come to terms with people and their gossip.” Juliet shrugged.

“You cannot come to terms with Lady Brightmoor…her claws sink far too deeply. You must simply cut them off.”

Juliet laughed at Anne’s fierce gaze.

“You would not believe the spectacle at the last ball. The hostess, Lady Brightmoor, was more rigid than a soldier on parade!”

Juliet chuckled, her amusement growing with each word. “I can just imagine! She looks the part.”

Anne straightened in her chair, perfectly mimicking Lady Brightmoor’s stiff posture, and adopted her haughty tone.

“‘Ladies, please refrain from any display of emotion that could be deemed unseemly. We must always uphold the utmost decorum!’”

Juliet burst into laughter, nearly spilling her tea. “Oh, stop! You are going to make me spill my tea!”

Anne grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I thought she might faint when someone dared to laugh during the waltz. It was the most entertaining part of the evening!”

Juliet continued to giggle, dabbing at her eyes with a napkin. “I think I shall be quite glad to avoid her ball and just have you share your tales of what transpired. Your retelling makes it worth all the trouble!”

They both laughed, the sound of their amusement filling the room. Juliet felt entirely at ease, and she couldn’t stop laughing.

Anne grinned. “Well, it is not every day one finds someone who appreciates a good laugh as much as I do.”

Juliet’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “I am beginning to think we will get along famously, Lady Anne.”

Their laughter filled the room as they chatted, making the space warm and welcoming. Juliet realized how much she had missed this: the simple joy of good company and light-hearted conversation.

They were still having a good laugh when the door opened.

Hector stood in the doorway with Somerton behind him.

“Forgive the interruption,” Hector said, his lips curled into a small smile. “I did not mean to intrude on such a merry scene.”

Juliet straightened up slightly although her smile remained. “Not at all, Your Grace. We were just enjoying some tea while we waited.”

Anne, still laughing, waved a hand. “Yes, the Duchess has been the most delightful hostess. I have not had this much fun in quite some time.”

Hector nodded, unable to look away from his wife. “I am pleased to hear that, Lady Anne.”

“I’m surprised,” Somerton began, but a warning look from Hector shut him up.

The butler walked past with a tray holding two glasses of brandy. Juliet glanced at the tray then back at Hector.

“I suppose you are still preoccupied with business?” she said, hoping to spend more time with Anne.

Hector raised an eyebrow. “Although it appears you ladies have found something to keep yourselves entertained, I must report that we are quite done.”

“All right then.” Anne stood to leave then turned to Juliet with a thoughtful expression. “Thank you for the tour, Your Grace. And for the lovely tea. I have enjoyed our time together.”

“The pleasure was mine,” Juliet replied with a warm smile. “I hope we can do this again soon.”

“I would like that very much,” Anne said.

Juliet appreciated the sincerity in her voice until Anne turned to her brother.