Page 101 of Juliet's Touch

Chapter thirty-two

IfJulietwerebeingostracized from society, one would never know it because friends and family packed her parents’ townhouse for the wedding brunch. After their delicious meal, Juliet entwined her fingers with Eric’s, and together, they circulated through the dining parlor and the drawing room, visiting with their guests.

As much as Juliet was enjoying herself, she craved being alone with her husband, and despite normally being a social butterfly, she struggled to maintain her energy level. Therefore, when Emily patted the cushion beside her, inviting Juliet to sit, she dropped onto the settee without hesitation. To her disappointment, Eric excused himself, saying he would be back in a moment.

“Don’t look so despondent, Jules,” Emily said. “From now on, you shall spend every night and day with your husband.”

True, so she should take this time to enjoy being with Emily. She’d just leaned back on the cushion and relaxed when Maria hurried into the room and sat on the other side of her.

“You finally escaped from purgatory,” Emily said.

“How unfair that I must spend every minute with Aunt Lydia,” Maria whispered. “Even now, when there are others around to entertain her.”

“Aunt Lydia isn’t completely awful,” Emily said.

Maria waggled her finger. “Easy for you to say now that I am the one who must be her companion.”

She had a point, especially since their aunt was judgmental, needy, and boring.

Maria sighed. “Let us talk about other things. Jules, your wedding was lovely, and the meal was delicious. Especially the cake.”

“Mother and the staff did a fabulous job,” Emily added.

Juliet’s thoughts exactly. She beamed at her sisters’ reassurance.

“And your dress—” Maria pointed at the embroidered roses decorating Juliet’s bodice “—The needlework is spectacular.”

“Betty’s wedding present,” Juliet said. The stitches were intricate and precise, and Betty had completed the work in a matter of weeks.

“I should have known,” Maria said. “She is so talented.”

Speaking of maids… Hopefully, Emily would not think Juliet presumptuous for pilfering her staff.

“Em, how would you feel if I asked Esther to come to London and be my lady’s maid?” Juliet asked.

“Are you sure?” Emily chewed on her lip as if she were choosing her words carefully. “She is sweet but a bit of a disaster.”

But a loyal disaster. “The man she favors works at a London stable,” Juliet said. “Since Eric and I are living in London year-round, I thought she might enjoy staying here with us.”

“She does seem rather attached to you,” Emily said. “Since she traveled with us, you can invite her yourself. But whatabout Betty? Is she staying with Mother and Father until Maria returns?”

Maria scoffed. “If Aunt Lydia has her way, I won’t ever leave her. However, whether I’m free or not, I don’t require a lady’s maid.”

Emily and Maria were so unconventional and free-thinking. Enviable, in so many ways, and thank goodness, neither of them required Betty because she’d requested to live with her and Eric. And, truth be told, Juliet enjoyed Betty’s companionship.

“Betty has expressed an interest in being a nanny.” Her exact words had been, “I helped raise you girls, and now I am ready to raise your children. I don’t favor being at Chesterhill Manor in case the hideous marchioness returns, and I don’t think Maria will ever marry. So independent, that girl. Keep in mind, I’m not a young girl anymore. Still, I’m ready to tackle new adventures.”

Emily squealed. “Are Maria and I already aunts?”

“Em, how indecent,” Juliet chastised, probably because she was experiencing guilt over her premarital relations with Eric. “Not yet, but we hope to have children soon.” She quickly changed the subject. “We won’t have a large staff. Just Betty, Esther, and one of Eric’s dear friends, Mrs. Paulson, who will be cooking and doing some light cleaning. Eric told her she could retire if she wished, but she insists on staying busy, and Eric adores her.”

“That sounds quite cozy,” Maria said. “You will be exceedingly happy, and I think Eric is delightful. If I had any intention of marrying, I would ask if your husbands have another brother.” Maria inclined her chin toward the lord and his sons, who were approaching.

“They probably do,” Emily whispered. “Perhaps another dozen or so of the bastards are running about London.”

While considering how many by-blows Lord Chesterhill might have abandoned, Juliet cringed. Pushing her misgivings to the side, she smiled at her father-in-law. “Are you enjoying yourself, Sir?”

“A fine day indeed,” Lord Chesterhill said.