Chapter 109:

Chapter 109:

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Just because the Duke of Carlyle was accompanying her, Juliet felt a change in peoples attitudes towards her.

Especially from the men who tried to pretend they knew something.

From the moment the young Duke appeared, Grinvud, Charlottes husband, was busy bragging about his business.

Juliet glanced over occasionally, concerned about Lennoxs harsh expression and worried about what he would do to the Viscount.

Viscount Grinvud, perhaps misunderstanding Juliets expression, forced a friendly smile.

Ha-ha, my apologies. Business matters might have been hard for the Lady to understand and perhaps boring.

Juliet responded with a faint smile.

Its okay. It wasnt much of a story to begin with.

Oh is that so?

Yes. You have a knack for complicating simple matters.

It was just a long-winded version of the story that the recently Marquis Guiness had made a fortune with a magic stone.

Juliet knew much more about the magic stone mine and Marquis Guiness than the Viscount did.

Leaving Lennox amidst such men, Juliet had quite a pleasant time with the Charlotte.

The tea party under the blooming flower trees was romantic.

Near the end of the tea party, Emma, with a book in hand, offered to read the tea leaves.

It was a popular game among the younger social circles.

The game involved interpreting the patterns of the tea leaves left at the bottom of the teacup.

With a serious look, Emma flipped through the fortune-telling book and interpreted Charlottes cup.

It looks like a dove, so Charlottes baby will be a girl!

But Emma, this looks more like a puppy than a bird? A puppy means a boy

But I want a niece!

It was all playful and subjective, fitting the patterns to what they wanted.

Ill read yours too, Juliet!

Cheerfully, Emma looked into Juliets cup.

This is a crescent moon! And on the right, a fish?

Looking into her own cup, Juliet did indeed see tea leaves shaped like a crescent moon.

The crescent moon signifies a first love, and the little fish Ah, I get it!

After rummaging through the interpretation book, Emma delivered the result.

Juliet will reunite with her first love and have a child in a happy family!

With sparkling eyes, Emma asked:

Who was Juliets first love?

Juliet wasnt easily trapped.

Theres no chance of that, Emma.

Juliet laughed a little at the rough interpretation.

My first love was a man who said he didnt need children.

Why?

Im not sure. But he said there was no need to have them

Juliet inadvertently looked up to see Emma glancing surreptitiously at the gathering, seemingly connecting her story to the Duke of Carlyle.

Regretting her loose talk, Juliet quickly added:

No, that man is someone I will never meet again.

Meaning, it wasnt the Duke.

Juliet firmly denied it.

Then, a lady wearing a bonnet waved from afar.

See you later!

Its Charlotte.

Juliet smiled and waved back briefly, explaining,

Shes the Madams granddaughter.

Though the explanation was short, Lennox understood. Juliet had mentioned Charlotte a few times in the past few days.

He was somewhat surprised that Juliet, who typically isnt quick to befriend others, got close to someone in just a few days.

He saw Charlotte, supported by her husband, cautiously getting into a carriage.

Only then did Lennox realize Charlotte wasnt alone.

The eldest granddaughter who came to give birth?

Yes. Shes expecting a baby in the spring.

Juliet added with a smile:

It must be adorable.

Watching Juliets profile, Lennox impulsively asked:

Do you want a child?

Juliet, momentarily taken aback, soon burst into laughter.

No, not really.

Despite getting the answer he hoped for, Lennox felt somewhat deflated.

He found himself gauging Juliets reaction.

Why?

Why what?

You like those things.

Young, fragile, and soft.

To his knowledge, Juliet couldnt pass by a baby animal.

Especially if it seemed pitiable.

He remembered how Juliet would secretly care for motherless baby foxes every winter.

By her standards, a baby would be the perfect fit.

Yet Juliet laughed as if she found the comment absurd.

She found it humorous that Lennox referred to cute baby animals as those things and the fact that she caught his hidden meaning so quickly.

You cant have everything you like.

Realizing that she needed to elaborate further.

I mean, just because I like something doesnt mean I want to have it.

She then frowned slightly.

Lets not talk about this anymore. Lets go.

Sure.

Even after getting the answer he was seeking, a part of Lennox felt uncomfortable.

He understood why he had been so eager to win Juliets favor these past few days.

He was afraid Juliet might desire something he couldnt provide.

Juliets butterflies didnt work for him, but he knew what he would see if they showed him his worst nightmare right now.

It would undoubtedly be Juliet saying, I want a child, so this wont work. Goodbye.

So when Juliet said she didnt want a child, he shouldve felt relieved.

My first love was a man who said he didnt need children.

Hes someone I will never meet again.

But hearing that, Lennox didnt know how to react.