When they arrived in Juliana's chambers, Mrs. Bramble shut the door firmly behind them, then crossed the room in brisk steps to draw the heavy curtains. A sharp twist of her wrist latched the windows tight, shutting them in as if she could hold all the day's scandal outside.
Juliana stood by the dressing table, hands trembling slightly, lips still warm and swollen from Thomas's kiss. Mrs. Bramble turned to face her, hands on her broad hips, her stern gaze pinning her to the spot.
"You foolish girl," Mrs. Bramble hissed in a low, trembling voice, "have you no thought for your reputation? Do you know what would happen if anyone had seen you like that?"
Juliana's chin lifted stubbornly. "I love him. That ought to count for something."
"Love," Mrs. Bramble scoffed bitterly. "Love will not save you from gossip, nor him from the Duke's wrath. It will not stop your brother from shipping that boy off, nor keep you from ruin. You're a lady, my girl, you cannot do as you please!"
Juliana bit her lip, heat gathering in her eyes. "But why must it matter so much? Why must my happiness be dictated by everyone but me?"
"Because this world is built on more than your whims," Mrs. Bramble shot back. Her face softened a fraction as she stepped closer. "And because I raised you from a child. I will not stand by and let you throw yourself into a fire you cannot put out."
Juliana's hands were fists at her sides. "You think I don't know the risk? You think I haven't thought of the cost?" Her voice broke on the last word. "But when I'm with him, I feel more like myself than I ever do under all this silk and protocol. I cannot pretend forever."
A long silence stretched between them. Mrs. Bramble let out a weary sigh and took Juliana's hands in her own. "My dear," she murmured more gently, "you are braver than most. But courage alone won't keep you safe. That boy has nothing to protect you with."
Mrs. Bramble held her hands a little tighter, voice lowering to a hushed, urgent tone as she searched Juliana's eyes.
"You're not only a Wycliffe, my girl," Mrs. Bramble began, "you're also betrothed to Viscount Ambrose Denham. Have you forgotten that so easily?"
Juliana's breath caught at the mention of his name. "I never agreed to that," she protested, chin trembling with a mixture of rebellion and anguish.
"You didn't have to," Mrs. Bramble replied firmly. "Your brother had made that arrangement, and society will hold you to it. The Duke expects you to do your duty." She paused, then softened her voice. "You may hate me for telling you, but these are the facts that bind you."
Juliana turned away sharply, pacing across the floor like a trapped bird. "And what of my heart? What of my right to choose who I wish to love? Must my life always be decided for me?"
The nursemaid let out a weary sigh and followed her across the room, resting a careful hand on her shoulder. "You're a noblewoman. It was decided long before you ever had the power to choose," Mrs. Bramble said gently, sympathy and sternness tangled together in her voice. "Lord Ambrose Denham is a wealthy man with influence at court, your brother agreed to it because it strengthens the Wycliffe position and gives you security. That's what they will all tell you if you dare speak up...that this is for your future. For your family."
Juliana's hands balled into fists at her sides, a faint sheen of tears in her eyes as she stared at the door, seeing a life already mapped out for her. "And Thomas?" she asked, voice cracking. "What becomes of him?"
"Nothing good," Mrs. Bramble said honestly, stepping back. "That's what I fear most. Even if you could convince him to fight for you which I daresay he would but your brother would destroy him. The Duke is a fair man in most things, but you and your reputation are dear to him. He'll not spare a stable hand who dared to touch you." Her voice dropped further, filled with quiet sorrow. "I know you believe your heart is yours to give, but hearts have a way of breaking everything in a house like this."
Juliana searched the nursemaid's face, her own wet-eyed and determined. "Then what would you have me do? Live like the others: scheming, bitter, always grasping for control? Never knowing a true affection?"
Mrs. Bramble's eyes glistened. "No," she said softly. "I want you to live wisely so that, one day, you can fight for your happiness without losing everything in the fight."
And for a long moment, neither of them spoke, the only sound in the dim room was the soft rhythm of their breathing, tangled together with unspoken fears and fragile hopes.
Juliana wrapped her arms around herself and stared blankly at the floor, torn between the thrill of her secret love and the crushing weight of what was expected of her. Mrs. Bramble crossed to the door, pausing one last time before stepping out.
"You deserve happiness, my dear," she whispered, the concern in her voice aching and sincere. "But you must decide if you want happiness today at the cost of every tomorrow. Whatever you choose, choose knowing all that you stand to lose."
With that, Mrs. Bramble left her alone, and the door closed with a soft click, leaving Juliana with her tangled thoughts and the dizzy ache of desire battling the cold reality of her future.