The Strength of England

~1~

The soft cotton sheets surrounding her were divine. The warmth they gave was almost magical. Yes, it was comfort like this that Juliet never wanted to leave her bed. That was until a cold dog nose graced her cheek.

"Seriously, it's still early Duchess." she groaned at the dog.

Duchess just walked over her, sitting on her abdomen to make her get up. Juliet stared down at the corgi, the smile the pup gave her as she cocked her sweet little head was enough melt even the coldest hearts.

"Alright, alright." she said sitting up and rubbing the dog's head, "But only because I love you. Get your leash."

Duchess hopped off the bed and ran to the small kitchen, giving Juliet enough time to ready herself for the day. Since moving to England, she had grown used to the weather and food, the beautiful scenery and historical buildings. The only thing that bothered her was the fact the voice grew louder it seemed each day, calling out his name.

Duchess barked at her, pulling Juliet back to reality.

"Ok, ok. I'm all set." She said taking the lead and heading out the door to walk the early London streets.

Dawn stretched over the sleepy city as she made her way to Jubilee Park with Duchess, it was one of the free times she had with her. Mornings like this, walking to the park and then along the river, taking in the sights of the London Eye, the Palace of Westminster and of course the icon of England, Big Ben.

Juliet took in the sights of the historical city, wondering what it was like so many years ago. What other mysteries laid within the city, wondering if it was just as mysterious as New Orleans. Her finger ran over her ring as she saw Big Ben across the way as they entered the park. Her little treasure she found at the beach when she was little. As she got older, she wondered if the piece was cursed, for that is when the voice called out his name. It blended with her dreams of the castles and gowns, the wars and arguments, and the man within them.

How she wished to know who he was, to understand why that voice calls for him. Those dazzling green eyes that turn around to look at her every time the voice calls him, god who was he?

The tug of the leash had Juliet shake her head. Looking down she saw Duchess pulling towards the apartment. Time donned on her and she knew why she was pulling, "Alright, alright. You'll get your chow. Hold your horses."

After feeding Duchess and hurrying for the morning, she found herself at the hospital working the pediatric wing, making her rounds for all the patients and their families.

"There you are darling, all better?" she said fixing the tape on the IV.

"Much, thank you." the little girl spoke with a weak voice.

"Thank you very much Miss, I never knew she was allergic to tapes like that." the mother said patting her hand.

"It's alright. Sometimes new reactions come with age and other products don't have the same number of adhesives as others do." Juliet said, discarding her gloves. "If she's comfortable I'm happy."

"Where are you from?" the little girl asked.

"Oh, now sweetheart, you need to rest up after that surgery." Juliet said rubbing the child's head, "Pretty soon you'll be getting that ice pop for your throat huh? And to answer you, I'm from the historical state of Louisiana, U.S.A."

Her eyes widened in awe at her reply, "You know what? I'll make a deal with you. You rest up and sleep while you can and take your meds with no issues, and I'll come in before you leave and I'll tell you all about my state, ok?"