My Bratty Wife
Chapter 124 - Hundred And Twenty Four

Chapter 124: Chapter Hundred And Twenty Four

Ryan’s quill scratched the paper as he wrote down the last few words. Putting a seal on the letter, he handed it to Davis, who bowed and took it.

"Davis," Ryan said. "I heard my cousin sent word. He’s on his way to Carleton to pay me a visit."

Davis bowed. "Yes, your grace," he replied.

"Why is he coming on such short notice?" Ryan asked, his brow furrowing.

"I don’t know the details, your grace," Davis replied.

Ryan looked back at his desk. "Very well then," he said. "You are dismissed."

Davis bowed again and left the room.

Ryan sat back in his chair, his mind racing. He knew his cousin was a man of few words and also a promiscuous man. The fact that he was coming to Carleton on such short notice meant that something important was going on.

Ryan picked up a glass of wine and took a sip. He rarely visits Carleton. He only has vague memories of his cousin’s visit when he was a little boy. He would often come with his mother to Carleton and joined him in swordsmanship training.

After Ryan’s mother death, duchess Leah, his cousin visitations reduced drastically. After his own mother was wrongly accused of adultery by the nobles because of a rumor, his mother was stoned to death and he ceased coming to Carleton. The last visit he had was for Ryan’s father, Duke Charles, burial procession.

But now, with his upcoming arrival, Ryan knew that he would have to deal with whatever it was that had brought his cousin to his doorstep.

He finished his wine and stood up, stretching. Another thought crossed his mind. It had been calm lately. No news of any noble’s death. It scared him. It was like the calm before the storm. He wanted to be optimistic, but it wasn’t working.

Just then, Davis knocked, interrupting Ryan’s thoughts. "Enter," Ryan said.

Davis entered, closing the door behind him. "What is it?" Ryan asked.

"I have received word from Lord Byron," Davis replied. "He will be back from his travels in two days."

Ryan nodded. "Okay, thank you," he said. "You may go."

Davis bowed and exited the study.

Ryan closed his eyes and prayed for his brother’s safety. He had been worried about Byron since he had left on his travels. Byron was a kind and gentle man, but he was also quite naive. Ryan was afraid that Byron might get into trouble.

As Ryan sat there, praying for his brother’s safe return, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread. He knew that something bad was going to happen. He just hoped that he was wrong.

————————————-

Suzy went to her room. She threw herself on her bed, the mattress swallowing her up. The memories of last night indulgence flashed through her mind. She smiled at the thought and craved more of his touch and kisses.

She stood up, took her book, and went to the chaise lounge by the window. She immersed herself in her reading trying to pass time.

A few moments into the book, there was a knock on the door. She used her fingers as a bookmark and put the book on her laps. "Who is it?" she asked.

"It’s Noah, your grace," a voice replied.

"Enter," Suzy said.

Noah entered, closing the door behind him. "Your grace," he greeted.

Suzy smiled. "What is it, Noah?" she asked.

"I have information about Baron Carew," Noah replied.

Suzy sat up straight. "Baron Carew?" she asked. "What about him?"

Noah leaned forward. "He is still in the kingdom, but he would be leaving very soon. He came back just to attend Miss Montgomery’s ball because of the relationship he has with her father. I have also gathered information on where he’s staying before his departure, but I suggest you see him soon before he leaves."

Suzy nodded. "Thank you, Noah," she said. "This is very important information."

Noah bowed. "It is my pleasure, your grace," he replied.

Suzy watched as Noah left the room. She knew that she had to act quickly and do so before her only lead leaves.

She smiled and continued her reading. She was closer to finding the answers she was looking for.

* * *

The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the gardens. Suzy had just finished her book, a sense of contentment washing over her. She decided to head to the kitchen, curious about the tantalizing aromas that wafted through the house.

As she entered the kitchen, she found the servants bustling about, preparing dinner. Mrs. Madelyn, the head cook, was overseeing the preparations. Suzy spotted her and approached, a smile playing on her lips. "What’s for dinner, Mrs. Madelyn?" she inquired.

Mrs. Madelyn winked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "It’s a secret,dear" she replied, her voice hushed.

Suzy giggled and tried to help Mrs. Madelyn truss a chicken. The older woman gently pushed her away. "What would the Duke say if he saw the Duchess doing work? He’d have my head," she chided playfully.

Suzy laughed. "Don’t be so dramatic," she teased.

Mrs. Madelyn rolled her eyes. "But I’m not. Anything concerning the Duke is serious business." She leaned in closer and whispered, "The Duke doesn’t actually like chicken. But when he found out it’s your favorite, he started learning how to eat it."

Suzy’s heart warmed. "That’s so sweet of him," she replied.

"I know, isn’t it?" Mrs. Madelyn agreed.

Suzy was touched by her words. "What is Ryan’s favorite food?" she asked Mrs. Madelyn.

"He loves a good Chateaubriand," Mrs Madelyn replied.

Suzy thought for a moment, confusion plastering her expression. " What’s that?" She asked.

Mrs. Madelyn did some prepping before answering. "It’s a dish made with beef tenderloin, topped with a sauce made from butter, shallots, and wine." she said with a knowing smile.

Suzy nodded. "Ohhh, I’ll remember that," she said.

Curious about Ryan’s childhood, Suzy asked Mrs. Madelyn about his upbringing. "What was Ryan like as a boy?" she inquired.

Mrs. Madelyn smiled, her eyes filled with a mixture of fondness and sadness. "He was a very mischievous boy," she replied. "Always getting into trouble, that one. But he was also very kind and generous, always looking out for his younger sibling." She paused, a hint of melancholy creeping into her voice. "He would always run away from his study and sword practice to join his mother in the garden, planting roses. His father would be furious at him for being so carefree."

A wistful expression crossed Mrs. Madelyn’s face. "All that changed when she died," she continued. "It was as if part of him died with her. He detached himself from his emotions, trying to avoid the overwhelming grief. He began taking his studies seriously, often pushing himself to the point of exhaustion. His father was solely focused on training him to be the next Duke of Carleton."

Mrs. Madelyn took Suzy’s hands in hers, her eyes filled with compassion. "I always felt pity for the little duke," she said. "He had gone through so much at the hands of his father, emotionally. Duke Charles was never emotionally available for the boys, which broke them, especially his grace Ryan and that incident he was involved in when he was seven traumatized him for good."

Suzy’s curiosity was piqued. "What happened?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Mrs. Madelyn hesitated for a moment, her expression growing somber. "I don’t know the exact details," she replied. "I was in the kitchen preparing lunch when I heard loud gunshots and commotion. I rushed out to see Ryan standing there, shocked and soaked under the rain."

Suzy’s heart raced as she imagined the terrifying scene. "What did you see?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Mrs. Madelyn shook her head. "I couldn’t make out much," she said. "But there was a lot of shouting and confusion. His grace looked like he had been crying."

Suzy’s mind raced with questions. "Do you think it was an accident?" she asked.

Mrs. Madelyn shrugged. "I don’t know," she replied. "His Grace never spoke about it. But I think it must have been a terrible experience for him."

Suzy looked sad. "Was he hurt?" she asked.

Mrs. Madelyn shook her head. "Not physically, as far as I know. But it was clear that he had been deeply affected by whatever had happened."

"Do you think he’ll ever talk about it?" Suzy inquired.

Mrs. Madelyn sighed. "I hope so," she replied. "But he’s been carrying that burden for years. It’s hard to let go."

" I have continue cooking, this chicken won’t cook itself." Mrs Madelyn said as she continued with the dinner preparation leaving Suzy In her own thoughts.