My Bratty Wife
Chapter 141 - Hundred And Forty One

Chapter 141: Chapter Hundred And Forty One

The air buzzed with the chatter of excited ladies as Suzy made her way through the crowd. She paused beside Noah, her gaze sweeping over the assembled guests. "Did you notice anything new, Noah?" she inquired, her voice low.

Noah shook his head. "Nothing out of the ordinary, Your Grace. The maid has been extra vigilant, and Lord Evan has remained... well nothing suspicious from his end, for now."

Suzy nodded, a flicker of concern crossing her features. "Very well. Continue with your duties. Be discreet."

"Of course, Your Grace," Noah replied, his eyes fixed on the crowd, very watchful.

Just then, a voice cut through the din. "Duchess Cassandra!"

Suzy turned to see a young maiden, breathless and flustered, waving frantically. "Yes?" Suzy replied, approaching the maiden.

The maiden, once she caught her breath, curtsied deeply. "Forgive me, Your Grace, but Her Majesty the Queen has invited all the noble wives for tea."

Suzy’s eyebrows arched. "The Queen is here?" she murmured, a hint of intrigue in her voice.

The maiden nodded vigorously. "Yes, Your Grace. A most unexpected and delightful surprise."

"Very well," Suzy replied, a graceful smile gracing her lips. "Lead the way."

The maiden, visibly relieved, beamed. "This way, Your Grace."

Suzy glanced at Noah, a silent message passing between them. He understood. As she followed the maiden, she couldn’t help but wonder what the Queen’s sudden appearance might signify. Was it a mere social gathering, or was there a deeper purpose behind this unexpected invitation? Suzy, ever the astute observer, knew that in the court of the Queen, appearances could be deceiving.

The path led them to a secluded clearing, where a small pavilion had been erected.

The air thick with the scent of exotic flowers and expensive perfumes. A low murmur of conversation drifted from within, a testament to the presence of other noble ladies.

The pavilion was a sight to behold. Sunlight streamed through tall openings, illuminating a dazzling array of vibrant colors. Ladies, dressed in their finest attire, mingled and chatted, their voices a low hum of conversation.

The Queen, seated on a throne-like chair draped in rich velvet, exuded an aura of regal elegance. Her eyes, sharp and intelligent, scanned the room, taking in the scene with an air of quiet amusement.

Suzy curtsied deeply, her heart pounding beneath her elegant gown. "Your Majesty," she greeted, her voice filled with respect.

The Queen smiled, a captivating display of warmth and power. "Duchess Cassandra," she replied, her voice a melodious chime. "It’s been a while. Please, join us."

Suzy, accompanied by Noah, moved towards the table, her eyes watching everyone’s reaction. Noah draws out her seat as she sank into the plush velvet chair.

The queen, her voice a silken thread cutting through the air, introduced her: "Ladies, this is Duchess Cassandra, wife of Duke Ryan of Carleton."

A ripple of whispers, like a sudden gust of wind through dry leaves, swept through the assembled women. Suzy, her gaze fixed on the table, could easily decipher their meaning. She quickly caught fragments of their murmurs – "Such a plain creature..." came a voice at the far end of the table. "Lacking in refinement, I daresay...".

"Ugh, she’s such a timid thing. What does the Duke see in her?" a haughty voice, laced with disdain, pierced the air. " He refused to marry my daughter but went ahead to marry a plain creature."

"I heard she lacks even the most basic of manners, no proper etiquette." another chimed in, her tone dripping with venom.

"She’s truly as hideous as they say," a sharp voice declared, "Those dark spots on her face...disgusting!"

Then came the inevitable agreement on her appearance. "Exactly as you said," a particularly sharp-tongued woman declared, her gaze lingering on Suzy’s face. "Those... blemishes. Why doesn’t she cover them?"

"And why doesn’t she wear a veil, or at least some makeup? She’s quite unsettling to look at," another lamented.

Suzy, her lips curving into a faint, almost imperceptible smirk, remained outwardly composed. She calmly adjusted her posture, the silk of her purple gown rustling softly against the chair. "A cup of tea, please," she requested of the flustered servant, her voice steady and calm.

As she slowly sipped the steaming tea, the delicate china cool against her fingertips, a wave of icy calm washed over her. The bitterness of the Earl Grey mirrored the soul taste of their judgements. People simply refuse to change , she thought, a wry amusement coloring her thoughts.

The queen, her voice firm and commanding, finally cut through the mixture of whispers. "Ladies!" she declared, her eyes sweeping across the room, "I have invited you all here to enjoy yourselves, to relax and unwind while your husbands are engaged in the hunt. I did not summon you here to engage in petty gossip and idle chatter."

The queen’s words, though laced with a gentle reprimand, had the desired effect. The whispers subsided, replaced by a tense silence. The servants, their faces pale, scurried forward, laden with trays of delicate pastries and steaming cups of tea.

As the servant placed a plate of pastries before Suzy, a small, folded piece of paper, unnoticed by the others, slipped beneath it.

As she reached for a delicate scone, the small, folded piece of paper slipped from beneath the plate and landed on her lap.

Her heart quickened. This is no accident, she realized, her gaze sweeping the room, trying to pinpoint the source of the note. She unfolded it, her eyes scanning the hastily scribbled message:

I believe you know who’s responsible for this letter. I’m at the back of the rose garden before the pavilion, awaiting your arrival. I can reveal what you seek but you must come alone.

She placed the scone back on the plate, the delicate pastry suddenly feeling heavy in her hands, her pulse quickening, glanced at the queen. "Your Majesty," she began, her voice barely a whisper, "If you’ll excuse me, I believe I need to... freshen up."

The Queen, sensing the urgency in her voice, graciously nodded, "Of course, Duchess. Do attend to yourself. Take your time."

She whispered to Noah, "Stay close, but be discreet. If anything seems wrong, do something about it right away."

Noah nodded slightly, acknowledging her instructions.

With a steely resolve hardening her features, Suzy rose from her chair. The whispers, though subdued, resumed, but this time they were laced with a new expression — Curiosity. Suzy ignored them, her gaze fixed on the entrance to the pavilion.

As she walked towards the entrance, a chilling premonition washed over her. This meeting, she knew, would change everything.

Stepping outside, a figure cloaked in black stood waiting for her. A familiar voice startled her. "Hello, Cassandra," the figure greeted.

The figure removed the cloak, revealing Eleanor’s face. Suzy’s eyes widened in surprise. "Eleanor?" she exclaimed.