My Bratty Wife
Chapter 150 - Hundred And Fifty

Chapter 150: Chapter Hundred And Fifty

The sunbeams, lazy and warm, streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Suzy stirred, blinking against the sudden brightness. "Doris," she called out, her voice still thick with sleep.

The door creaked open, and Doris, her face a picture of serene composure, entered the room. "Milady, you called?" she inquired, her voice soft and gentle.

Suzy sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Doris, where is Ryan?" she asked, her gaze sweeping across the room, searching for any sign of her husband.

"Earlier, Davis arrived with a letter from the King," Doris replied, her brow furrowed slightly. "I believe His Grace has been summoned to the palace."

"Oh, I see," Suzy murmured, a tinge of disappointment coloring her voice.

"I’ve prepared another bath for you, Milady," Doris continued, her voice regaining its cheerful tone. "The previous one grew quite cold while we waited for you to be back from his grace’s study."

Suzy’s mind flashed back to the intimate moments she had shared with Ryan earlier that morning, a blush creeping up her neck. The memory of his touch, the warmth of his embrace, still lingered, a pleasant warmth spreading through her.

Doris, very observant, noticed the sudden flush on Suzy’s cheeks. "Are you blushing, Milady?" she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Suzy playfully swatted at her hand. "Stop it, you tease!" she laughed, throwing back the covers and stepping out of bed.

Doris, a gentle smile playing on her lips, helped Suzy into the bath. The warm water soothed her muscles, easing away the last traces of sleep. As she luxuriated in the bath, her thoughts drifted back to Ryan. What could the King possibly want with him? A pang of worry, fleeting but sharp, pierced through her contentment.

After her bath, Doris, with practiced ease, helped Suzy dress. She chose a gown of pink silk, the fabric shimmering under the soft light. "I’ve brought your tea, Milady," she announced, gesturing towards a small table laden with a silver teapot, a delicate porcelain cup, and a saucer.

Suzy poured herself a generous amount of the steaming tea and took a sip. "Delicious as always," she complimented, savoring the warmth that spread through her.

Doris, pleased with her praise, busied herself arranging a light meal – fresh pastries, fruit, and a bowl of creamy porridge. As Suzy ate, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and anxieties. Why was Ryan summoned quickly? What was the King’s business with him? Would he be gone for long?

A wave of loneliness washed over her, despite the warmth of the room and the comforting presence of Doris. She and Ryan has started living like a normal married couple and now he has been summoned and God knows how long he would be back. It’s always one thing or the other.

She finished her food, pushing the plate aside. "Doris," she said, her voice a little hesitant, "do you think he will be back soon?"

Doris, sensing her apprehension, offered a reassuring smile. "I’m sure he will, Milady. The King’s summons are usually brief well except there’s an issue or an important reason he should be home soon."

Suzy managed a small smile in return. "Thank you, Doris. Your words always bring comfort."

The peaceful tranquility of the afternoon was abruptly shattered by a sharp rap on the door. "Who’s there?" she inquired, startled, dropping her teacup with a clatter onto the small table.

"It’s Noah, Your Grace," a low voice responded from the other side.

Suzy quickly recovered, smoothing down her skirts. "Oh, do come in, Noah," she invited, taking a small sip of her now slightly chilled tea.

Noah entered the room, bowing respectfully. "Your Grace."

Doris, who had been clearing away the dishes, paused at the doorway, then quietly exited, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

Noah cleared his throat. "Thank you, Your Grace, for sparing me from His Grace’s wrath."

Suzy smiled gently. "I don’t believe in punishing others for my mistakes, Noah."

Noah bowed his head again. "Thank you, Your Grace."

Suzy leaned forward, intrigued. "Any information on any of the assignments I assigned you?"

Noah hesitated, his brow furrowed. "Lord Evan is planning something, Your Grace. I haven’t been able to decipher his intentions yet. And... he was also summoned by the King this morning."

Suzy’s eyes widened in surprise. "So, both Ryan and Lord Evan are in the palace?"

Noah confirmed, "Yes, Your Grace."

Suzy fell silent, her mind racing. What could possibly be happening? Why were both Ryan and Evan summoned by the King? And what was Lord Evan planning? A knot of apprehension tightened in her stomach.

Noah, sensing her unease, broke the silence. "The maid who has been leaving the palace unnoticed...," he began, but his words were cut off by the sound of Doris announcing, "Milady, Lady Isabella has arrived." A note of excitement in her voice.

Suzy’s face instantly brightened. "Isabella!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling "’Oh, wonderful." She quickly finished her tea, eager to greet her sister. "Show Lady Isabella to the drawing-room, Doris," she instructed, rising from her chair.

As she hurried downstairs, her worries about Lord Evan and Ryan’s summon temporarily faded. The arrival of her sister, her closest confidante, brought a much-needed ray of sunshine to her day.

In the drawing-room, Isabella was already seated, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Cassandra! You look absolutely radiant," she exclaimed, rising to greet her sister with a warm embrace.

"Isabella," Suzy replied, returning the hug. "It’s wonderful to see you! How was your journey?"

"Long and tiring," Isabella confessed, sinking into a plush armchair. "But worth it to see you."

Suzy hesitated, then asked, "How are your feelings concerning yesterday?"

Isabella’s face crumpled, and tears welled up in her eyes. "I have been crying since last night when Mrs. Joyce gave me the letter," she sobbed, her voice trembling. "I miss Father already."

Suzy’s heart ached for Isabella. She went to hug her, pulling her close. "It’s fine, Isabella," she whispered softly. "I’m here for you."

Isabella sobbed uncontrollably, burying her face in Suzy’s shoulder. Suzy held her tightly, stroking her hair gently, trying to calm her down. "There, there," she murmured soothingly. "It’s okay to grieve. Let it all out."

Isabella continued to weep, her body shaking with grief. Suzy remained silent, offering comfort and support. She knew that words were inadequate at a time like this. All Isabella needed was a shoulder to lean on, a listening ear, and the love of someone close.

Slowly, Isabella pulled back, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief. "I’m sorry," she apologized, her voice hoarse. "I shouldn’t have upset you."

Suzy smiled gently. "Don’t worry about it, Isabella. I understand. It’s natural to feel this way."

Isabella looked at her sister, her eyes red-rimmed. "Thank you, Cassandra. For being here for me."

Suzy squeezed her hand. "Of course, Isabella. I’m always here for you."

Slowly, Isabella began to calm down, her sobs subsiding into quiet sniffles. Suzy gently wiped away the remaining tears from her sister’s face.

"Would you like some tea?" Suzy offered, her voice soft. "Perhaps some biscuits?"

Isabella nodded gratefully. "That would be lovely."

Suzy called out, "Who’s outside?"

A maid entered, curtseying. "Your Grace, you called?"

Suzy instructed, "Bring tea and biscuits, please."

The maid curtsied and left. A few moments later, the maid returned with a tray of tea and biscuits. They sipped their tea quietly.

Isabella explained to Suzy, "Senna’s mother came to the manor this morning. She wanted to take me with them."

Suzy frowned.

Isabella continued , "I didn’t know why I can’t choose who I get to stay with because I don’t want to go with them."

Isabella took a sip and smiled. "I’m so glad i didn’t have to. Then I saw a carriage arriving at the courtyard."

Suzy smiled. "When you saw the Carleton insignia, did you know it was me?"

Isabella nodded eagerly. "Yes! I was so happy! The coachman told me to pack my belongings and get in. I couldn’t believe my luck."

Later, as they shared a light lunch, Isabella noticed Suzy’s distracted gaze. "Something is troubling you, Cassandra," she observed. "Is it His Grace?"

Suzy hesitated, keeping her cup on the saucer. "Ryan is investigating a murder case," she revealed, her voice low. "I’m sure it’s related to father’s death. But Lord Evan... I suspect he may be involved somehow."

Isabella’s eyes widened. "Lord Evan? Who’s that?"

Suzy replied. " Lord Evan is Ryan’s cousin. He has been here for a while now."

Isabella took a sip of her tea. "Maybe he’s harmless." She said.

"Appearances can be deceiving, Isabella," Suzy warned. "He’s ambitious, cunning. I wouldn’t put anything past him."

Isabella pondered this for a moment.

Suzy continued. "Something’s off. I can feel it."