My Bratty Wife
Chapter 167 - Hundred And Sixty Seven

Chapter 167: Chapter Hundred And Sixty Seven

Suzy stirred, the soft rustling of fabric and the faint sounds of movement pulling her from sleep. She turned her head, her eyes still heavy with sleep, and found Ryan’s side of the bed empty. She looked up and saw him standing near the mirror, already dressed and preparing for the day. The morning light streamed through the window, illuminating his figure, highlighting the sharp lines of his jaw and the gentle curve of his smile. He was adjusting his cravat, his movements precise and efficient.

When his eyes met hers, he smiled warmly. "Good morning, my Duchess," he said, his voice soft and affectionate. "You know you should be out of bed by now."

Suzy groaned softly and rolled onto her side, moving to the edge of the bed. She let her head fall back onto the mattress, her eyes gazing up at the ceiling. "I don’t have the energy to do anything," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

Ryan stopped what he was doing, his expression immediately shifting to one of concern. He turned to her, his brow furrowed. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.

"I’m fine," Suzy replied, her voice slightly stronger. "I just... I don’t have the energy to deal with those ladies."

"Those ladies?" Ryan asked, raising an eyebrow.

"The ones at the afternoon tea," Suzy clarified, her voice filled with a hint of dread. "Do I really have to go?"

Ryan smiled, a gentle, reassuring smile. "You have to," he said softly. "You accepted the invitation."

Suzy sighed," but they don’t like me." Her gaze still fixed on the ceiling. "I’ll only go if you give me a kiss," she said, her voice teasing. "Because I’ll need it to..."

She was interrupted as Ryan leaned down, his face coming close to hers. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead, then gently kissed her lips, his touch lingering for a moment. He pulled back, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He then returned to the mirror to finish his preparations.

"Will you go now?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of playful challenge.

Suzy, her cheeks still flushed from the kiss, smiled. "Yes," she replied, her voice light and teasing, "but only because you asked nicely."

Ryan chuckled, a low, warm sound. "Of course," he said, his smile widening. He turned back to her, his eyes filled with affection. "Have a good day, my Duchess. I’ll see you later."

He placed a soft kiss on her palm, his touch lingering for a moment, then turned and left the room. Suzy watched him go, a warm smile playing on her lips. The lingering warmth of his kiss and the gentle affection in his eyes filled her with a sense of peace.

She rose from the bed and made her way to the bathing room, the warm water already prepared. She bathed slowly, allowing the soothing warmth to ease the lingering stiffness from her muscles. She washed her hair, the fragrant soap filling the air with a delicate scent. As she dried herself with a soft towel, she thought of the day ahead, the gathering she was about to attend. She sighed softly, steeling herself for the social niceties, gossips and some polite conversations.

"What’s tea without gossip?" She said as she let out another sigh.

She dressed carefully, selecting a simple yet elegant beige dress that flattered her figure. She added a pair of pristine white gloves, their soft leather smooth against her skin.

She moved to the vanity, her gaze meeting her reflection in the mirror. Since Doris’s death, she had been determined to take care of herself, to do things herself. She picked up a brush and began to style her hair, her movements deliberate and precise. She pulled her hair into a neat, low bun, securing it with pins. She then placed a stylish hat on her head, adjusting it until it sat perfectly. She added a pair of pearl earrings and a diamond necklace, the subtle shimmer of the jewels adding a touch of understated elegance to her ensemble. Finally, she picked up her fan, its lace a familiar comfort.

As she stepped out of her room, she found Noah waiting for her. "You’re Grace," he said, bowing respectfully.

"Is the carriage ready, Noah?" she asked, her voice calm and composed, as she walked down the hallway.

"Yes, Your Grace," Noah replied. "Myself and a maid, Miss Irene, whom I recommended, will accompany you."

"Very well then," Suzy said, nodding in approval. She was pleased with Noah’s initiative.

She walked beside him as they made their way down the hallway and into the courtyard, where the carriage awaited. The coachman stood beside the carriage, holding the door open. Suzy stepped into the carriage, the soft cushions a welcome comfort. Noah gave the coachman the address, and with a gentle sway, the carriage began its journey. The wheels turned, the horses trotted, and the day began.

She looked out the window, watching the familiar scenery pass by, her mind already turning to the tasks that awaited her.

————————-

The garden of Viscountess Daphne was a fusion of delicate sounds. The gentle clinking of porcelain teacups mingled with the soft murmur of ladies’ voices, creating a delicate, almost ethereal ambiance.

Servants glided through the garden, offering trays laden with fragrant tea and delicate scones. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming roses and the subtle aroma of freshly baked pastries.

Viscountess Daphne, dazzling in a gown of pale blue silk, presided over the gathering with an air of quiet confidence. She smiled warmly at her guests, her eyes sparkling with genuine pleasure.

One of the ladies, her voice laced with admiration, turned to Viscountess Daphne. "My Viscountess," she said, her gaze sweeping over the carefully manicured garden, "what a lovely garden you have."

Another lady, her eyes wide with appreciation, chimed in, "Indeed. I haven’t seen a more lovely garden since... since the late Duchess Leah’s." A hush fell over the group as the mention of the late Duchess’s name hung in the air. The first lady, her expression turning somber, made a small, reverent sign of the cross on her chest and kissed her hand. "May her soul rest in peace," she whispered.

Viscountess Daphne, her smile softening, replied, "Thank you all so much for accepting my invitation. As you know, I recently married the Viscount two months ago, and... well, we consummated our marriage. I’m with child."

A wave of delighted gasps and congratulatory murmurs rippled through the group. Viscountess Daphne blushed slightly, her eyes shining with happiness.

The other ladies offered their congratulations, their voices filled with genuine warmth.

However, one of them, her brow furrowed slightly, asked, "Hasn’t Duke Ryan been married for a year now? Why isn’t the Duchess showing any signs of pregnancy?" A flicker of unease passed through the group, the unspoken question hanging heavy in the air.

Another lady leaned closer to her companion, whispering conspiratorially, "Or is she barren?" The whisper, though intended to be private, carried across the garden, a subtle undercurrent of gossip and hearsay.

Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the uneasy silence. All eyes turned towards the path, where Suzy was walking towards them.