My Bratty Wife
Chapter 178 - Hundred And Seventy Eight

Chapter 178: Chapter Hundred And Seventy Eight

A Week Later ...

"Your Grace!" Davis shouted, bursting into Ryan’s study, his face flushed with excitement. "Thorne sent a message!"

Ryan collected the envelope, noting its distinctive blue color. He smiled, recognizing it immediately and understanding Davis’s sudden burst of energy. Thorne had sent a letter days ago, stating he had found a substantial lead. This blue envelope was likely the follow-up.

Ryan opened the envelope, pulling out the folded paper. To his surprise, the paper appeared completely blank. He held it up to the light of the lamp on his desk, but it remained stubbornly blank.

Davis, his curiosity getting the better of him, asked, "It’s blank. What does that mean?"

"Thorne wouldn’t send an empty letter," Ryan replied, his brow furrowed in thought.

He placed the envelope and the paper on the desk, his mind racing, trying to decipher the hidden message.

Suddenly, it hit him. He picked up the envelope and carefully spread it open, examining it closely. He then held it up to the lamp, and words began to appear, shimmering into view. He smiled, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. Davis stared in astonishment.

"Thorne has always been the master of laying low," Ryan said, his voice laced with admiration. He began to read the message aloud:

"Your Grace," it began. "I’m sorry for my incompetence but I have a very important clue. The deaths of the first four nobles were part of a parliament who passed an unfair judgment on a low-ranking noble. The others who died are as a result of them knowing something, a personal vendetta or are related to the Parliament. I’ll continue from my end while I trust you handle yours from your end."

Ryan placed the two papers back under the flame of the lamp and watched as they turned to ash, the message disappearing completely. He turned to Davis, his expression serious. "Find out everything about that parliament," he ordered. "Report anything you find, nothing is too insignificant to report and send my letter to the duchess."

"Of course, Your Grace," Davis replied, bowing slightly before leaving the study.

Ryan looked down at the ribbon tied around his wrist, the ribbon he had taken from Suzy the night at his chateau. He smiled, a soft, tender smile. "I wonder how she’s faring," he murmured to himself, his thoughts filled with her image. " I wonder if I’ll be there on time?"

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"Your Grace!" Irene exclaimed, bursting into Suzy’s room, her voice filled with excitement. "His Grace sent a letter!"

Suzy looked up from her desk, a warm smile spreading across her face. She placed her quill down, her eyes lighting up at the mention of Ryan. "This is the fourth letter this week," she said, her voice laced with happiness, as she reached for the envelope Irene held out to her.

She opened the envelope, her fingers tracing the familiar handwriting, and read the contents:

"My dear Duchess,

How are you faring? I miss your presence. I’m sorry I’m not by your side, but I will be soon. I know Mrs. Agnes is taking good care of you, so I’m at peace knowing you are okay. I love you. Stay safe.

Your Husband, your Ryan."

Suzy carefully folded the letter and placed it with the others, a small collection of Ryan’s words that she treasured. She looked at Irene, her smile softening. "Please ask Noah to come to my study," she said.

Before Irene left the room, she paused, her expression thoughtful. "Your Grace," she reminded, "you have an evening gathering you’re supposed to attend with His Grace but since he’s not available you will be going alone."

Suzy nodded, a slight frown creasing her brow. She had almost forgotten. "Yes, I remember," she replied. "Thank you, Irene."

Irene curtsied and left the room, leaving Suzy to her thoughts. She missed Ryan, his presence, his warmth, his untouched. His letters were a comfort, a reminder that he was thinking of her, but they couldn’t replace the feeling of his arms around her.

A few minutes later, Noah entered the study, his posture respectful. "Your Grace," he greeted.

Suzy turned to him, a stack of invitations in her hand. "Noah," she said, "I’ve finished finalizing the invitations for the jubilee. Please distribute them."

Noah took the invitations, his expression attentive. "Of course, Your Grace," he replied. He looked at the invitations then back at Suzy. "Will you be attending the gathering tonight?" He asked.

Suzy glanced out the window, observing the deepening twilight. The sky was painted with hues of orange and purple, signaling the approach of evening. She sighed, a hint of sadness in her voice. "I wish Ryan were here to accompany me," she murmured, her thoughts drifting to her husband.

She turned back to Noah, her expression resolute. "Please prepare the carriage for me," she instructed. "And ask Irene to come and help me get ready."

Noah nodded, his movements efficient. He gathered the invitations and turned to leave the room. "Of course, Your Grace," he replied. He paused at the door, a flicker of concern in his eyes. He had been noticing the slight changes in Suzy’s mood lately, the quiet moments of sadness that seemed to wash over her when she was alone. He wished he could do more to ease her worries.

He left the room, closing the door softly behind him. Suzy remained at her desk, her gaze fixed on the darkening sky. She revisited her old memories with Ryan. She missed their conversations, their playful banter, the quiet moments they spent together. She was grateful for the people around the chateau, but they were a mere substitute for the loneliness she feels inside.

She stood up and walked to the fireplace, the warmth radiating from the flames a comforting presence. She watched the flickering flames dance and sway, her mind drifting to Ryan. She wondered what he was doing, if he was safe, if he was progressing in what took him back to Carleton and when he’ll come back.

She knew she had to attend the gathering, to fulfill her social obligations, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of loneliness that settled over her. She wanted Ryan by her side. She wanted to feel his hand in hers, to hear his voice whispering words of comfort and affection. She wanted to feel safe.

She hoped the gathering would be short. She wanted to return to the chateau, to the quiet solitude of her room, and lose herself in the memories of their time together.