My Bratty Wife
Chapter 188 - Hundred And Eighty Eight

Chapter 188: Chapter Hundred And Eighty Eight

"Would you like more tea, Your Grace?" Irene asked, holding the teapot poised over Suzy’s cup.

"No, thank you, Irene," Suzy replied, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I’m quite full."

"Very well, Your Grace," Irene said, placing the teapot back on the tray. "Is there anything else I can get for you?"

"No, that will be all," Suzy said, her gaze drifting back to the letter in her hand. "You may go."

Irene nodded and quietly left the room, leaving Suzy alone with her thoughts and the lingering scent of tea. She was seated on a plush lounge chair near the window, the sunlight warming her face as she reread Ryan’s letter. After finishing, she gazed out at the sprawling landscape, admiring the verdant fields and distant hills. The beauty of the scene was a welcome distraction, but her thoughts kept returning to Ryan.

She began to idly fiddle with the Blackwood ring that hung around her neck, a delicate chain holding it close to her heart. "When will he be done with everything?" she murmured to herself, her voice tinged with longing. "I miss him."

A knock on the door interrupted her reverie. "It’s me, my child," a familiar voice echoed from outside.

"Oh, do come in, Mrs. Agnes," Suzy replied, her voice brightening slightly.

Mrs. Agnes entered, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Your Grace," she began, her gaze sweeping across the room. "Why don’t you go outside and see things? A little fresh air might do you good. You have been indoor far too long."

"I’m not really in the mood," Suzy replied, her gaze drifting back to the window.

Mrs. Agnes picked up the tray with the finished tea and leftover pastries, her movements slow and delicate. "Of course, Your Grace," she said, her voice gentle. She walked slowly towards the door, then paused, turning back to Suzy. "But I think it would take your mind off His Grace for a moment, wouldn’t you agree?"

Suzy paused, considering Mrs. Agnes’s words. Perhaps a breath of fresh air would clear her head, chase away the lingering loneliness. "Mrs. Agnes," she said, her voice slightly louder. "Could you call Noah for me? And I’ll need Irene to help me dress."

Mrs. Agnes’s smile widened. "Of course, Your Grace," she said, her voice filled with quiet satisfaction. She left the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Moments later, Noah and Irene entered. Noah bowed slightly, his expression attentive. "You requested my presence, Your Grace?" he asked.

"Yes, Noah," Suzy replied. "Please prepare the carriage. I’d like to go for a drive. I have someone to see."

"Certainly, Your Grace," Noah said. He bowed again and left the room.

Irene approached, her movements graceful and efficient. "What would you like to wear, Your Grace?" she asked.

Suzy considered for a moment. "A beige dress, I think," she said. "And a matching hat and shoes."

Irene nodded and began to select the appropriate garments, laying them out on the bed. She then helped Suzy dress, her movements gentle and practiced. Once Suzy was dressed, Irene presented her with a pair of short gloves.

As Irene reached for the Blackwood ring around Suzy’s neck, intending to replace it with a matching piece of jewelry, Suzy gently stopped her. "Leave it," she said, her voice soft but firm. "I want to keep it on."

Irene hesitated, then nodded. "As you wish, Your Grace," she said. "I only thought a matching necklace would complement your dress."

"It’s quite alright, Irene," Suzy reassured her. "I prefer to keep this one."

Irene replied. "Of course, Your Grace," adding the finishing touches to her low bun hairstyle.

Finished with her dressing, Suzy walked down the hall and out into the courtyard, where Noah stood patiently beside the waiting carriage. He opened the door for her, assisting her as she stepped inside. She settled into the plush seats, and Noah followed, taking his place opposite her. The carriage began to move, its wheels rumbling over the cobblestones.

She gazed out the window, enjoying the passing scenery. The rolling hills, the lush green fields, and the quaint villages were a welcome distraction from her thoughts.

"Where would you like to go, Your Grace?" Noah asked, his voice respectful.

Suzy, still looking out the window, didn’t turn back. "Let’s go to the Carleton marketplace," she replied, her voice soft. "I heard it’s not far from here."

Noah nodded. "As you wish, Your Grace," he said, and relayed the instructions to the driver.

Suzy continued to gaze out the window, lost in her thoughts for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, she turned to face Noah, her expression serious. "You are still following Brook, right?" she asked.

"Yes, Your Grace," Noah confirmed, his eyes meeting hers.

"Have you gotten any information?" she asked, her voice laced with anticipation.

"Well, Lord Evan just goes hunting and visits the King," Noah replied, his voice neutral. "No suspicious activity yet."

Suzy’s brow furrowed slightly. "What about Brook?" she asked.

"Though he isn’t as careful as his master, he’s quite smart," Noah replied. "He leaves Lord Evan’s residence every night, taking different routes to avoid being followed. But I’m sure he’s up to no good."

Suzy turned her gaze back to the window, her expression thoughtful. "Of course he is," she murmured. "Be careful though, I don’t want to lose another person close to me."

Noah felt the weight of her words, the unspoken grief that lingered in her voice. He nodded solemnly. "I will be careful, Your Grace," he promised.

"Good," Suzy replied, her voice soft. The carriage continued its journey, the silence within broken only by the rhythmic clatter of the horse’s hooves and the gentle rumble of the wheels.

A few moments later, the carriage began to slow down, and the bustling sounds of the Carleton marketplace filled the air. Suzy’s mood visibly brightened as she took in the vibrant scene. The stalls were overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables, their colors a feast for the eyes. The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pastries wafted from behind the sellers’ glass counters. Beautiful fabrics, shimmering in a mixture of hues, were displayed in neat stacks. And colorful flowers, their petals bursting with life, were being sold by eager vendors.

The lively atmosphere, the mixture of sounds, the vibrant colors, and the enticing smells all combined to lift Suzy’s spirits. She felt a surge of excitement, a desire to explore the marketplace and immerse herself in its lively energy. She couldn’t wait to visit Madame Helena’s store.

However, something else caught her attention, pulling her away from the colorful displays. She noticed a suspicious figure in hiding, checking in and out of the movements of her carriage. The figure, despite its attempts at concealment, felt strangely familiar, sending a shiver of unease down Suzy’s spine.

The carriage had come to a complete stop, but Suzy remained lost in her thoughts, her gaze fixed on the crowd.

"Your Grace," Noah called, his voice slightly louder than usual. Suzy didn’t respond, her mind preoccupied with the idea of being watched.

"Your Grace," Noah repeated, his voice laced with gentle concern.

Suzy still didn’t react, her eyes still scanning the length and width of the marketplace, looking for the mysterious figure.

"Your Grace!" Noah called a third time, his voice sharp and urgent.

Suzy startled, her eyes widening as she snapped back to reality. She turned to Noah, her cheeks flushed slightly. "I’m sorry, Noah," she said, her voice apologetic. "I was lost in thought. What were you saying?"

Noah offered a reassuring smile. "We have arrived at the modiste store," he said, gesturing towards a shop with an elegant exterior.