My Bratty Wife
Chapter 60 - Sixty

Chapter 60: Chapter Sixty

A deep breath filled Suzy’s lungs as she stood outside Ryan’s study door. The polished oak glinted in the dim hallway light, adding to the air of formality, or rather, coldness, that seemed to emanate from the room itself. She had freshened up after the dance lesson, the memory of Ryan’s intense stare still lingering in her mind. Now, dressed in a simple yet elegant blue dress, she faced a new challenge – confronting Ryan in his own domain.

Suzy raised her hand, her fist hovering above the brass knocker. Hesitation gnawed at her. What did he want to discuss? Why did she feel so on edge? And why did his request feel so... ominous?

Taking a deep breath, she rapped on the door with a firm knock. The silence that followed seemed to stretch on forever. Just when she began to think he wasn’t there, a deep, emotionless voice echoed from within.

"Enter."

The single word held all the warmth of a winter blizzard. With a determined resolve, Suzy pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Ryan wasn’t at his usual desk, the one piled high with documents and maps. Instead, he sat in a plush armchair by the fireplace, a crackling fire casting flickering shadows on the walls. His posture was ramrod straight, his expression unreadable.

He gestured towards an armchair facing him, his voice cold and impersonal. "Sit."

Suzy eyed him with suspicion. This wasn’t the same Ryan she’d danced with moments ago, the one whose gaze had held a flicker of... something. This Ryan was back to his usual cold self, distant and impenetrable.

With a silent sigh, she crossed the room and settled into the armchair, her back ramrod straight. The plush cushion swallowed her petite frame, making her feel even smaller in the vastness of the room.

"You wanted to see me?" Suzy inquired, her voice barely above a whisper. The silence stretched on for a moment, the only sound the crackling fire and the frantic beat of her own heart.

Ryan remained silent for a long moment, his dark eyes locked on her face. He seemed to be scrutinizing her, searching for something, his gaze leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. Finally, he spoke, his words clipped and measured.

"The Carleton Ball, Duchess," he began, his voice devoid of its earlier coldness. "It appears we’re only three days away from the grand event."

Suzy straightened in her seat, a hint of surprise flickering across her features. "Indeed, Your Grace," she confirmed. "The preparations have been... extensive."

Weeks of planning, countless meetings with caterers and decorators, endless discussions about guest lists and entertainment – it had all been leading to this. The Carleton Ball was the pinnacle of the social season, and as the Duchess, the responsibility of a flawless execution fell squarely on her shoulders.

"And your preparations?" Ryan continued, his tone uncharacteristically inquisitive. "Have they been successful?"

Suzy met his gaze, a spark of pride igniting in her eyes. "I believe so, Your Grace," she replied confidently. "Everything is in place – the food, the music, the decorations. It will be a night to remember."

Ryan nodded curtly, a flicker of something resembling approval crossing his features. He reached for a stack of papers on a nearby table, flipping through them with practiced ease.

"I’ve reviewed your work with Mr. Bradford, the butler," he announced, his voice still formal. "The budget allocations seem to be in order."

Suzy felt a wave of relief wash over her. The financial aspect of the ball had been a constant source of worry. Knowing Ryan had approved the budget meant one less hurdle to overcome.

"Excellent," she said, allowing a small smile to grace her lips. "Thank you, Your Grace."

A beat of silence followed, then Ryan spoke again. "Mr. Bradford will be at your disposal for any last-minute requests," he said, his voice flat but not unkind. "You may send for him as needed."

Suzy rose to her feet, feeling a sense of accomplishment mixed with the lingering undercurrent of tension. "Thank you again, Your Grace," she repeated, offering a formal curtsy. "I believe I have everything under control."

She turned to leave, eager to return to her room. However, just as she reached the door, Ryan’s voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Duchess," he called out, a hint of something new in his voice – was it hesitation? "There’s one other matter."

Suzy turned back, a questioning look on her face. "Yes, Your Grace?"

"There seems to be a slight... discrepancy in the budget," Ryan said, his voice carefully neutral. "One that you may have overlooked."

Suzy’s brow furrowed in confusion. Discrepancy? She had carefully planned every detail of the ball, ensuring everything was accounted for. "A discrepancy?" she repeated, facing him. "What do you mean?"

Ryan met her gaze, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Your outfit, Duchess," he replied, his tone nonchalant. "It seems to be absent from the finalized budget."

Suzy’s jaw dropped. Her outfit! In all her careful planning, all the caterers, decorators, and musicians, she had completely forgotten to include her own dress. A wave of embarrassment washed over her, followed by a spark of irritation.

"Oh," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "Right. My outfit."

Ryan’s smirk widened slightly. "Mine is already prepared," he said, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

Suzy gritted her teeth. Of course, his would be ready. He never seemed to have any difficulties in being organized.

"Of course," she said, her voice regaining its composure. "Thank you for pointing that out, Your Grace."

Ryan simply nodded, his expression unreadable. With that, Suzy excused herself and hurried from the study.

Hurrying down the hallway, she reached the relative haven of her own room. Without wasting a moment, she called out, "Doris!"

Doris appeared moments later, her brow furrowed in concern. "Yes, Milady?" she inquired. "Is everything alright?"

Suzy wasted no time explaining the situation. "There’s been a bit of a fashion emergency, Doris," she declared. "We need to get in touch with Madame Helena right away. Have someone send a message requesting her immediate presence at the castle."

Doris’s eyes widened in surprise. A last-minute request for a dress was highly unusual. "Of course, Milady," she said, her voice filled with concern. "I’ll send a message right away."

With a nod of thanks, Suzy turned her attention to another pressing matter. She needed to speak with Mr. Bradford, the head butler. The budget discussion with Ryan had left some things unclear, and she needed to ensure everything was in order.

Spotting one of the young footmen, lingering in the hallway, she seized the opportunity. "Excuse me," she called out, her voice firm but kind. "Please find Mr. Bradford for me. Tell him I require his immediate attention."

The young footman, ever eager to please, bowed. "Right away, Your Grace!" he squeaked, practically sprinting out of the room in his haste to carry out her orders.

Suzy sank onto the plush chaise lounge, a sigh escaping her lips. The next few days were going to be a whirlwind of activity, which she knows will drain her of any little strength she has.

" After this ball" she thought to herself " I’m going to need a long vacation."

A gentle knock on the door startled Suzy from her thoughts. "Your Grace?" came Mr. Bradford’s voice, polite and formal.

Suzy straightened her posture on the chaise lounge. "Enter," she called out.

The door creaked open, and Mr. Bradford, the head butler, stepped into the room. His starched white shirt and impeccably tailored black trousers marked him as the epitome of a well-trained servant. He bowed respectfully.

"Your Grace," he began, his voice strained. "I apologize for the intrusion, but I was informed you wished to speak with me."

Suzy gestured towards an armchair beside the chaise lounge. "Please, Mr. Bradford," she said, offering him a warm smile. "Take a seat. We have much to discuss."

Mr. Bradford hesitated for a moment, then lowered himself into the chair with practiced grace and a grateful sigh. "Thank you, Your Grace," he murmured.

Suzy cut straight to the chase. "How are the preparations for the Carleton Ball progressing, Mr. Bradford?"

Mr. Bradford adjusted his spectacles, taking a deep breath. "Overall, Your Grace, things are going splendidly," he reported, his voice regaining its usual confidence. "The decorations will begin arriving tomorrow, and I’ve finalized the contracts with the musical entertainment."

He paused, a flicker of concern flitting across his features. "However, I haven’t had the opportunity to address the kitchen staff yet. There’s the matter of the menu, the staffing requirements..."

Suzy smiled reassuringly. "Don’t worry, Mr. Bradford," she interjected. "I’ll handle the kitchen, cleaning details and staffing myself. Mary, the head maid, and Mrs. Madelyn, the cook, are both very capable. Focus on the other aspects of the ball – the invitations, the security arrangements, anything else that requires your immediate attention."

Mr. Bradford’s face relaxed in relief. Having the Duchess take on some of the burden eased a significant weight from his shoulders. "Thank you, Your Grace," he said sincerely. "Your intervention is most welcome."

With a final bow, Mr. Bradford excused himself and exited the room. Just as the door closed behind him, Suzy heard another soft knock. This time, it was Doris, followed by a woman with a sharp gaze and an air of quiet confidence – Madame Helena, the renowned modiste.

"Milady," Doris announced, stepping aside to usher in the dressmaker.

Suzy stood up, a welcoming smile gracing her lips. "Madame Helena," she greeted, extending a hand. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."

Madame Helena took Suzy’s hand in a firm grasp. "The Duchess’s request," she replied in a voice that held a hint of amusement, "is one I couldn’t refuse. Though I must admit, a ball gown in three days... it will be a challenge, even for me. But for you, Duchess," she continued, her voice a whisper, " There’s no challenge I won’t take."

A wave of relief washed over Suzy as she smiled and mouthed a " thank you"