My Bratty Wife
Chapter 79 - Seventy Nine

Chapter 79: Chapter Seventy Nine

The carriage ride to the Count’s manor was a journey filled with silence. Davis expertly navigated the horse through the winding roads, while Noah sat beside him, his gaze fixed on the road ahead.

Inside the carriage, Doris sat close to the window giving Suzy and Ryan their personal space as she stared at the window watching the passing scenery. Beside her sat Suzy who was lost in the pages of a book, her expression a mixture of concentration and amusement. The soft glow of the afternoon sun cast a warm hue on her face, highlighting the freckles scattered across her nose and cheeks. Her hair, braided into a low bun, framed her face perfectly, the pearl earrings, necklace and a pair of wrist length gloves added a touch of beauty, and the lavender hat she wore added a touch of elegance to her simple yet captivating appearance.

Ryan sitting across her, found himself mesmerized by her. The way she held the book, her fingers tracing the words with a delicate touch, was a sight to behold. Her lips moved silently as she read, a subtle smile playing on her face showing her dimples. He couldn’t help but wonder what she was reading, what stories were captivating her imagination.

Her natural beauty, devoid of any makeup or artifice, was a stark contrast to the heavily made-up women he usually encountered. Her freckles, a feature often overlooked or dismissed as imperfections, added a unique charm to her face. Ryan found himself drawn to them, each one a tiny constellation on her flawless skin.

He wanted to reach out and touch her, to trace the delicate curves of her face with his fingertips. He wanted to kiss away those tiny little dots, one by one, leaving his mark on her skin, marking his territory in a way that only lovers could as he removes her hat and the pins securing her hair letting them fall, his hands raking through those soft curls. The desire to pull her close, to kiss those soft plum lips that tempt him while gently pulling off her gloves to kiss her palm, to feel her warmth against his, was overwhelming.

But he resisted the urge, his mind battling with his desires. He had to be patient, to play his cards right. Rushing things would only scare her away.

"Are you alright, Your Grace ?" Doris asked, her voice breaking the silence. "You’re sweating."

Ryan blinked, startled from his reverie. "What? No, I’m fine," he replied, his voice slightly hoarse.

Suzy looked up from her book, her brown eyes meeting his. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. "You seem to be sweating too much."

Ryan cleared his throat, forcing himself to regain his composure. "It’s just hot in here," he replied, his voice steady.

Suzy nodded, her expression still filled with concern. He knew she was worried about him, and it touched him more than he was willing to admit.

She continued to read, her world lost in the pages of her book. The rhythmic sway of the carriage lulled her into a state of relaxation, and for a moment, she forgot about the complexities of her life.

As they traveled deeper into the countryside, the landscape changed, the lush greenery of the city giving way to rolling hills and sprawling fields. The air was fresh and clean, and the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape.

Suzy closed her book, her eyes drawn to the breathtaking scenery. The beauty of the countryside always had a calming effect on her, and she found herself feeling at peace.

As she turned to look at Ryan, she noticed the change in his expression. He seemed to be deep in thought, his eyes fixed on the horizon. She wondered what was going on in his mind.

As they drew closer to the Count’s manor, a sense of dread washed over her. She knew what awaited her there, the cold indifference of that man, Count Edmund, the constant reminders of Cassandra so called disabilities and being a disappointment to the family.

She glanced at Ryan, seeking some form of reaction from him, but he seemed lost in his own thoughts. The silence between them stretched, a heavy weight hanging in the air.

As the carriage pulled up to the imposing gates of the manor, Suzy took a deep breath. This was going to be interesting, she thought to herself. Very interesting indeed.

———————-

The sound of horses neighing echoed through the still evening air, a familiar melody that filled Isabella with a sense of anticipation. She rushed to the window, her heart pounding with excitement. There, in the driveway, was a familiar carriage, The duchy’s Carleton insignia and to her delight, she saw Suzy emerging, her hand gently held by the Duke.

"Cassandra is here with the Duke!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy.

The sound of her voice drew the attention of the rest of the family. Count Edmund quickly rose from his seat, his face adorned with a mask of forced pleasantness. Countess Helene followed suit, her smile a thin veneer hiding her true feelings.

Joining them was Isabella’s cousin, Countess Helene’s niece, Senna, a young woman with similar age to Cassandra with an air of superiority that grated on Isabella’s nerves. Senna, with her perfectly braided hair and flawless makeup, was the epitome of the aristocratic woman, a stark contrast to Isabella’s more down-to-earth demeanor.

As Suzy and Ryan stepped into the manor, they were greeted with a chorus of welcomes, each voice carrying a different shade of sincerity. Count Edmund, as the head of the household, offered his hand, a gesture that was more of an obligation than a welcome.

"Welcome home, Cassandra," He greeted, his voice laced with a forced warmth.

"It’s good to be back, Father," Suzy replied, her voice polite but distant.

Countess Helene embraced Suzy with exaggerated affection. "My dear, you look absolutely radiant," she gushed, her eyes scanning Suzy from head to toe.

And Senna, with a condescending air, extended her hand, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

"Welcome, dear Cassandra," Senna purred, her voice laced with a hint of condescension. "It’s been far too long."

Suzy forced a smile, her gaze shifting to Isabella, who was beaming with genuine happiness. Isabella was the only sane person in this family.

"Thank you," Suzy replied, her voice barely a whisper.

As the group moved towards the dining room, the servants scurried to accommodate their guests. Luggage was taken away, and the table was set with an impressive array of dishes.

As they entered the dining room, a feast fit for a king awaited them. The table was laden with an array of dishes, each one more tempting than the last. Suzy’s eyes widened in surprise. It seemed the family had gone all out to impress Ryan.

But as she sat down, a sense of unease crept over her. This sudden display of hospitality seemed too good to be true. What were they planning?

Ryan, sensing her unease, reached out and pulled out her chair, a gesture of chivalry that surprised even him. As she sat down, he took his seat beside her, his presence a comforting anchor in the midst of the hostile surroundings.

Count Edmund cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "And what brings you here, Your Grace ?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of curiosity.

"I’ll be away for a while," Ryan replied, his tone casual. "I have some matters to attend to, and I thought it best to leave the duchess in the care of her family."

Count Edmund nodded, his expression impassive. "Of course," he replied, his voice dripping with false politeness. " Leave her to us, she’ll be well taken care of."

Countess Helene, never one to miss an opportunity to stir the pot, turned her attention to Suzy. "Cassandra, darling," she began, her voice dripping with condescension, "why didn’t you wear your veil? A little makeup wouldn’t hurt either. You look rather... plain."

Suzy’s patience was wearing thin. "I prefer to go without," she replied, her voice firm.

"As you wish, dear," Countess Helene said, her smile forced. "But remember, appearances are everything in this world."

"My husband doesn’t complain about it," she replied, her voice calm and collected.

Ryan chuckled lightly as he thinks to himself that he now enjoys her calling him Her Husband. The Countess’s face flushed with annoyance, but she quickly regained her composure.

Suzy ignored her, turning her attention back to her food. She was determined not to let the Countess ruin her meal.

The rest of the meal passed in a blur of polite conversation and strained silences. As they reached the end of the meal, Suzy stood up, her relief palpable. She had endured enough for one day.

"I’m tired," she announced, her voice firm. "I think I’ll retire for the night."

With that, she turned and left the dining room, her footsteps echoing in the silent hallway. She needed to be alone, to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the manor and retreat to the sanctuary of her room.