Chapter 31 - Thirty One
As the clinking of silverware faded and the staff began clearing the table, Suzy finally found her voice. "Doris," she called out, her voice strained.
Doris, ever attentive, materialized beside her with a concerned frown. "Yes, Milady?" she inquired.
Suzy took a deep breath, pushing away the untouched food on her plate. "Would you mind terribly," she began, "taking this to my room? And..." she hesitated for a moment, her cheeks flushing slightly, "perhaps you could find... a very good strong wine to accompany it?"
Doris’s eyes widened in surprise. Wine? And not just any wine, but a very strong one?
"A... a strong wine, Milady?" Doris stammered, her voice laced with disbelief. "But... wouldn’t that be..."
Suzy cut her off, a hint of defiance in her voice. "Doris," she said firmly, "tonight, I need a little... indulgence. Just find the strongest, most delicious wine you can, and please, no more lectures."
Doris’s lips pursed in disapproval. "Drinking is not a solution, Milady," she began, her voice firm but respectful. "And for a Duchess, it wouldn’t be..."
"Doris!" Suzy snapped, a rare spark of anger flashing in her eyes. "Just find the wine, please. And quickly."
Doris, sensing the Suzy’s rising frustration, bowed her head in submission. "Yes, Milady," she murmured, turning to leave. Suzy made her way to her bedroom, and Doris couldn’t help but worry about the consequences.