Chapter 34 - Thirty Four
The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across the room as Suzy curled up with the last of the books for the Carleton ball. Mrs. Agatha’s dismissal had caused a minor ripple in the castle, but things were settling back into a semblance of normalcy. Suzy had seen Mary’s dedication and work ethic, so she had recommended her to Mr. Bradford for the vacant housekeeper position. The steward, surprised but relieved to have a reliable replacement, readily agreed.
A satisfied smile played on Suzy’s lips as she flipped the final page. The mystery of the missing gold coins and the previous librarian’s dismissal was finally solved. A pang of guilt touched her – the man’s reputation likely forever tarnished. She vowed to see if anything could be done to rectify that injustice. Ryan, however, hadn’t even offered a word on the matter. This silence, this lack of control, rankled Suzy.
She muttered a scathing, "Pompous sissy," under her breath before squaring her shoulders.
A knock on the door startled her out of her concentration. "Come in," she called, her voice echoing in the vast room.
The door creaked open, revealing Mary, her usual warm smile replaced by a hint of nervousness. "Your Grace" she curtsied, her voice deferential.
"Mary," Suzy greeted with a warm smile. "Please, no need for formalities. How are you settling in as the new housekeeper?"
A blush crept up Mary’s cheeks. "It’s... a bit overwhelming, Your Grace," she admitted, "but I’m determined to do a good job. Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility."
Suzy nodded, a flicker of pride in her eyes. "You deserve it, Mary. You’ve always been dedicated and hardworking. The castle will run smoothly under your capable hands."
Mary beamed, her smile genuine and heartfelt. "Thank you, Your Grace. Is there anything else you need before I retire for the night?"
Suzy glanced at the clock striking eight. "No, Mary," she replied. "That’s all for now. You get some rest."
As Mary curtsied and left the room, Suzy turned back to the books. She had devoured the content with an insatiable curiosity, the history of the Carleton Ball slowly unraveling before her eyes.