My Bratty Wife

"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?"