My Bratty Wife

Not long after they reached the bottom of the grand staircase, the sound of carriage wheels crunching on the gravel of the courtyard reached their ears. Ryan glanced towards the large windows overlooking the entrance. "That should be Byron," he murmured.

True enough, a moment later, a well-maintained carriage bearing a familiar crest pulled to a stop. A footman hurried to open the door, and Lord Byron, Ryan’s younger brother, stepped out. He was dressed smartly for travel, but his eyes immediately scanned the entrance, finding Ryan and Suzy waiting just inside the open doors.

Relief and worry warred on Byron’s face. "Brother!!!" he exclaimed, his voice carrying across the courtyard, full of genuine concern. He strode quickly towards the entrance stairs, his arms already opening wide for an embrace.

Ryan gave Suzy’s hand, which was still resting on his arm, a gentle, reassuring tap. She understood immediately and released her hold, stepping back slightly.

Ryan moved forward to meet his brother on the top step. Byron rushed forward and enveloped Ryan in a tight hug. The well-intentioned force of it, however, pressed against Ryan’s bandaged waist, causing him to let out an involuntary groan of pain, his hand instinctively going to his side.

Byron pulled back instantly, his face etched with alarm. "Ryan! I’m so sorry! Did I hurt you?"

Ryan managed a tight smile, waving off the apology even as he took a careful breath. "It’s fine, Byron. Really. Just caught me off guard." He clapped his brother gently on the shoulder.

"Duchess," Byron bowed, " nice seeing you again."

" Lord Byron " Suzy curtsied, a small smile spread across her face. " nice to see you too."

" You can go in with him, I’ll welcome Evan myself." Suzy whispered to Ryan , her voice soft. Ryan nodded. "Come inside. Let’s go to the study where we can talk properly." He guided his concerned brother into the castle, leaving Suzy standing alone in the vast entrance hall for a moment.

Only a few minutes passed before the distinct sound of another carriage arriving broke the relative quiet. Suzy smoothed the front of her emerald dress, composing her features into a polite but serious mask. She knew this arrival would be more difficult. She walked back towards the open entrance doors just as the second carriage, grander and perhaps slightly more ostentatious than Byron’s, rolled to a halt.

Brook got down and hurried to open the carriage door. Lord Evan, Ryan’s cousin, emerged. He paused for a moment, adjusting his cuffs, a picture of aristocratic confidence. Then he looked up towards the castle entrance.