Chapter 208 - Two Hundred And Eight
Suzy leaned her head back against the cushioned seat, the rhythmic rumble of the wheels a soothing sound after the urgency and tension of the past few weeks. Relief washed over her, the simple relief of nearing the chateau, yet it was tinged with the lingering anxiety for Ryan, recuperating miles away. She was tired, a deep weariness that settled in her bones, not only from the long journey, but from the emotional weight she carried.
As the carriage rolled to a stop on the gravel forecourt, Suzy saw them waiting – a small gathering of familiar faces standing patiently on the steps. Mrs. Agnes, the head housekeeper whose presence had been a constant, comforting fixture for Ryan long before Suzy arrived, stood slightly ahead of the others. Maids in crisp grey uniforms and footmen stood respectfully behind her. They had clearly spotted the duchy crest emblazoned on the carriage door.
Before the footman could fully open the door, Noah, who had ridden alongside the carriage, was already there, offering Suzy his steady hand.
"Your Grace," he murmured.
Suzy took his hand, gathering her skirts and stepping down onto the gravel, feeling the slight stiffness in her limbs from sitting for so long.
Immediately, the assembled staff bowed their heads in unison. A soft chorus of voices greeted her, "Welcome back, Your Grace."
Suzy managed a small, tired smile. The formality felt strange after everything. "Please, raise your heads," she requested gently. Her voice was softer than usual.
Mrs. Agnes stepped forward, her kind face filled with concern, though she maintained her professional composure. "Welcome back, Your Grace. We are relieved to see you return safely." She dipped her head slightly.
Suzy reached out instinctively, placing a light hand on the older woman’s arm. "Not you too," she whispered, a touch of warmth entering her voice despite her fatigue. "Raise your head, Mrs. Agnes. Please."