My Bratty Wife

The late morning sun warmed the cobblestones of the Chateau Valeré’s charming central courtyard. Servants moved quietly, loading the last of the luggage into the ducal carriage.

"Nine and ten," Irene announced, ticking off the final valise on her mental checklist. Her voice, usually soft, carried a clear note of finality as she supervised the footmen securing the luggage rack. She smoothed down her dress and walked over to where Suzy and Ryan stood near the carriage steps. Ryan was gently helping Suzy put on her soft leather gloves, his fingers lingering on hers for a moment longer than strictly necessary.

"We’re all done, Your Grace," Irene said with a slight curtsy to Suzy. "The last of the items have been loaded."

Suzy smiled warmly at her handmaiden. "Thank you, Irene. You’ve been wonderfully efficient, as always." She turned to Ryan, her expression a mixture of gentle sadness and resolve. "Well, my dear, I believe we are set to leave this little haven."

Ryan offered her his gloved hand. "Then let us not delay, my love." Suzy placed her hand in his, and he assisted her into the spacious, well-sprung carriage. He followed, settling beside her as the footman closed the door with a solid click. With a nod from Ryan, the driver signaled the horses, and the carriage lurched forward, beginning its journey back to Carleton.

Inside, the carriage was comfortably appointed, the velvet squabs soft, the journey smoothed by excellent suspension. For a while, they rode in companionable silence, watching the sun-dappled vineyards of the Valeré estate give way to open countryside. Suzy leaned her head against Ryan’s shoulder, his arm instinctively going around her.

After some time, she broke the silence. "Ryan," she began, her voice thoughtful, "when do you expect Evan’s body to arrive at Carleton?"

Ryan tightened his hold slightly. "I received a dispatch by courier just before we left the chateau this morning," he replied. "Chief Investigator Hemlock informed me that Evan’s remains will reach Carleton by tomorrow afternoon. We’ll arrange the burial for the day after tomorrow. A swift but dignified affair, given the circumstances."

Suzy nodded slowly. "The day after tomorrow," she repeated. "That means the annual orphanage jubilee is scheduled for two days after Evan’s burial." She looked up at him, a flicker of concern in her eyes. The orphanage, one of the most cherished charitable endeavors, relied heavily on the auction for its funding. "Will that... will that be too much, so soon after?"