My Bratty Wife

The grand Assembly Rooms, generously loaned for the occasion by a city alderman, buzzed with an excited energy that belied the charitable nature of the event. Sunlight, somewhat muted by the tall, arched windows, illuminated a sea of elegantly dressed nobles, merchants, and their wives, all gathered for the much-anticipated charity auction in aid of the Carleton Duchy Orphanage. Well dressed staffs, taken from Chateau Valeré itself, moved discreetly through the aisles, directing latecomers to the few remaining velvet-cushioned chairs and offering programas detailing the lots up for bid.

In the front row, Suzy sat with a composed exterior that cleverly masked the flutters in her stomach. Noah stood dutifully beside her chair, a reassuringly solid presence. She fiddled nervously with the delicate ivory sticks of her folded fan, tapping it lightly against her gloved palm. So much depended on today’s success. Ryan was occupied with his ducal duties and the ongoing, grim investigation, leaving the smooth execution of this crucial fundraising event largely on her shoulders.

The chattering quieted as a distinguished gentleman with a neat grey beard and a resonant voice stepped onto the raised dais at the front of the room. This was Mr. Albright, a renowned auctioneer who had offered his services free of charge. He tapped his gavel — ( a small mallet which an auctioneer uses to call for attention) lightly. "My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen," he began, his voice filling the hall, "welcome! We are gathered today for a most noble cause – to support the wonderful children of the Carleton Duchy Orphanage. Generosity, I trust, will be the order of the day!"

A polite ripple of applause went through the room.

The auction began. The first few lots – a handsome silver tea service, a small landscape painting by a promising local artist, a bolt of exquisite French lace – went for respectable sums, the bidding active but not overly passionate. Suzy watched, her heart thumping.

Then, Mr. Albright announced, "Our next item, ladies and gentlemen, is a truly charming piece with a notable provenance. Lot number seven: a magnificent Louis Quinze style ormolu-mounted dressing table mirror, formerly the property of the late, much-esteemed Duchess Leah of Carleton." He gestured to a beautifully crafted mirror, its frame adorned with gilded cherubs and intricate scrollwork, held up by two assistants. "A piece of history, and a testament to impeccable taste. Shall we start the bidding at, say, five hundred gold coins?"

A murmur went through the crowd. Duchess Leah had been a well known noble, and her belongings were highly coveted.

"Five hundred I have!" Mr. Albright declared, spotting a raised hand. "Six hundred? Do I hear six hundred?"

"Six hundred !" called a stout lady in a formidable feathered hat.

"Seven hundred from the gentleman in the third row!"

"Eight hundred!"