The morning air held a crisp coolness, though the sun promised warmth later in the day. In the wide, gravelled courtyard of Blackwood Castle, there was a quiet bustle of activity. Sturdy guards oversaw the loading of several travelling trunks and cases into a waiting carriage, its dark paint gleaming softly. Maids hurried back and forth under the watchful eye of Irene, Suzy's personal maid, who ensured everything was packed securely and logically. Noah stood stoically beside the open carriage door, his gaze scanning the surroundings.
Apart from the flurry of preparations stood Suzy. She was dressed simply but elegantly for travel in a deep blue day dress, a modest hat tied securely beneath her chin, and soft leather gloves covering her hands. Despite her attire, her posture was rigid, her arms crossed firmly over her chest, her expression set in stubborn lines. She watched the proceedings with undisguised disapproval.
