By late afternoon, just before Jamie's friends were due to arrive at the manor, Suzie gathered all the household staff. Pointing to a staff uniform and apron laid out on a table, she spoke in a calm voice.
"As you know, my husband and I had a hidden marriage. The guests arriving tonight are... special. So, for this evening's service, I'll be one of you. Please, just call me Suzie. Don't let anything slip."
The staff exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. Aside from Lucy, this was nothing new to them; it had been the same in the past. Though Lucy was puzzled, she followed orders and nodded along with the others.
After the meeting, however, Lucy approached Suzie privately. "Mrs. Baylor, you were just on bed rest at the hospital for bleeding not long ago. You can't overexert yourself tonight."
Touched by Lucy's concern, Suzie smiled. "I know. I'll be careful."
"Of course, Mrs. Baylor," Lucy said respectfully. "I've prepared all the ingredients for tonight. Once everything is ready, I can bring your meal upstairs for you."
"Thank you."
Just then, Ruby came downstairs. Suzie looked up, and when she got a clear view of her sister, she couldn't help but frown.
Ruby was wearing an extremely formal evening gown, the kind Suzie used to wear to high-society galas. For a casual barbecue at home, wasn't it more appropriate to wear something comfortable and relaxed?
"Ruby, are you sure you'll be comfortable in that? That dress has a corset."
Ruby waved her hand dismissively. "Beauty is pain! Just tell me, do I look good or not?"


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update pls...