Chapter 10

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Harry Potta
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: The Strange Man, Ian Dalton (3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Ian raised his head. He met Miss Pendleton's gray eyes and began to move. He was now able to glide across the stage quite naturally. The tension gradually eased from Mr. Dalton's expression.

“Mr. Dalton, you are quite athletic. Aside from a bit of nervousness, you move very naturally. Why did you so adamantly refuse dance lessons during your time at Eton?”

“The thought of holding waists and meeting the eyes of the same boys I competed with in cricket and rowing was rather unpalatable.”

Miss Pendleton chuckled softly.

“I can imagine. But a gentleman who cannot dance in high society faces his own set of predicaments, does he not?”

“Thanks to that, I became the rude gentleman at balls who ignores the ladies.”

“How unfair for you.”

He shook his head.

“In truth, I agree. I can neither lead a pleasant conversation with ladies nor dance. By any measure, I am far from a proper gentleman.”

“It seems we have different views on the qualities of a gentleman. I believe things like dancing or conversational skills can simply be learned.”

“Then, what does Miss Pendleton consider to be the qualities of a gentleman?”

“An attitude of respect for ladies—no, for all others, including ladies. As long as one has that, nothing else matters.”

“What is to be done? I am disqualified as a gentleman in that regard as well. I respect people, but I am not well-mannered. Especially not in matters of society etiquette. I lived shut away from the world because I found the rules one must follow within it to be bothersome. The evening air I breathe while sitting alone on the terrace of my estate feels sweeter than the wine I drink at a crowded dinner party. Ah, but Miss Pendleton would not understand.”

Miss Pendleton smiled.

“I have been part of society for twelve years, attending countless dinners and balls. Sometimes I danced with someone, and other times I was a wallflower, watching others dance. It would be a lie to say that in all that time, there was never a moment I wished I could be alone, breathing in the evening air. At times, I too wanted to throw off my gloves and run out into the streets of London.”

At her unexpected frankness, Mr. Dalton's eyebrows raised slightly. Miss Pendleton continued.

“However, for a lady, social activities are something that can neither be avoided nor should be. It is as necessary as a human learning to walk or a fish learning to swim. That, I suppose, is the difference between ladies and gentlemen.”

“In that case, ladies find themselves in a truly stifling situation.”

Miss Pendleton laughed softly.

“Even so, Mr. Dalton, please do not pity us ladies. We have our own lives and our own happiness. We create our happiness quietly and elegantly, much like weaving a piece of lace, one thread at a time. I hope a lady appears for you, Mr. Dalton, with whom you can share that happiness.”

“I do not know if the happiness of men and women can truly be shared. The men around me, after marrying, are constantly out, engrossed in work and hunting, while the women stay home, raising children and dedicating themselves to domestic affairs. This has been the way of life since the beginning of time. In that respect, men and women are so very different.”

“There are many such couples around me as well. But I believe that if a pair is truly in harmony, they will spend as much time together as possible, even if they have divided their work and household duties. Not because they strive to, but because their hearts naturally desire it. A soulmate, after all, is about that constant pull toward one another.”

Mr. Dalton lowered his gaze for a moment, lost in thought.

“A soulmate. Does Miss Pendleton believe such a thing exists?”

“Yes.”

“A concept that cannot be seen or touched?”

“I believe in it as much as I believe in the existence of God.”

Mr. Dalton let out a small laugh.

“You have rather romantic ideas about marriage.”

Miss Pendleton shrugged.

“Perhaps that is why I live a life far from marriage.”

Mr. Dalton was not one to be overly conscious of etiquette, but he chose not to laugh at this jest.

“I see now why William introduced you to me. You are confirming the very things I always think of, yet soon come to doubt.”

“Do you share my views as well, Mr. Dalton?”

Mr. Dalton gazed quietly into Miss Pendleton's ash-gray eyes.

“I do.”

He added quietly, as if to himself.

“I believe in it so strongly that I feel any marriage other than that would be meaningless.”

Miss Pendleton looked at the man she was dancing with, her expression growing warmer. To meet someone who shared her views—someone with whom she could share a belief as firm as a conviction—made him feel close, though less than an hour had passed since their first greeting. Like an old friend.

Meanwhile, a different light began to flicker in his dark eyes, which had been fixed on Miss Pendleton. A gleam like a blue flame. Something hot, beginning to burn quietly.

Miss Pendleton gazed into his eyes, wondering what new emotion had taken root in him. Had her words just now sparked in him a desire to find love? Or was he simply empathizing with what she had said?

Either way, it was enough for her to develop a new fondness for Mr. Dalton. It meant, at the very least, that he was a young man who took a lady's words seriously.

Miss Pendleton was more pleased by this than by the fact that he was handsome and of good standing. For she could neither keep as her own friend, nor introduce to her friends, a gentleman who did not take a lady's thoughts seriously.

The music ended. The two bowed politely to each other, and Mr. Dalton took Miss Pendleton's hand, leading her back to where they had started. Mr. Fairfax, who had been watching them dance, applauded their return and expressed his gratitude to Miss Pendleton for helping his lacking friend. Then he chided Mr. Dalton, saying he had tired Miss Pendleton out.

But Mr. Dalton seemed not to hear his friend's rebuke, his gaze fixed intensely on one spot. On Miss Pendleton, who was unaware of the gentleman's stare as she looked around to locate her friends.

Miss Pendleton introduced her friends to Mr. Dalton one by one.

Viscount Rates's two daughters, Miss Kate Rates and Miss Eva Rates. Aged twenty and twenty-one respectively, they were gentle young ladies skilled in piano and embroidery.

And Miss Catherine Hayton, the second daughter of Judge Hayton. She was a charming twenty-two-year-old lady, skilled at the harp and in French, with a lovely smile.

But the most beautiful among them was the twenty-year-old Miss Dora Lance, the only daughter of Baronet Lance.

She excelled in musical instruments, embroidery, and the arts in general, and her intellect was unrivaled among her peers. These days, she was gaining prominence as the next star of society, following in the footsteps of Miss Elizabeth Deyer, who had recently changed her surname.

Mr. Dalton greeted each lady with due courtesy as they were introduced and answered even trivial questions with sincerity. Observing from the side, Miss Pendleton noticed that the defiant attitude he had shown with her was gone.

She surmised that Mr. Dalton must have decided to act more proactively about love after their conversation while dancing, and she was genuinely pleased.

As the conversation continued, the ladies surrounding him gradually realized that Miss Dora Lance was quite keen on this competition. To have to compete with Miss Lance, the star of society! Moreover, beside her was the notoriously zealous Mrs. Lance, who was eager to invite Mr. Dalton to a dinner party.

The other ladies gave up on this game and either went to dance with other gentlemen or retreated to the retiring room with crestfallen expressions.

When Mr. Dalton accepted Mrs. Lance's invitation, Miss Pendleton whispered to Mr. Fairfax, who was standing beside her.

“Well then, I shall take my leave now.”

“Already?”

“I have paired Mr. Dalton with a lady to enjoy the party with, so my work here is done.”

“Don't you wish to enjoy yourself a little longer? Another waltz is about to begin.”

“More than a waltz, I would like to give my grandmother a goodnight kiss. It is nearly ten o'clock, so if I leave now, I can see her to bed.”

“Ah, in that case, I shall have a carriage prepared for you.”

“No, thank you. I told my coachman I would be returning around this time. He should already be waiting out front.”

Mr. Fairfax nodded.

“Thank you for today, Miss Pendleton. Please have a safe journey home.”

“Yes. It was a pleasure, Mr. Fairfax. Please come visit sometime with Mr. Dalton. I believe my grandmother would also quite enjoy his acquaintance.”

“Haha, I am sure she would. Until then.”

Mr. Fairfax kissed the back of her hand.

Miss Pendleton draped the shawl that had been on her arm over her shoulders and descended the stairs with light steps. As she stepped out the door, the cool night air refreshed her body, which had been warm from the heat of the ballroom.

Miss Pendleton climbed into the Pendleton family carriage, which was waiting in front of the venue. The beautiful music of a waltz drifted from behind her.

Had Mr. Dalton asked Miss Lance to dance? He surely must have. How could he remain still when such a beautiful lady was showing him such ardent interest?

Sitting in the carriage, Miss Pendleton imagined the sight of them dancing. They were a perfect pair. If they were to marry, they might become an even more splendid couple than the Mortons. Well, it was too early to jump to conclusions, of course.

While she was lost in these thoughts, the coachman took his seat, grasped the reins, and set the horses in motion.

With a jolt, the carriage began to move.

But then, a man's shout reached the ears of the pensive Miss Pendleton.

“Miss Pendleton!”

Startled, Miss Pendleton had the carriage stopped. Mr. Dalton was approaching the carriage window. He was breathing heavily and his hair was slightly disheveled, as if he had rushed out. Bewildered, Miss Pendleton's eyes widened as she cried out.

“Mr. Dalton, what is it!”

“I could not let you leave without a proper farewell. After being so kind to me today, you simply depart without a word, like a stranger.”

His voice was low and subdued. Miss Pendleton, who had no intention of upsetting him, was flustered.

“I am sorry if it appeared that way. I simply thought we would see each other again soon, so a formal farewell was unnecessary.”

“Soon?”

Miss Pendleton explained with a smile.

“I mentioned to Mr. Fairfax that I would be delighted if you both would visit my home sometime. We often host tea parties or small concerts for young gentlemen and ladies. They are informal gatherings, and I am certain you would enjoy them, Mr. Dalton.”

Mr. Dalton was silent. He stood with his back to the light, so Miss Pendleton could not see his face clearly, but she could sense his reluctance.

Miss Pendleton quickly added.

“I do not mean to impose. If you are busy...”

“Are these gatherings hosted by you, Miss Pendleton?”