Chapter 66

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Translator: Harry Potta
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: An Offer You Can't Refuse (3)
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Mr. Dalton nodded, his face impassive.

“However, I have a condition.”

“Name it.”

“I wish for your sister to be informed about my family. I am currently concealing my origins in the job market, but I do not wish to deceive your sister.”

“As a matter of fact, I intended to go to my sister immediately after receiving your confirmation. I wanted to explain about you to her myself, Miss Pendleton. I will tell her everything regarding the circumstances that led you to become a governess.”

Miss Pendleton nodded.

“If, by chance, your sister is hesitant after learning of my background, please do not try to persuade her. The bond between siblings is more important than my employment.”

“My sister will not change her decision over that. She has a daughter who will soon make her debut in society, after all. She will highly value your experience in the social world, Miss Pendleton. I also believe you are precisely the person Olivia needs. I ask that you please become a good companion to my niece, Olivia.”

“Yes. Of course.”

“Then, I shall head down to Yorkshire today. I will write to you within a week.”

The two walked in silence. Having made her decision, Miss Pendleton felt her heart at ease. The die was now cast. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, she would become the governess to the two boys at Dunville Park. She would teach them the Latin and Greek she had so diligently honed.

Dunville Park. The place where she might remain as a governess for ten years. What kind of place was it? Anxiety and excitement assailed her in turns.

“You described Dunville Park to me before. Spacious, with an open view, and well-tended gardens. I’ve tried to picture it in my mind, but I haven’t been very successful.”

“It is a typical English manor. Do not bother trying to picture it. Whatever you imagine, you will be disappointed.”

Laura chuckled.

“Still as caustic as ever. But I will spend the entire week imagining it. It’s impossible not to. It is the place where I will spend many seasons, my place of work.”

Ian looked at Laura, who stood beside him.

“You are nervous, aren’t you?”

“A little. I want to do well. It is your sister’s household, after all. And besides, the education of your precious nephews is at stake.”

“They are hardly precious. Such troublemakers.”

“You may say that, but you love your nephews dearly, Mr. Dalton.”

Ian did not reply. He seemed flustered at being seen through. Laura smiled inwardly at the sight of him.

It was not a sentiment a lady should harbor for a gentleman, but at times like these, Mr. Dalton was rather endearing.

He changed the subject.

“It truly feels as though one can never know the future. It seems like only yesterday that I said I would invite you to Whitefield as a guest. I am pleased that I will soon be able to invite you to my estate.”

“You will invite me?”

“Of course. My nephews often come to visit my estate. You must come with them then. It may be the home of an unmarried gentleman, but it will be fine if you are with my nephews.”

“So I will finally get to see Whitefield in person. I wonder if it is as beautiful as your paintings.”

Laura said this, but in truth, she intended to avoid visiting his estate. It was important to maintain distance between friends of the opposite sex, and moreover, the difference in their stations was now distinct. Keeping her distance from him henceforth was the sensible thing to do.

“You should look forward to it. Dunville Park may not be much, but Whitefield is worth anticipating. And…”

Ian added quietly.

“While you are at Dunville Park, you must think of yourself as a guest. No matter the circumstances, the fact that you are a friend I hold in special regard will not change. As long as you are my friend, you will always be an honored guest at Dunville Park and Whitefield, Miss Pendleton.”

His warm words seeped into Laura’s heart.

His kindness would sometimes shake the lid she kept forced down on her emotions. At times, she found Mr. Dalton’s kindness to be cruel. He likely had no idea how much his kindness shook and tested the dear friend before him.

The four of them took a light stroll around the park before returning to the carriage. Mr. Fairfax was overjoyed to hear that Laura had accepted the governess position.

“That is a relief. You have made a very good decision. Please make yourself comfortable at my brother's home. I will always ask after you in my letters. Please be sure to visit before you leave. Jane will miss you dearly.”

They arrived in front of the ladies’ house. Mr. Fairfax and Mr. Dalton alighted first, and Mr. Fairfax then helped Miss Hyde and Miss Pendleton down in turn. The two ladies gave a slight curtsy to the two gentlemen and went inside.

Mr. Fairfax smiled as he watched their retreating figures.

As the carriage departed, Mr. Fairfax looked at Ian, who was seated across from him. Ian was resting his chin on his hand, gazing at the boarding house as it grew more distant.

Only when the carriage had completely left the street did he finally turn his head from the window.

“Ian, you can drop the stoic act now.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m saying you can smile to your heart’s content. Miss Pendleton will now be living a stone’s throw from your estate.”

At those words, Ian scoffed, but his expression was far more relaxed than before. In truth, while in the carriage with her, he had struggled to keep his gaze fixed out the window, fighting the urge to turn toward her.

“I never knew you could be so cunning. Hiring Miss Pendleton as a governess. But, was your sister even looking for a governess in the first place?”

Ian shook his head. Mr. Fairfax looked at him, dumbfounded.

“Your sister will be surprised. A new person arriving at her house without her knowledge. And the noble lady you so admire, at that. You should have at least notified her in advance.”

“She’s not the type to be surprised by something like this.”

Mr. Fairfax clicked his tongue.

“So, once Miss Pendleton goes down there, you’ll cut ties with London immediately again, won't you?”

“Of course. Why would I continue to waste my time in this town with nothing of substance?”

Mr. Fairfax smiled at his friend, who so casually disparaged the city he loved.

“Well, I hope you go and get a favorable decision. News of a marriage would be best, but frankly, I wouldn’t care if you wasted away from unrequited love. In any case, Miss Pendleton will become the governess at Dunville Park and live comfortably on the good salary you’ll provide.”

“Keep your ill wishes to yourself.”

“In any case, I am truly glad she has found a secure position. It is quite unsettling to watch a lady who has only known society life step out into the world for the first time. If it hadn't been for you, I would have stepped in to arrange a position myself, but I am relieved she has found a far more splendid one than I could have procured.”

Ian stared intently at Mr. Fairfax across from him.

“Why are you staring at me so fiercely?”

“You, tell me honestly. Have you truly never harbored feelings for her?”

Mr. Fairfax ran a hand through his hair, looking exasperated.

“Never. I told you, never. How many times must you ask that question?”

But Ian did not let go of his suspicious gaze toward Mr. Fairfax. Mr. Fairfax waved his hand dismissively.

“Stop with this nonsense and be sure to say your farewells to Miss Lance before you leave London. Don’t just disappear without a word like last time.”

Ian turned his gaze back to the window, looking annoyed.

“You do it for me. I am sick to death of the Lances’ drawing room.”

“Even so, would it have been possible to mend things with Miss Pendleton without Miss Lance? It was only because she kept your company and offered you her friendship.”

“My patience for placating ladies has run out. You would be better at it than a dull gentleman like myself. You are well-versed in etiquette and flattery, so you could surely concoct a more moving farewell for Miss Lance than I ever could.”

Ian retorted cynically. Mr. Fairfax watched him with a gentle smile.

“According to Jane, Miss Lance thinks quite highly of you. You must have been miserable, forced to act so agreeably throughout your stay in London.”

“It was the most tedious time of my life. The young ladies gathered there chattered about such useless things. Perhaps it’s because they are so young.”

“Still, Miss Lance is wise for her age. Her disposition isn’t bad, either. She is a bit impressionable, but well, I suppose that’s natural at her age. It will gradually be corrected with experience. Not everyone is born with a perfect character like Miss Pendleton.”

“You can stay in London and watch over Miss Lance’s growth. I, too, will pray from Whitefield that she becomes a fine lady.”

“At times like this, my brother Robert’s words are perfect. You prim little fellow.”

Ian scoffed once more and turned his gaze out the window.

Had Mr. Fairfax been an ordinary man, he would have been put off by his friend who foisted a bothersome task upon him with such an unpleasant tone. Instead, he simply watched Ian across from him with a sense of relief.

Naturally affectionate and generous, he was simply relieved that his friend had shed his sorrow and returned to his usual prickly, prim self. Miss Pendleton would never know, and must never know, but from the day she disappeared until today, Ian had been living in hell.

A week ago, Lady Abigail’s funeral was held at the church. Though all the prominent figures of society were in attendance, the granddaughter the deceased had loved most was nowhere to be seen. There was only the white-haired head of the Pendleton family and Charles Pendleton, who yawned widely without a shred of decency.

Charles Pendleton, in particular, drew scornful glares from the crowd. A man preparing for ordination, he was spotted every Sunday at London’s racetracks and gambling dens, and his reputation had hit rock bottom.

Everyone gathered was conscious of Miss Pendleton’s absence. It was no secret there that Lady Abigail and her son had fought like cats and dogs in court over Miss Pendleton.

They whispered amongst themselves, wondering if Gerald Pendleton had locked his niece in a back room to prevent her from attending the funeral.

Amidst the whispers, Ian stood expressionless throughout the funeral. But Mr. Fairfax noticed the faint, taut vein on his temple. He could not relax for the entire service, worried that Ian might lunge at Gerald Pendleton at any moment.

But Ian said nothing until after Lady Abigail was buried and the crowd had dispersed. He immediately took a carriage to the Pendleton estate, where he summoned a maid—how he had arranged the contact, William didn't know—and spoke with her.

William, who was in the carriage with him, watched as Ian spoke with the maid. The maid alternated between crying and anger, at times even stamping her feet as she spoke passionately about something.

When Ian returned to the carriage, his face was as pale as if all the blood had been drained from it. He bit his lip and stared out the window.

“What on earth happened? Is Miss Pendleton inside?”