Chapter 8

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Translator: Harry Potta
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: The Peculiar Mr. Ian Dalton (1)
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“Would you please tell Miss Hyde for me? If she is avoiding these events because she feels awkward or sorry, please tell her not to. It would pain me more to know she is suffering because she refused me.”

“Miss Hyde is not avoiding you. She is simply very busy these days.”

“Is she? What has she been doing?”

Miss Pendleton explained that she has been coming to her house every day, diligently practicing on the typewriter.

Miss Hyde typed out her favorite novels and history books daily. Her speed was still barely faster than a crawl, but her enthusiasm was encouraging.

Regardless of her current speed, Miss Pendleton remained convinced that within three months, she would become the finest typist in London.

“That is just like Miss Hyde. If she is looking for a position, I would be happy to send letters of recommendation to a few offices I know.”

Mr. Fairfax’s reaction surprised Miss Pendleton. To think he would offer to find a position for the young lady who chose to become a typist instead of marrying him.

“Aren't you upset? You must have been quite hurt by Miss Hyde's refusal.”

“It would be a lie to say I wasn't hurt, but it is over now. It is only right that I move on, now that Miss Hyde has refused me. However, I do not wish for our connection to be completely severed.”

“Truly?”

“Yes. There is much to learn from Miss Hyde. She surpasses me in both culture and knowledge, even though I attended university. I was always astonished during our conversations at how much she could learn through self-study. Perhaps it was my own greed that was at fault, for trying to confine such a special person to the role of my wife.”

“Mr. Fairfax, Miss Hyde holds you in high esteem. If she is avoiding you, I assure you there is not the slightest bit of ill will in her heart. It would be impossible for any woman of sound judgment to dislike a gentleman such as yourself.”

Mr. Fairfax gave a bitter smile.

“But that esteem did not influence her heart in the least. To be honest, I knew. I knew that Miss Hyde felt nothing for me beyond friendship. But a part of me held an unseemly hope... that her circumstances might compel her to choose me.”

“You needn't blame yourself for that, Mr. Fairfax. Many marriages in London are made in such a way.”

Mr. Fairfax was silent. Miss Pendleton quietly observed his face. She could clearly see in his expression that his conscience was troubled.

The guilt of knowing he had tried to use the unfavorable circumstances of the woman he loved to fulfill his own desire was tormenting him.

Realizing his heart was more tender and conscientious than she had thought, Miss Pendleton's sympathy for him deepened.

But the somber mood did not last long. Miss Pendleton was not the sort to stand by and watch someone remain mired in melancholy.

Miss Pendleton kindly asked him about the country estate he had recently visited and about the hunting. Then she praised Miss Janet, who was growing more beautiful by the day.

Mr. Fairfax, being of a naturally cheerful disposition, brightened up once more.

When the dance ended, the two exchanged a final bow and went to the refreshment table to quench their thirst.

Miss Pendleton watched as Mr. Fairfax relaxed upon seeing his sister refuse another dance with a Mr. Orson, and then she asked.

“Mr. Fairfax, where is Mr. Dalton now?”

“Ah, Ian? He will be arriving a bit late. Said he had to stop somewhere.”

“He must be busy.”

“Well, he spends his time writing letters and going out occasionally. To meet his university friends, he says.”

“Ah, so that is his purpose for coming to London?”

“That's right.”

“Just as I thought. He isn't here for love.”

Mr. Fairfax glanced at Miss Pendleton before nodding.

“To be honest, yes.”

“I wish one of my friends were a lady capable of capturing the heart of a gentleman uninterested in love.”

“Ah, Miss Pendleton. No, it's a misunderstanding that Ian has no interest in love.”

Miss Pendleton gave Mr. Fairfax a puzzled look.

“It is certain that he has no interest in society. Nor in approaching a lady for a dance, or attending a dinner to be her companion. He detests... no, he is simply unskilled at such things.”

“...”

“But it is clear that he holds sincere feelings about love. If he were the sort of man better off remaining a bachelor, I would have left him to his own devices, regardless of my sister-in-law's request.”

“Sincere about love, you say. I am growing more curious. Why would someone so sincere not actively seek it?”

“Well, perhaps because he believes in fate.”

Miss Pendleton looked at him in surprise, but he was not looking at her. The moment Mr. Fairfax saw a gentleman enter the hall, he excused himself to Miss Pendleton and hurried away.

Watching his retreating back, Miss Pendleton tilted her head. A gentleman who believes in fate?

***

Mr. Fairfax wove through the crowd and finally reached the entrance. A gentleman with black hair stood there. A young gentleman, strikingly tall, with impeccable posture. And, as always, an irritatingly handsome face.

It was his kinsman by marriage and his friend since childhood, Ian Dalton.

“What on earth took you so long? I was worried you wouldn't come at all.”

“I had someone to meet.”

Mr. Dalton replied curtly and scanned the hall. Then he frowned and muttered.

“To think you were worried about dragging me into this marketplace. You really have nothing better to do.”

“What's wrong with it? You've come all the way to London, you might as well enjoy it. London society is the flower of all English society.”

Mr. Dalton made a displeased face and tugged at the stiff linen tie around his neck as if it were suffocating him.

“I'm sorry to disappoint you, who are so enamored with London, but I'm not impressed.”

“Why not?”

“Because I have no expectation that London society is any different from that of Yorkshire. They're all either snobs or fools, I imagine.”

“That's not true. Do you think people flock to London for the Season for no reason? The people are far more refined, and the ladies all possess culture and beauty. Who knows? You might find your fated partner here.”

“Hmm. You sound just like my sister standing there in a tailcoat.”

“Haha, well, I am your sister-in-law's deputy.”

“A deputy to whip me into finding a bride, you mean?”

Mr. Fairfax grinned. Mr. Dalton shook his head.

“Honestly, I'm only thirty. I don't understand why everyone is making such a fuss.”

“Why? Because of your personality. If left to your own devices, you'd spend your whole life painting on your estate and die an old man.”

“I'll handle my own affairs, so please stop nagging me.”

“I'm sorry, but I can't do that. Now, come on.”

“Where to?”

“I'm going to introduce you to a lady.”

Mr. Dalton waved his hands dismissively.

“Please. Don't try to play matchmaker. I have enough headaches as it is.”

“No. The person I'm introducing isn't a potential match. That would be absurd. I intend to introduce you to my friend.”

“A friend? You have a lady friend?”

“Yes. The most sensible and kindest lady in London. And intelligent.”

“Intelligent, you say. Are you perhaps confusing culture with intelligence?”

“What's the difference?”

He lifted his handsome chin and spoke with an infuriating arrogance.

“The world is overflowing with cultured ladies, but among them, there is not a single one who possesses intelligence.”

Mr. Fairfax was taken aback by his assertive tone.

“You're too harsh on ladies.”

“I can't help being harsh. I have seen ladies who dance well, speak French well, and play the piano well, but I have never once met a lady who is witty.”

“You're so particular. It will be impossible to find a lady who meets your high standards.”

“I merely want a woman who can give a proper response to what I say. It's not such a grand wish, yet no matter where I look, such a woman is nowhere to be found.”

“That's because you always say things that are difficult to answer. And from what I can see, you haven't looked that far around the world. How do you expect to find anyone that way?”

“Well, she'll appear when the time is right.”

Mr. Fairfax fully sympathized with his sister-in-law's frustration.

“Alright, alright. I won't force you to dance or make small talk with the ladies. Just greet my friend today. You can judge her intelligence or wit for yourself.”

“Seems my complaining paid off. I'll make my greeting and then I'm leaving, so don't say another word about it.”

Without another word, Mr. Fairfax took his friend's arm and began to pull him along.

Meanwhile, watching the two men converse from a distance, Miss Pendleton saw Mr. Fairfax leading the gentleman toward her and immediately checked the positions of her friends scattered across the hall.

They had all been aware of Ian Dalton standing at the entrance for some time, and had been refusing all invitations to dance while watching Miss Pendleton for a sign.

In society, it was an unspoken rule that strangers could not speak without a proper introduction, so they had no way of meeting Mr. Dalton other than through the connection of Miss Pendleton.

Miss Pendleton could see how beautifully her friends had adorned themselves for the evening, and she felt a slight sense of responsibility, thinking how terribly disappointed they would be if they could not make the acquaintance of the new young gentleman.

At last, Mr. Fairfax and his friend, Mr. Dalton, arrived before Miss Pendleton.

“Miss Pendleton, may I present my kinsman and friend, Ian Dalton of Whitefield. Ian, this is Miss Laura Pendleton, granddaughter of the Countess Abigail Pendleton of Grosvenor Street, Mayfair.”

Mr. Dalton bowed his head in greeting, and Miss Pendleton curtsied. He raised his head to look at her, and it was then that Miss Pendleton finally saw Ian Dalton in person, not just through rumor.

Miss Janet Fairfax had certainly not been exaggerating. Ian Dalton. He was the most handsome gentleman Miss Pendleton had ever seen. No, 'handsome' was insufficient; his features were perfectly described as 'refinedly beautiful'.

His hair and eyes were a strikingly deep black. His straight nose and jawline were masculine, yet the delicate contours of his face gave him a graceful dignity rather than a fierce look. His tall frame and broad shoulders suited his tailcoat perfectly, and his well-proportioned, muscular build exuded both strength and agility.

Miss Pendleton thought calmly.

This man could take any lady he wished back to his estate in his carriage. If he could find a partner he desired, that is.