Garden of May - Chapter 35
Chapter 35
“Tell Grandmother not to worry and to enjoy her meal.”
– …Have you truly met a young lady you wish to marry?
“Is that the rumor going around? That I’ve eloped for love?”
Theodore chuckled, adjusting the receiver he held. His lips, visible beneath the brim of his straw hat, curved into a charming smile. Women browsing nearby whispered and glanced his way.
In fact, it wasn’t just them; everyone in the general store was feigning disinterest while focusing their attention on him. His efforts to blend in by wearing borrowed, worn clothing were proving futile.
– The rumors suggest so, yes.
The voice filtering through the receiver was impeccably polite and smooth. Refined, yet weighted with the intangible illusion of class, exactly the kind of tone he’d grown tired of in the capital’s social circles.
Perhaps that was why he found everything about the south so satisfying. The slight frivolity, the tangible, vibrant pulse of everyday life, the light and uncomplicated curiosity of the people toward an outsider—all stood in stark contrast to the social scene of the capital.
– If it’s a misunderstanding, should I arrange for a retraction to be published? I can contact the newspapers immediately.
“No. It’s fine. Leave it.”
– …Should we expect wedding preparations within the year?
“No to that, too.”
A soft chuckle drew the attention of everyone in the store before it dissipated just as quickly. Theodore placed an unlit cigarette between his lips.
– If there are any marriage-related plans, you must inform me at least six months in advance. Even that is a tight timeframe to prepare a gentleman’s wedding.
Theodore chuckled, accepting his butler’s words, unsure if they were born of worry or anticipation.
“I will. If any plans arise.”
– Are there any further instructions?
He was about to conclude the call when his gaze drifted towards the window. There she was. Vanessa.
She sat by the fountain in the square, knees drawn up, elbows resting on them, looking as youthful as any girl her age. Her golden hair, cascading down to her waist, shimmered softly in the summer sun.
Vanessa’s inquisitive grey eyes still sparkled with life, but her cheeks and shoulders appeared noticeably thinner. The rumors of her recent illness seemed to hold some truth. Theodore exhaled slowly.
– Master?
His butler’s voice echoed from the receiver, prompting him for a response. Recalled to the present, Theodore brushed his lips with his free hand.
“One moment.”
As if her appointment time had arrived, Vanessa checked her pocket watch and abruptly stood. She clutched a briefcase tightly in her hand. A faded white ribbon adorned her hair as she walked with a determined stride.
She glanced around occasionally, like a cat guarding its territory. It was both amusing and endearing how little she suspected she was being watched from afar. Her pace, which had gradually slowed, stopped in front of a building. After carefully surveying her surroundings, she slipped inside the dimly lit entrance.
Theodore narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the building that had swallowed her. Old, shabby, and squalid. The aged structure, seemingly a relic of the previous century, lacked even a sign. It had the air of a breeding ground for dangerous and illicit activities.
– Is something the matter?
Was it really a matter of concern? It was just Lady Vanessa. She presented a pristine facade, as if untouched by the world’s grime, yet she frequented such suspicious establishments. She seemed to have even dismissed her usual entourage of servants.
“….”
Whatever Vanessa was hiding was none of his business. They weren’t lovers, nor did they share secrets. Vanessa didn’t even know his true identity.
So even if Lady Vanessa truly was… desperate enough to buy a man’s company… Theodore let out a hollow laugh.
“I didn’t need anything, but now I do.”
A subtle edge entered his relaxed tone. Norman blinked, taken aback, then quickly responded.
– Anything you require…
“Look into Vanessa Cyrene Somerset.”
– Vanessa… You mean the young lady from the Somerset County?
It was an impulsive decision, unlike him, enough to surprise Norman. Nevertheless, Theodore readily confirmed.
“Debts, reputation at school, who she associates with, things like that.”
He was genuinely curious now, wondering what circumstances could drive someone to such apparent desperation.
***
“Then, I’ll see you next time.”
“Yes. Goodbye.”
Vanessa descended the stairs, seeing the man off with an energetic wave. Her initially demure steps quickened as she left the building.
Despite her breath catching in her throat and her cheeks flushing, she couldn’t shake the lingering chill of the old building.
It was never a comfortable space. The dim interior, the crumbling corridors, the subtly unpleasant dampness in the air. And…
“It’s a bit… dull, wouldn’t you say?”
Vanessa slowed her pace at the memory of her editor’s voice.
“So, our Miss Welsh will find a helpful romantic interest?”
“A romantic interest? But this novel is primarily about solving a murder… Is that really necessary?”
“Lady Lawrence.”
