“If Mr. Dalton was born when you were eight, he must be twenty-two now?”

“Yes. He’s currently studying at King’s College, Cambridge, where I graduated. We meet once or twice a year to go horseback riding and fishing, but he’s not even half as cute as he was when he was younger.”

“What about your other nieces and nephews?”

“The second is a girl. Olivia Fairfax. She’s thirteen years old.”

“Oh my, a niece. She must be adorable.”

“More than Henry. But such an expression feels awkward for a proper young lady.”

“At thirteen, she’s still a girl.”

“She’s taller than her peers, looking about fifteen. And she’s very precocious. She won’t forgive anyone, even her uncle, who doesn’t treat her like a lady.”

“That young lady must be beside herself wanting to enter society.”

“You’ve guessed correctly, Miss Pendleton. She’s just waiting for the day she turns sixteen. But Olivia is a capable child, so it shouldn’t be a problem. The real trouble is the two below her, ten-year-old Daniel and eight-year-old George. They’re hot-blooded boys who fight over a pony, punching each other until their jaws nearly crack. And yet, moments later, they’re giggling and planning their next mischief together. They’re quite the handful.”

Miss Pendleton couldn’t help but laugh.

“Boys that age are usually like that.”

“That’s an insult to me, who was once a boy, Miss Pendleton.”

“Yes, I’m sure you spent your childhood very properly, Mr. Dalton. But I don’t think it’s because your two nephews are particularly worse, but rather because you were such a mature boy.”

“Well, Miss Pendleton, if you saw those two yourself, you certainly wouldn’t make such a cool assessment as I do. You have an understanding and affectionate nature that would embrace them. But I will maintain a cool attitude towards those boys. I’m ashamed to say I have the opposite temperament to Miss Pendleton, and if I become doting as well, there will be no one left to teach them manners.”

Miss Pendleton could tell from his words that Mr. and Mrs. Fairfax, the owners of Dunville Park, were lenient in their parenting.

“Mr. Dalton, what I’m most curious about is actually the youngest. The baby born a year ago. It must be very cute, right?”

“Ah, that one. Well, it’s cute. At that age, when else would it be cute if not now?”

Miss Pendleton burst into laughter again at his gruff response.

“Mr. Dalton, you speak as if you dislike your youngest nephew.”

“It’s a cute and precious child. The little treasure of the Fairfax family. But considering the toll it took on its mother, I can’t feel entirely positive about it.”

“It seems your sister’s health suffered greatly from the childbirth?”

“She’s improving. She’s always been a person without much to worry about. But she still says she feels cold when away from the fireplace. Even when the weather is warm, her whole body feels chilly. I hope the youngest will be my last nephew. If she gives birth again, I’m certain my sister won’t endure it.”

Miss Pendleton could sense a mix of worry and displeasure in Mr. Dalton’s tone and expression as he spoke about this. It was a sincere concern of a brother for his sister.

Miss Pendleton was impressed by his attitude. It was a natural fondness one feels towards a gentleman who is devoted to his family. Miss Pendleton gazed kindly at the shadow cast on his upright face.

“When I leave London, I’d like to send a gift for your youngest nephew. To please your ailing sister.”

“I don’t want to trouble Miss Pendleton. Dunville Park is already abundant with supplies.”

“It’s not about supplies, but about conveying feelings. It won’t be much trouble. What I’m thinking of is a small picture book. Just a small signature on the first page. You’ll accept that much, won’t you?”

Miss Pendleton asked again. Mr. Dalton quietly gazed into Miss Pendleton’s grey eyes, then nodded with a faint smile.

“Alright. Oh, come to think of it, I don’t know the name of that little youngest nephew. I should know the name to write for the recipient. What’s your nephew’s name?”

Mr. Dalton paused for a moment before answering.

“Ian, Fairfax.”

Miss Pendleton’s eyes widened.

“Ian, you say?”

“Yes.”

Mr. Dalton answered briefly to hide his embarrassment. Miss Pendleton suppressed a laugh as she spoke.

“I’ll have to find a gift that little Ian will like.”

* * *

The weather was often bad, and there were many days when the two sat by the fireplace, facing each other and talking. They talked, and talked, and talked some more. And as she gradually came to understand his character, Miss Pendleton’s assessment of him only grew higher, far from being disappointed.

Mr. Dalton had an interesting way of speaking, grumbling about things he disliked and liked without discrimination. He wasn’t the type to be blinded by love to faults, so even the things he was fond of were not free from the blade of criticism.

But his affection was strong and gentle. And the objects of his affection were limited to the land, its farmers, and his relatives. Considering that his view of the world was by no means narrow, the range of his affection was truly limited.

Miss Pendleton thought that such a personality was precisely suited for marriage. A nature that doesn’t scatter affection outside but pours it deeply into the person by one’s side. Isn’t that the virtue a good husband should possess?

However, she was determined not to reveal her thoughts. Although it was regrettable that he was focused only on friendship with an old maid like herself who had missed her prime, neglecting married life that would surely bring him happiness, it wasn’t her place to say anything.

She decided to merely hope in her heart that when Mr. Dalton himself wanted to find love, he would be able to find a suitable match.

It was on one such day. Miss Pendleton, who had been sitting in the drawing room arranging flowers, paused her hand that was trimming a daffodil stem at the sound of the door opening.

The butler announced that a visitor had arrived. It was Mr. Dalton.

She put down the daffodil and scissors she was holding and stood up. Then she curtsied to greet him as he entered the drawing room. He took off his hat and bowed politely.

He smiled, looking at the flowers placed on the table.

“You were with flowers, I see.”

“Yes. Today’s friends are twelve roses and daffodils. Shall I introduce them?”

“While I welcome any friend of Miss Pendleton’s, it seems the ladies aren’t ready to meet guests yet. Shall we postpone the socializing and go for a walk with me today? The weather is exceptionally nice for once.”

“Alright, Mr. Dalton. Please wait a moment.”

Miss Pendleton instructed a servant to put the flowers in water and went up to her room with her maid Anne. She then checked her hairstyle and chose gloves and a coat.

Anne buttoned up Miss Pendleton’s green spring coat.

“That gentleman comes very often, doesn’t he?”

“This is the most suitable place for him to mingle quietly with people.”

Anne looked at Miss Pendleton, who replied nonchalantly, for a moment before bringing an elaborate hat with a veil from the dresser.

“Try this one today.”

“Hm? It’s too fancy. We’re not going on a picnic.”

“But this one accentuates your neckline the best when you wear it.”

“If I put that on everyday clothes, people’s attention will be focused on the hat instead of the neck. Can you bring me the hat with the purple ribbon?”

Anne quietly put the hat she was holding back in the drawer. Then she took out the most modest and practical hat that her mistress had instructed her to bring.

Miss Pendleton took it and put it on her head. Anne tied the ribbon under her chin and said,

“Miss, no matter what, that gentleman surely can meet people elsewhere besides the Pendleton house? There must be another reason.”

While putting on her calfskin gloves, Miss Pendleton replied indifferently,

“Oh?”

“From what I can see, that reason can be narrowed down to two possibilities.”

“What are they?”

“One, the cook in this household is so excellent that he wants to scout him for his own mansion.”

“Hmm, that’s credible. Mr. Germain is good with poultry. And his desserts are almost divine.”

“Two, he’s in love with someone he can only meet in this house!”

Miss Pendleton tilted her head.

“Well, not a bad deduction, but…”

“No, I’m certain about this one. I’ve even figured out who it is.”

“Oh? Who does Anne think it is?”

“Who else could it be but you, miss!”

Miss Pendleton looked up from her gloves to Anne. Her sparkling eyes were filled with her strong wish.

Miss Pendleton chuckled. So that’s why she tried to make her wear the fancy hat.

“It’s a wonderful imagination, but I’d bet on Mr. Germain. That’s more believable than anything else.”

“Oh my, why?”

“Because Mr. Dalton hasn’t shown any more signs of loving me than he has for Mr. Germain’s cold meat dishes and pound cake. Anne, have you ever seen a gentleman who can have the woman he loves in front of him for over two weeks without even giving her a yearning glance?”

“Ah, that’s…!”

“Silly Anne. Clueless Anne. You pretend to be a love expert, but you don’t know anything.”

Miss Pendleton teased Anne cheerfully while checking her appearance.

“But miss…”

“By the way, hearing you say that makes me think I should definitely raise Mr. Germain’s salary. If we lose Mr. Germain, grandmother will surely lose her zest for life. I’ve become addicted to Mr. Germain’s pudding too. Anyway, thanks for telling me. I’ll have to discuss it with Mr. Germain later. Well then.”

Miss Pendleton left the room with that.

Anne, tidying up the lace shawl Miss Pendleton had left behind, murmured the words she hadn’t been able to say.

“It’s because you don’t see the look in Mr. Dalton’s eyes when you turn away, miss. Clueless miss. You know how to help others but you’re so dense about your own romance.”