“Would you convey this to Miss Hyde? If she feels uncomfortable or sorry and is avoiding events because of me, please tell her not to do so. The thought of Miss Hyde suffering harm because she rejected me causes me even more distress.”

“Miss Hyde is not avoiding anything. She’s been quite busy lately.”

“Is that so? What has she been up to?”

Miss Pendleton informed him that she had been visiting her house daily, dedicating herself energetically to typewriting practice.

Miss Hyde typed her favorite novels and history books every day. Although her speed was only slightly better than a turtle’s pace, her enthusiasm was encouraging.

Miss Pendleton remained confident that regardless of her typing speed, she would become London’s best typist within three months.

“That’s just like Miss Hyde. If she’s looking for employment, I’d like to send recommendations to a few offices I know.”

Miss Pendleton was surprised by Mr. Fairfax’s response. He was offering to look for job opportunities for the lady who had chosen to become a typist instead of marrying him.

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

“It would be a lie to say I wasn’t hurt, but it’s over now. Since Miss Hyde has rejected me, isn’t it right for me to let go as well? However, I don’t wish to cut off all relations with her completely.”

“Really?”

“Yes. There’s much to learn from Miss Hyde. In terms of culture and knowledge, she’s a step above me, even though I went to university. I was always amazed during our conversations that she could be so enlightened through self-study. Perhaps it was wrong of me to selfishly try to confine such a special person to the position of my wife.”

“Mr. Fairfax, Miss Hyde holds you in high regard. If she’s avoiding you, there’s not even a hint, not even the slightest bit of antipathy towards you in that. It’s impossible for a woman with proper self-awareness to dislike a gentleman like you, Mr. Fairfax.”

Mr. Fairfax gave a bitter smile.

“But that regard had no influence on her love. In fact, I knew. I knew that Miss Hyde had no feelings for me other than friendship. But on the other hand, I had impure expectations. I hoped that Miss Hyde might choose me, even if pushed by circumstances.”

“There’s no need to blame yourself for that, Mr. Fairfax. Many marriages in London happen that way.”

Mr. Fairfax remained silent. Miss Pendleton quietly observed his face. She could easily sense the torment of his conscience from his expression.

The guilt of knowing the woman he loved was in unfavorable circumstances and trying to use that to fulfill his own wishes was tormenting him.

When Miss Pendleton realized that his heart was more tender and conscientious than she had thought, her sympathy for him increased.

But the gloomy atmosphere didn’t last long. Miss Pendleton wasn’t the type to sit idly by while someone nearby remained in a state of depression.

Miss Pendleton asked various thoughtful questions about Mr. Fairfax’s countryside estate where he had briefly stayed and about hunting. And she praised Miss Janet, who was growing prettier by the day.

Mr. Fairfax, naturally cheerful in disposition, brightened up again.

After the dance ended, the two made a final bow to each other and went to the beverage table to lightly quench their thirst.

Miss Pendleton, watching her sister firmly rejecting Orson who was trying to ask for another dance, asked Mr. Fairfax, who seemed relieved:

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

“Oh, Ian? He’ll arrive a bit late. Said he had somewhere to stop by.”

“He must be busy.”

“Well, he’s been writing letters and going out occasionally to meet his university friends.”

“Ah, so that’s why he came to London.”

“That’s right.”

“As I thought, love wasn’t the purpose.”

Mr. Fairfax nodded, watching Miss Pendleton’s reaction.

“To be honest, that’s correct.”

“I wish there was a lady among my friends who could capture the heart of a gentleman uninterested in love.”

“Oh, Miss Pendleton. No, that’s a misunderstanding. It’s not that Ian is uninterested in love.”

Miss Pendleton looked at Mr. Fairfax quizzically.

“It’s certain that he’s not interested in high society. He’s not good at, or rather, he’s awkward with approaching ladies to ask for a dance or attending formal dinners as a companion.”

“…”

“But it’s clear that he has serious feelings about love. If he were the type of person better off remaining single, I would have left him alone regardless of my sister-in-law’s request.”

“Serious about love, you say. I’m getting more curious. Why doesn’t such a serious person actively seek love?”

“Well, perhaps because he believes in fate.”

Miss Pendleton looked at him in surprise, but he wasn’t looking at her. Mr. Fairfax had spotted a certain gentleman entering the hall and, after excusing himself to Miss Pendleton, rushed off.

Miss Pendleton tilted her head as she watched him leave. A gentleman who believes in fate?

* * *

Mr. Fairfax finally reached the entrance, pushing through the crowd. At the entrance stood a gentleman with black hair. A young gentleman with a tall stature and upright posture. As always, an irritatingly handsome face.

It was Ian Dalton, his in-law and childhood friend.

“Why are you here only now? I was so worried you might not come.”

“Something came up and I had to meet someone briefly.”

Mr. Dalton replied casually and surveyed the hall. Then, furrowing his brow, he muttered,

“To think you’d go to such lengths to drag me into this marketplace. You really have nothing better to do.”

“Come on. You’ve come all the way to London, might as well enjoy it. London’s social scene is the cream of English society.”

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

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

“Why?”

“I don’t expect Yorkshire’s social scene to be any different from London’s. They’re all either snobs or fools.”

“No, that’s not true. Why do you think people flock to London for the social season? People are much more sophisticated here, and all the ladies are cultured and beautiful. Who knows? Your fated match might be here.”

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

“Haha, I am your sister-in-law’s proxy, after all.”

“You mean a proxy to whip me into finding a bride?”

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

“Good grief, I’m only thirty, I don’t understand why everyone’s making such a fuss.”

“Why? It’s because of your personality. If we leave you alone, you’ll spend your whole life painting on your estate and become a grandfather before you know it.”

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

“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that. Come on, let’s go.”

“Where to?”

“I’ll introduce you to a lady.”

Mr. Dalton waved his hands in protest.

“Please. Don’t try to play matchmaker. I’m already at my wit’s end.”

“No, the person I want to introduce isn’t that kind of match. That wouldn’t make sense. I’m going to introduce you to my friend.”

“Friend? You have a lady friend?”

“Yes. The most self-aware and kind lady in London. Intelligent, too.”

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

“What’s the difference?”

He raised his handsome chin and said with irritating arrogance,

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

Mr. Fairfax was surprised by his definitive tone.

“You’re being too harsh on ladies, aren’t you?”

“I can’t help it if I’m harsh. I’ve seen ladies who dance well, ladies who speak French well, ladies who play the piano well, but I’ve never seen a lady with wit.”

“You’re quite picky. It’ll be impossible to find a lady who meets your high standards.”

“I just want a woman who can properly respond to what I say. It’s not that I’m asking for something extraordinary, but no matter how much I look around the world, I can’t find such a woman.”

“That’s because you always say things that are difficult to respond to. And from what I can see, you haven’t looked around the world that much. How do you expect to find a connection like that?”

“Well, when the time comes, she’ll appear.”

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

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

“It was worth complaining. Then I’ll just say hello today and leave, so don’t nag me afterward.”

Mr. Fairfax silently grabbed his friend’s arm and began to lead him away.

Meanwhile, Miss Pendleton, who had been watching the two men talking from afar, checked the positions of her friends scattered around the hall as soon as she saw Mr. Fairfax approaching with the gentleman beside him.

They had all been aware of Ian Dalton standing at the entrance since earlier and had been rejecting dance requests, watching Miss Pendleton’s reactions.

In high society, it was an unspoken rule that strangers couldn’t start a conversation without someone to introduce them, so they had no way of being introduced to Ian Dalton except through Miss Pendleton as a connection.

Miss Pendleton felt how much her friends had dressed up for today, and she even felt a bit responsible, thinking they would be incredibly disappointed if they couldn’t meet the new young gentleman.

Finally, Mr. Fairfax and his friend Mr. Dalton arrived in front of Miss Pendleton.

“Miss Pendleton, this is my in-law and friend, Ian Dalton of Whitefield. Ian, this is Miss Laura Pendleton, granddaughter of Countess Abigail Pendleton of Grosvenor Street, Mayfair.”

Mr. Dalton bowed his head in greeting, and Miss Pendleton curtsied slightly. He raised his head to look at Miss Pendleton, and she finally saw Ian Dalton’s appearance in person, not just through rumors.

Indeed, Janet Fairfax had not spoken idly. Ian Dalton. He was the most handsome gentleman Miss Pendleton had ever seen. No, handsome was not enough; he had features that perfectly matched the description of ‘exquisite.’

His hair and eyes were strikingly black. His straight nose and jawline were masculine, but due to his delicate facial contours, he exuded elegant dignity instead of ruggedness. He had a tall stature and broad shoulders that suited the tailcoat well, and his entire body seemed to have just the right amount of muscle, giving an impression of both strength and agility.

Miss Pendleton thought calmly.

This man could take any lady he wanted back to his estate in his carriage. If only he could find the match he desires.