Miss Pendleton (Update to C.222 END) - Chapter 128

“Mr. Fairfax, would you visit me from time to time when you’re free? I won’t take up much of your time. I’d like to hear through you how Miss Pendleton is faring. And about Miss Hyde as well.”

“Were you close with Miss Hyde?”

“During the social season, we were rather distant. I regret that a bit. If I had gotten to know her earlier, I could have heard about her experiences as a typist or secretary. Who knows, I might take up such work myself someday.”

Mr. Fairfax gave a wry smile.

“I’ll tell you on her behalf. I’ve heard plenty from Miss Hyde. And next time I visit, I’ll be sure to bring Janet. I’ll show you how awkwardly her fingers fidget over the harp strings.”

“Mr. Fairfax, as I’ve said before, if Miss Janet visits me…”

Mr. Fairfax, with a rare firmness, interrupted Miss Lance.

“As Janet’s guardian, I have a duty to teach her about living rightly. To forsake friendship because circumstances are unfavorable or to scorn an innocent person because of society’s misunderstandings is not the way of humanity. Miss Lance, you have been and remain our dear friend, and we will not leave you alone in solitude.”

His voice carried steadfast friendship and integrity. Miss Lance felt a touch of tears welling up from emotion.

And for some reason, her cheeks flushed faintly, and her heart tightened.

“Thank you, Mr. Fairfax. Then, please visit with Miss Janet soon. I’ll prepare croissants and cheese crackers, which Miss Janet loves.”

Mr. Fairfax smiled and kissed the back of Miss Lance’s hand. It was a gesture they had shared dozens of times, but for some reason, their touch carried a different sensation this time.

It was still faint, its nature unclear, but with a few more meetings, shared glances, and a touch of honesty, it was an emotion that could bloom as vividly as a rose in full splendor.

As Mr. Fairfax left the Lance residence, he felt as though something was pulling at his shoulders. Forcing his reluctant steps forward, he became aware of his strangely racing heart.

Today, he had discovered in a lady he had only ever considered a friend the ideal woman he had always sought—a strong, mature woman worthy of respect.

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