Chapter 65
<Chapter 65> An Offer You Can't Refuse (2)
As night fell, Miss Pendleton and Miss Hyde lay side by side in the same bed, their eyes closed. It was a much more comfortable place to sleep than the inn room they had stayed in for the past few days. The mattress was soft, and she wasn't awakened by the sound of footsteps in the hallway every now and then.
But Miss Pendleton couldn't fall asleep until late at night. She got out of bed and quietly sat on the sofa.
Her head ached. The job Mr. Dalton had offered her earlier that day was messing with her mind. Dunville Park. The governess of the two troublemaking Fairfaxes. A new life that would unfold because of that job.
She remembered him mentioning Dunville Park in passing once. A beautiful bridle path, a large tree-lined road, and a garden beautiful in all seasons. His sister's house, as he described it. The Fairfax people, though they may have had human flaws, were all good and conscientious people.
A great salary and a stable job. It was a great temptation. Frankly, considering her situation, it was ridiculous that she was even hesitating. She should take this job without a second thought.
However, emotional issues were still holding her back from making a decision. The emotional pain she would feel seeing him up close was obvious. He would be married soon, and she would often have to see Mrs. Dalton standing next to Mr. Dalton. There was a long history of exchange between the Fairfax and Dalton families. She would surely see Ian Dalton often.
'Mr. Dalton and Mrs. Dalton. Will I be able to maintain my composure while looking at them?'
She hesitated at the predicted pain. The emotions that were deeply rooted in her heart kept popping out, no matter how hard she tried to bury them. Now, she was truly in a position where she could not be with Mr. Dalton. But if she lived near him, instead of her heart being buried, it would only grow bigger. That would only make her feel endlessly pathetic.
She imagined him getting married. Introducing the new Mrs. Dalton to her. Having a child with her and building a beautiful family in Whitefield.
Her heart ached as if it were shriveling up.
But her well-honed rational judgment quickly showed her another image. Thirty years later, she was still alive and kicking due to an unwelcome longevity. A sick old age. An old body relying on the poorhouse because she didn't have enough money for medical treatment.
Having volunteered a few times with ladies interested in charity, she knew what the poorhouse was like. It was a terrible environment. The interior always reeked, and rats ran around every corner of the building. Everyone was wearing ragged clothes, and there were often fights over food due to a lack of it.
In the midst of all that, the old, weak, and sick were almost neglected. Patients who were not properly cared for due to a lack of manpower rotted alive. Groaning and mumbling for medicine, but slowly, in an environment where no one listened.
That was what her future would look like if she didn't save money.
Laura felt her blood run cold. If the thought of Mrs. Dalton had hurt her heart, the image of a poor old age made her feel as if cold water had been poured over her whole body, startling her awake.
She changed her mind. Even if she had to watch him get married and live with his wife from afar, that was then. She couldn't give up the clear benefits in front of her because of intangible emotions.
She fiddled with the pearl pendant she was wearing around her neck. It was the only piece of jewelry she hadn't given to the jeweler. She caressed the pearls of the pendant one by one like rosary beads.
This necklace always reminded her of her place. It was always a useful item in preventing her emotions. Just as this necklace had helped her in society, it would help her at Dunville Park. To lock up, close off, and bury her emotions.
She made a decision.
* * *
It was the third day since she had been with Miss Hyde.
It was Sunday. The two of them ironed their clothes neatly from early in the morning, styled their hair, and prepared to go to church. Laura decided to follow Miss Hyde to the church in the Holborn district, where she attended, rather than the church for the upper class in the Mayfair district, where she usually went.
Laura braided her hair up and gathered it in a hairnet, asking Miss Hyde,
"How far is the church on foot?"
"About 20 minutes."
"Then I should wear comfortable shoes."
"Oh, don't worry. We're going by carriage."
"A chartered carriage?"
"No. A gentleman will be coming to escort us."
Laura looked at Miss Hyde with a questioning look. Miss Hyde silently picked up her share of the Bible.
The two went outside, and soon a luxurious carriage stopped in front of the boarding house. As soon as Laura saw the carriage, she knew who the gentleman who had come to escort them was.
"Good morning, Miss Hyde. And Miss Pendleton!"
A familiar gentleman got out of the carriage and greeted them. Laura smiled and curtsied slightly.
"Hello, Mr. Fairfax."
Mr. Fairfax smiled softly at Laura.
"How's the new life? I hope you're adjusting well?"
"Of course."
"That's a relief. I'm glad to see that you look even better. I hope Miss Hyde is treating you well?"
Miss Hyde interjected.
"Mr. Fairfax, there's no one who can treat Miss Pendleton as well as I can, you know?"
"Of course. I know, Miss Hyde."
Mr. Fairfax looked at Miss Hyde with warm eyes. The two ladies and gentlemen shared a friendly smile.
Laura was surprised that their friendship had continued until recently, even after Miss Hyde had left society. Well, they had always gotten along well since they were in society. Conversation and hobbies.
At one time, she even thought that if the two of them got married, they could be happy even without love.
As Laura was watching the two of them, someone got out of the carriage that Mr. Fairfax had gotten out of. Laura's heart sank as soon as she recognized who the gentleman was.
"Oh, Mr. Dalton came today too?"
Miss Hyde exclaimed happily as she saw him getting out of the carriage.
"Good morning, Miss Hyde."
He took off his hat and greeted Miss Hyde, then turned his gaze to Laura. His gaze paused on Laura's face for a moment, but he soon bowed politely, as he had done to Miss Hyde.
"And Miss Pendleton."
Laura responded by curtsying slightly.
The four got into the carriage. Miss Hyde sat facing Mr. Fairfax so they could see each other. Naturally, Laura sat facing Mr. Dalton. Mr. Dalton stared intently at Laura's face as he sat across from her.
Laura felt as if it was demanding something from her. Perhaps it was the answer to the decision he had given her three days to make.
Laura turned her head towards Mr. Fairfax.
"Mr. Fairfax, do you often accompany Miss Hyde to church?"
"Of course. I attend worship with Miss Hyde every Sunday. After the service, we have tea together and chat."
"What do you talk about?"
"Miss Hyde mainly tells me about the writers who frequent the publishing house and new books. It's very interesting. And I tell her about the recent news of people in society."
"I also hear about my parents from Mr. Fairfax. After I got a job, they just treat me like I don't exist. Even if I send them letters, they don't reply, so I have no choice but to hear it from Mr. Fairfax."
Miss Hyde said casually.
"I hope Miss Pendleton gets a job in London. How fun would it be if we could take the carriage to church together every Sunday and chat like this? Don't you think so, Mr. Fairfax?"
"Of course. I want to continue my friendship with Miss Pendleton forever. But I know that's a selfish wish. Because there's a great position prepared for Miss Pendleton that needs her."
Mr. Fairfax turned his gaze to Laura.
"Miss Pendleton, I heard that you were offered a job as a governess at my brother's house by my friend Ian."
"Yes."
"Do you know what I said to Ian when I heard that story? I told him that he had done something helpful for his sister's house for the first time in his life. Ian only hits his nephews and nieces, but he doesn't do anything that is educationally helpful."
"William, I'm in the carriage."
Mr. Dalton said nonchalantly, resting his chin on his hand. Mr. Fairfax ignored him and continued to speak.
"Miss Pendleton, I would be happy if I could entrust my nephews and nieces to Miss Pendleton. Miss Pendleton is the most intellectual woman I have ever met. And she has a wonderful personality. If my nephews and nieces follow Miss Pendleton's example, they will grow into wonderful adults."
Miss Pendleton's cheeks flushed slightly at Mr. Fairfax's sincere praise.
"Thank you, Mr. Fairfax."
Laura looked at Ian. He was resting his chin on his hand and looking out the window. She was relieved that his gaze was directed elsewhere. She was able to talk comfortably with her friends without being nervous about him while going to church.
The carriage arrived in front of the church, and the four entered the church. The church was packed with people from the merchant and working classes. Everyone was dressed in simple but clean clothes. The men were clean-shaven, and the women were sitting in the pews, dressed up with small accessories.
After the service, people left the church. Mr. Fairfax suggested that it had been a long time since they had all been together, so they should take a walk in the nearby park together, and the three readily agreed. They headed to a nearby park.
The park was full of people leisurely enjoying their day off. There were so many people that it was difficult for the four of them to walk side by side.
Naturally, Miss Hyde and Mr. Fairfax linked arms and chatted as they walked ahead, and Laura and Mr. Dalton walked behind them.
While the two people in front were linking arms and whispering about today's sermon and their recent work life, Laura and Mr. Dalton walked about a hand's breadth apart from each other.
Silence lingered between the two. Miss Pendleton brought up a light topic to break the silence.
"How are the people in society doing these days?"
Mr. Dalton shrugged.
"I don't know."
"I'm curious about how Miss Lance is doing. And the other ladies too. Could you please give my regards to Miss Lance? I sent her a letter, but I didn't write where I was, so I'm worried that she might be worried."
"I don't have any contact with her these days, so I don't know."
Laura frowned inwardly.
Why? She had heard that they were so close that he would visit her whenever there was tea time.
"Miss Pendleton, I came today to hear your answer to the offer I gave you."
He looked down at her calmly. Miss Pendleton realized that the time had come to reveal the conclusion she had reached.
"I will gratefully accept that offer."
