“If that were the case, I would have taken you as my bride, Miss Sheldon.”

“You’re lucky you were born a girl. Otherwise, there might have been a shootout between uncle and nephew over Miss Sheldon.”

Mrs. Fairfax decided to visit Laura herself. She was worried about Laura’s condition and couldn’t bear the curiosity about what had happened at the gathering.

Knock, knock.

She tapped on Laura’s door, but there was no response.

A typical polite lady might turn away when there’s no answer to a knock. But Mrs. Fairfax had a self-centered streak, unable to tolerate unanswered questions, and in such moments, her usual leisurely demeanor would give way to impulsiveness.

She gripped the doorknob and twisted. The door opened easily.

The room was cluttered with the bags and trunks Laura had taken to Whitefield.

Mrs. Fairfax shifted her gaze toward the bed. It showed no signs of being used. A sick person would surely have been tossing and turning in the sheets. She scanned the room thoroughly. Soon, she noticed the veranda door wide open and caught sight of Miss Sheldon’s back, standing before the stone railing outside.

She strode forward. Despite making no effort to soften her footsteps, Laura didn’t turn around.

“Miss Sheldon.”

Laura’s delicate shoulders flinched and trembled.

“You’re supposed to be ill, yet here you are, standing in this cold breeze.”

Laura, still facing away, touched her face. Mrs. Fairfax realized she was wiping it.

Hurrying to Laura’s side, Mrs. Fairfax gently turned her by the shoulders.

Laura’s face was streaked with tears.

“Miss Sheldon…!”

Laura rubbed her wet eyes, sniffling.

“I’m so sorry… to let you see me like this…”

“Sorry? Nonsense. What’s wrong? What happened at the gathering?”

Laura hung her head.

“No, nothing… nothing at all…”

“Then why, why on earth are you crying? Homesickness? Do you miss London?”

“That place doesn’t hold any fond memories for me. It’s just… just…”

Laura steadied her trembling voice.

“I can’t stay here any longer.”

“Here, meaning…?”

“Dunville Park. No, Yorkshire.”

“Why?”

“My presence here is a burden. My existence will become a burden to everyone.”

“What are you talking about? You’ve taught my ignorant, rowdy sons Latin verbs. You’ve shown my sheltered daughter what a fine lady should be. You’re a good chess companion to my husband and, to me, the daughter of a benefactor. So what’s this about…?”

“It’s all useless! Useless! Mr. Dalton… he loves me!”

Mrs. Fairfax quickly covered her mouth, nearly letting her thoughts slip out loud.

You foolish boy, how could you let that slip already!

Laura buried her face in her hands, sobbing.

“I’m terribly sorry to the Fairfax family, who’ve welcomed me so warmly. That someone like me… dared to catch Mr. Dalton’s eye and even receive a proposal. I should have been more cautious… I should have kept my distance…”

“No one lives as cautiously or thoughtfully as you, Miss Sheldon. Don’t blame yourself.”

Mrs. Fairfax turned her head to gaze at the scenery beyond the veranda. The Dunville Park woods, as if mocking her troubled heart, swayed gently in the autumn breeze, dressed in vibrant, colorful foliage.

“Let’s go inside and talk more.”

The two entered the room and sat across from each other at a small tea table.

“Why haven’t you unpacked your things?”

Laura wiped her face with a handkerchief and answered.

“Because I’ll have to leave soon.”

“To where?”

“Anywhere. Now that I know Mr. Dalton’s feelings, I can’t stay here.”

Why not? Just marry him and live in Whitefield! The words rose to her throat, but she restrained herself. If Laura knew Ian’s feelings, she might also have figured out that he’d lured her here to woo her. If she learned that Mrs. Fairfax was complicit in that scheme, Laura might lose all affection for the Fairfax family.

“Honestly, I’m a bit surprised. I never imagined Ian would harbor such feelings for you. But I consider you part of our family. I’d prefer if you didn’t leave, if possible.”

Laura looked at Mrs. Fairfax, puzzled.

“I thought you’d be offended. Your brother is such a fine man, and someone like me has caught his heart…”

“I’d welcome anyone Ian chooses to marry. He’s not one to listen to me anyway. If anything, it must be harder for you. Being courted by a hot-tempered man like Ian must be trying. I understand.”

“Mr. Dalton is a fine gentleman.”

“Thank you for saying so. I don’t quite agree, though.”

Mrs. Fairfax took Laura’s small hand.

“Let me ask you one thing. Can you leave us without a single regret?”

Laura shook her head.

“Then how about we stop Ian from visiting and you stay here?”

“Mr. Dalton wouldn’t listen.”

“I know. You’re worried he might ignore your wishes and keep coming, aren’t you? But, Miss Sheldon, I know plenty of Ian’s embarrassing secrets. He did some awfully cute things as a child. A few words from me, and he won’t dare come near here.”

Hoping to entice her, Mrs. Fairfax dangled the bait.

“If you’re curious, I could share a few stories.”

But Laura had no interest in prying into others’ secrets. She shook her head.

“Even as his sister, you couldn’t stop Mr. Dalton.”

“Don’t underestimate me, Miss Sheldon.”

“No, it’s you who’s underestimating Mr. Dalton’s feelings. Mr. Dalton… yesterday…”

Laura took a deep breath, as if the mere thought made her breathless.

“He said if I didn’t accept his proposal… he’d take his own life… with a pistol to his head…”

Laura couldn’t continue, trembling all over.

Mrs. Fairfax stared blankly into space. She wanted to wrap her arm around her brother Ian’s neck, pin him to her side, and give him a million thumps on the head.

You’re showing your inexperience in love so blatantly, Ian Dalton! This is why men need to mingle with women and have a few romances before marriage. Spending your life cooped up painting leads to blunders like this at critical moments.

Mrs. Fairfax realized she might have to give up on keeping Laura here. Her brother’s outrageous behavior must have shaken Laura deeply.

But she couldn’t let Laura leave like this. She’d grown fond of Laura even before knowing she was Miss Sheldon’s daughter, but after learning her identity, Mrs. Fairfax had set her heart on Laura as the only match for her brother.

Twenty years ago, memories of Miss Sheldon lingered in Mrs. Fairfax’s mind. Though always in worn clothes, her beauty and grace made it hard to notice. Kind, attentive, wise, and gentle, she had been an angel who saved the sensitive, lonely young Ian.

That such a woman’s daughter had been hurt by a selfish uncle and unjustly stripped of her inheritance—Mrs. Fairfax found Laura’s harsh life lamentable.

And the life of a governess Laura was about to take up would only make her already pitiable existence more so. She’d toil all day, yet remain lonely and poor.

That’s why Mrs. Fairfax believed Laura should marry Ian. If she did, she could guide her brother well and steer Whitefield Hall in a positive direction. As a just reward for her character and diligence, she’d live happily as a wife, loved by her husband and respected by the community.

Mrs. Fairfax desperately wanted to see that future.

“If you absolutely must leave, I can’t stop you, but what about our children? They all adore you.”

“I feel truly sorry for the children.”

“Daniel and George will do nothing but cry if you leave. Olivia will be heartbroken too. We won’t find anyone to replace you anywhere else. And I…”

“…”

“To be honest, I’ve been quite lonely until recently. Since you came, I’ve had a companion to talk to, and my loneliness has eased. I even feel my health improving little by little. You’re not just a dear friend to Ian but to me as well. If you leave like this…”

Mrs. Fairfax adjusted her shawl and coughed dramatically. Laura’s face clouded. Mrs. Fairfax felt a slight pang of guilt but continued without showing it.

“How about this, Miss Sheldon? Leave Dunville Park for a while, until Ian’s feelings cool.”

“Until Mr. Dalton’s feelings cool?”

“Yes. They say absence makes the heart grow distant.”

Laura looked unconvinced.

“Are Mr. Dalton’s feelings really so fleeting?”

“They’re not fleeting, but passion, as fervent as it is, can burn out quickly. I believe Ian’s feelings are temporary. It hasn’t even been a year since he met you. A season apart might change things.”

Mrs. Fairfax gripped Laura’s hand tightly.

“You mentioned a friend staying in Bath, didn’t you? Go rest there and come back around spring. If Ian’s feelings haven’t settled by then, I’ll personally find you a new position. A tutor’s role, with the same treatment and salary you’ve had here. So please, don’t rush to leave us.”

Laura’s expression was conflicted. She thought it over and finally nodded.

“I’ll do that, Mrs. Fairfax.”

Mrs. Fairfax breathed a sigh of relief.

“When will you leave, then?”

“I’m hesitant to face Mr. Dalton again. I’ll say goodbye to the children and leave soon…”

“Alright. Then depart tomorrow. I’ll calculate your wages up to now. There’s a good lodging in Bath where I stayed with him, so I’ll write down the address.”

Mrs. Fairfax stood.

“A long journey requires a full stomach. I’ll have a maid bring you a meal. Make sure to eat it all.”

Laura nodded, her eyes red like a rabbit’s. Mrs. Fairfax gave a bittersweet smile.

I managed to keep her for now… but what will you do next, Ian?

She opened the door, her heart heavy. As she did, a scurry sounded in her ears. She quickly closed the door and glanced down the left corridor. Olivia was darting to her room, her golden hair fluttering.

What? Did she hear everything?

Mrs. Fairfax sighed, then shrugged.

Well, no matter.