Chapter 2 – Kingston (Part 11)

With the meticulous assistance of two women, two dresses were swiftly alternated and tried on. Both the elegant silver-gray and the splendid navy blue dresses were formal. Evelyn was so pleased with both that she couldn’t help but smile at her reflection in the mirror.

Wearing such beautiful new clothes, she felt as if she weren’t herself. The unfamiliar appearance undeniably excited her. If there were someone to see her, someone to share in her anticipation and satisfaction, it would be even more so.

Evelyn felt like an actress on stage. She hoped to change costumes for her sole audience and bring him satisfaction. Fortunately, her audience was pleased with all the outfits.

“Will you take these three dresses then?”

“Perfect. What do you think, Miss Dale?”

Bryant looked at Evelyn as if seeking her agreement. Evelyn, dressed in a navy satin dress with gloves reaching up to her elbows and a flamboyant hat, faced him. Only then did practical thoughts occur to her. 

How much would all this cost? 

She couldn’t even guess an approximate price, but it was surely very expensive. Calming her habitually anxious mind, Evelyn decided she would willingly pay whatever it cost.

After all, I’m going to the Imperial Palace. I’m going to have an audience with Her Majesty the Empress. When would such a day come again? 

A dazzling moment that would never come twice in a lifetime. Preparing for such a glorious moment was worth any cost. Buying a few evening dresses wouldn’t bankrupt her. Evelyn now had the means to afford this level of luxury.

“I like them too.”

So she nodded readily.

As if the curtain fell on a stage, the drapes closed with a swish. With the audience’s gaze blocked, Evelyn relaxed. The women quickly removed everything they had dressed her in, and they seemed to enjoy it.

“Could you bring me the bill? I’ll pay with a personal check.”

“Pardon?”

Margaret, who was untying the corset laces, asked from behind. She met Evelyn’s eyes through the mirror and paused for a moment. She seemed to gauge whether the customer’s words were a joke or serious, then,

“What do you mean? There’s a gentleman present.”

She chuckled as if amused and resumed untying the laces. Evelyn found herself in a predicament. She considered explaining again more seriously. 

No, that’s not it. The gentleman and I are not in that kind of relationship. 

Just as she was about to say that,

“Mr. Clifton has already paid.”

“…….”

“I’ll keep the fact that you mentioned the bill a secret from him. Wouldn’t he be disappointed if he knew?”

Margaret winked conspiratorially. However, Evelyn couldn’t bring herself to smile back. 

Paid? That’s absurd. 

This was something she should be responsible for, and there was no reason for him to be disappointed if she bought her own clothes. There was even less reason for her to accept such excessive courtesy from him.

Evelyn had never received unwarranted kindness from anyone before. Especially when it came to expensive gifts or financial assistance, she had a strong aversion to such gestures that were immediately quantifiable. It was the same with everyone. Even with past suitors, and even her fiancé, there were no exceptions.

Therefore, this was an impossible situation.

“Mr. Clifton.”

As soon as Evelyn exited the fitting room, she walked over to him. They were the only two people in the drawing room.

“Miss Dale.”

Bryant, as always, looked down at her politely. He was a man who adhered strictly to basic gentlemanly manners. He seemed like someone who would never commit the rudeness of sitting while a lady was standing.

“I heard you paid for my items?”

“Yes.”

Evelyn remained silent, just staring at his face. His expression was so matter-of-fact that she was at a loss for words. It seemed the man was equally at a loss for words. He met her gaze silently, then eventually asked, looking genuinely puzzled,

“Is there a problem?”

“Yes. I think there is.”

“I would appreciate it if you could explain in more detail.”

“I have no reason to receive such a gift from you, Mr. Clifton. It’s rude to impose a burden on someone without a valid reason. Since these are things I need and will use, I believe it’s right for me to pay for them. Of course, I appreciate your kindness.”

Evelyn spoke in a calm and polite tone. However, the content was essentially telling him not to hurt her pride. 

I’ll handle what I need with my own strength, so I’ll just accept your goodwill. 

In her experience, when she said this much, the other party usually agreed and backed off. Sometimes they even admired her for being so decisive.

“I can see how you might think that.”

Bryant nodded with his eyes lowered. Then he looked back into her eyes. Meeting his gaze, Evelyn expected him to back off now.

“However, let me clarify one thing: the burden you think you’ve placed on me today is not a burden at all.”

“…….”

“Also, I do have a valid reason to bear that level of burden for you.”

“…….”

“As I mentioned before, I’ll ensure maximum convenience and safety for you.”

“…….”

“If you need help with preparations, I said I’d gladly assist.”

His voice dropped a little. His gaze, staring directly at her, did not waver. Evelyn involuntarily held her breath.

“I will cover all expenses for the trip to Issen.”

The man continued. His tone was definitive. His oddly authoritative tone pressed down on her chest. He looked at her eyes for a moment, as if demanding an answer, then slightly tilted his head and added,

“Think of it as an investment from the publishing company. Even if not, I wouldn’t want to bear the dishonor of making a lady pick up the bill.”

Bryant finished speaking with a loose smile. 

So, which is sturdier, your pride or mine? 

Evelyn read that meaning from the man’s face. This man didn’t seem likely to back down. He wasn’t showing any intention of retreating, especially when he mentioned the publishing company and investment.

Sigh. Evelyn quietly suppressed a sigh.

“Let’s leave now. I’ll take you home.”

Bryant turned halfway around with a nonchalant attitude. Evelyn naturally shook her head.

“No, I’ll just take a carriage.”

“I have business in the Uptown area, so I’ll take you on the way. You have too much luggage to return alone.”

That was true. I should have just thanked him. 

Evelyn muttered internally but calmly turned and took a step. 

What business does he have in Uptown? Is there a social gathering there? 

She was curious but, of course, didn’t show it.

As they descended the stairs to the first floor, people came into view. Ellen, who had been standing in front of a few stacked boxes at the entrance, began moving the boxes to the car as soon as she saw the two of them. The shop assistants brought the customers’ coats and helped them put them on. Margaret opened the door and came out to the entrance to see them off.

“I’ll send the dress you’ll wear on Friday to your home after alterations. You should receive it within three days.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. It was my pleasure, Miss Evelyn. See you next time, Mr. Clifton.”

“Always grateful, Miss Margaret.”

He responded by bowing and lightly kissing the woman’s cheek. After receiving the same kiss in return, he straightened up. Watching them look at each other so naturally, Evelyn tried not to feel awkward. It was a scene she had seen routinely for over three years, but today it felt different.

She knew that kissing each other’s cheeks was a form of greeting in this place. Even if they weren’t very close, it was natural for men and women who were acquainted to exchange such greetings, regardless of age. But could it really be so nonchalant? How could one not blush when kissing a man who wasn’t family? Evelyn imagined Bryant kissing her cheek in the way he had just done with Margaret.

Just thinking about it made her face flush. It was even more so when her eyes met the man’s who had turned to look at her. So Evelyn tried to maintain a calm and intellectual expression to hide her rustic thoughts.