Chapter 2 – Kingston (Part 7)

Evelyn began reading a book as soon as she returned to the boarding house. The plush armchair was the perfect place to read a novel. Especially during the chilly and dark times like now, it was ideal. The pleasant warmth flowed from the fireplace, and the light from the fire was sufficient, so there was no need to light candles or lamps. And the smell of oak wood burning. It was a perfect space.  

Immersed in the book, she looked up at the sound of a knock on the door. It would be the maid bringing her meal. She was hungry, after all. Having walked from the telegraph office to her usual stationery store, it was natural to feel hungry.  

“Come in.”  

Upon her response, the door opened, and a familiar maid entered. However, what the maid brought was not a tray with her dinner.

“There’s a visitor for you, Miss Evelyn.”  

Visitor. As soon as she heard it, Evelyn involuntarily recalled that man’s face.  

What the maid handed over was indeed a small card. This house was not a noble’s mansion, so there was no exaggerated etiquette like a silver tray. When Evelyn took the card and glanced at it,  

“He was a very handsome gentleman.”  

The maid added with a flushed face.  

“Who is he? Someone you know well?”  

“No. I don’t know him well. Just that he’s from the publishing house.”  

“It must be something important if he comes to visit at this hour.”  

The older maid’s eyes were full of curiosity. She wasn’t illiterate, so she must have read what was written on the card. Evelyn responded appropriately, feeling a bit awkward.  

“Well, I’ll have to go down and hear what he has to say.”  

“Are you going out to dinner with him? Should I not bring your dinner then?”  

“No, no. I’ll eat.”  

Evelyn almost jumped in denial. They say a strong denial is an affirmation. The maid smiled slyly with suspicious eyes.  

“Bring the food to my room, Betty. I’ll be back soon.”  

“Today’s menu is sea bream stew.”  

“It’s something I like.”  

“Will you really eat it?”  

“Of course.”  

“Then I’ll bring it in about ten minutes.”  

“Thank you.”  

After the maid left, Evelyn let out a short sigh. Then she finally took a good look at the card in her hand. The embossed emblem of the publishing house. It was a neatly printed card on high-quality paper.  

Viewcastle Publishing  

President  

Bryant M. H. Clifton Jr.  

What is it this time? Is it a habit to come by unexpectedly like this? 

Evelyn grumbled inwardly as she reluctantly got up from her seat. She approached the mirror hanging on the wall and looked at her reflection. 

Should I put something on my lips? Or maybe a little perfume? 

She pondered for a moment but eventually did nothing and put on her coat.  

Outside the boarding house, she was greeted by a car parked across the street. The car stood alone, silent, making Evelyn momentarily hesitate. Of course, she knew about steam-powered cars, but habits ingrained over many years didn’t change easily.

There were seven steps leading down from the townhouse to the sidewalk. As she placed her foot on the first step, the car door opened. The woman walked down the steps, and the man got out of the car. Evelyn watched the man crossing the empty street. Seeing him like this, she thought he was really tall, as she passed the last step.  

“Good evening, Miss Dale.”  

Bryant greeted her with a slight nod. Dressed in a long wool coat, he wasn’t wearing a hat today either. Kingston men always make sure to wear a hat when they go out, she thought as she stood a couple of steps away from him.  

The yellowish streetlight poured over the man’s head. His dark blonde hair shone even more in the night’s light.  

“Hello, Mr. Clifton.”  

“You came out quickly.”  

“It’s cold.”  

“Yes. It’s quite chilly.”  

“What brings you here?”  

Her impatience made her sound a bit cold, even to her own ears. Evelyn tried to make up for it by putting on as warm a face as possible. Looking down at her face, the man asked,  

“Have you had dinner?”  

“…No, not yet.”  

“Then why don’t we talk slowly over dinner? This doesn’t seem like a suitable place to have a conversation with a lady.”  

White breath flowed from between the man’s lips as he spoke. A January evening after the sun had completely set. It was indeed a cold night.  

“Is there a good restaurant nearby? Somewhere you usually go. I’m not picky about food.”  

“I’m sorry, but that might be a bit difficult.”  

“…….”  

“The cook at my house, I mean, the boarding house cook, has already prepared my portion of the meal.”  

The more she spoke, the more it sounded like an excuse. She was embarrassed, but Evelyn had no choice. Suddenly appearing and asking to have dinner together. She wasn’t prepared for anything. She added an excuse inwardly and then asked herself. 

Prepared? What kind of preparation is needed?  

“I see. Wasting food is indeed not right.”  

“…Thank you for understanding.”  

“Then, if you don’t mind, may I come inside for a moment?”  

Bryant maintained the utmost politeness, but his alternative was just as troubling. For one, there wasn’t a suitable place for him to sit in her room. Moreover, the maid would soon bring her dinner. To have a conversation there? Alone with this man? With a steaming bowl of stew next to her? Just imagining it made her uncomfortable and breathless.  

“That too is… it’s difficult to entertain a guest right now. I’m sorry, but the room is a mess.”  

Evelyn Dale’s room had never been a mess in her life, but the truth didn’t matter. As expected, the man tilted his head slightly. His expression showed that he found her words highly dubious and untrustworthy. He then lowered his gaze and lifted the corner of his lips slightly. It was a smile that could be interpreted as “That’s ridiculous” or “Unbelievable.” Evelyn felt as if she could hear the man’s inner thoughts. 

So you’re going to leave me standing here, on this cold, dark street.  

“Mr. Clifton. If it’s a long conversation, can we meet again tomorrow? If it’s okay, I can come to the publishing house,”  

“Excuse me for a moment.”  

The man interrupted her gently and turned around. Watching his back, Evelyn felt quite troubled. Regardless of the circumstances, leaving a guest who came to her home standing outside was rude. Moreover, the person in question was the president of the publishing house. Realizing this made her feel even more uncomfortable.  

Evelyn had sent the manuscript of <The Blooming Mansion> to several places. The only hopeful response came from Viewcastle. It was thanks to this man and his company that she was able to pay off her overdue boarding fees with a generous contract payment and no longer worry about living expenses as the book sold well. It had been only about a year.  

Watching the man’s back as he walked across the street, Evelyn thought she might be being too harsh. She could at least have dinner with him. It’s not like they’re complete strangers. A writer and a publisher have a mutually necessary relationship. So if he wants it, she could accommodate him even if it was a bit uncomfortable.  

Am I being too selfish? 

Once the self-reflection began, it spread unchecked.  

Changing the perspective of thought even slightly makes everything look different. Watching the man standing in front of the car across the street, Evelyn seriously considered suggesting they go to a restaurant.  

At that moment, the car door opened, and a stranger got out. The medium-height, slender man exchanged a few words with Bryant and then turned around. He walked lightly towards the main street, and Bryant returned across the street to the woman.  

“Let’s go to my car.”  

“…….”  

“It’s better than standing in the cold.”  

More visible breath escaped his lips as he spoke. Evelyn could only nod.