Chapter 5 chapter Five

12 years later. "Looks like the Americans have arrived," Erin said sarcastically, having just returned from a morning walk with her sister Olivia.She stopped beside the honey-colored stone wall and watched the four luxuriously decorated carriages at the gate of the house.Servants busily paced back and forth in the courtyard.The large central courtyard houses the stables on one side and the servants' quarters on the other.The guests brought a month's worth of luggage and clothes with them, planning to stay in Shiziyuan well. Olivia stood next to Erin, a good-looking twenty-four-year-old with light chestnut hair, hazel-green eyes, and a slender, petite figure.Judging from her lively posture alone, she seems carefree.Once you look into her eyes, you can tell that she must have paid a heavy price for the happiness she once had.

"It's okay to be really stupid," Olivia said softly, referring to these guests, "Didn't anyone tell them that it's inappropriate to visit so early?" "It seems not." "It's pompous, isn't it?" Olivia muttered, studying the gilded lines on the carriage and the paintings on the door frame. Erin snickered and agreed, "Americans like to spend their money where people can see it." They laughed together, their eyes knowing.Their elder brother Max, who should now be called Sir Westcliff, invited Americans to hunting parties here not once or twice.Looks like Hampshire has them busy all year round... partridges in August, partridges in September, pheasants in October, crows in spring and summer, and rabbits waiting all year round.Routine hunting activities are held twice a week, and ladies also participate.Businessmen and influential politicians were also invited to the banquet.Max can always handle the relationship subtly, so that he can have both sides.

The Americans invited by Shiziyuan must be very rich... Most of their fortunes depend on shipping and real estate, as well as factories such as soap factories or newspaper offices.Erin had always found Americans more attractive.She loves their youthful energy, their eagerness to be accepted.They don't mind being outdated, and their clothes are always a season or two behind the trend.The funniest place was at the dinner table, where they were extremely anxious whether they were placed next to the salt or given the honor of sitting next to the host.Usually, they also pay more attention to taste, such as admiring Charente porcelain, Italian sculptures, French red wine... Americans are even more magnanimous to cross-border marriages, and they can marry any British girl with a large sum of dollars.Of course, no matter how noble the blood is, it cannot be compared to the Marden family, which is one of the oldest noble descendants in the whole of England.

Olivia likes to poke fun at their family's majesty, saying that even a big, dirty, smelly black sheep can attract American ambitions as long as it has a prominent Marden blood. "Since no one wants me in England, I might as well consider getting to know a diamond tycoon in the United States, and follow him across the ocean." Eileen smiled and hugged her. "You wouldn't dare," she whispered against her hair, "because I'm going to miss you so much." "We're a perfect match," Olivia sighed self-deprecatingly, "We're going to die like this, spending our last days with a large group of cats."

"God help me," Erin murmured happily. Ailin recalled the conversation between the two sisters before, put her arms around her sister's shoulders, "Okay, honey." She said happily, "Now you have a chance to meet a rich American, let's see what you like Such a man." Olivia snorted, "I'm just joking, you know it. Also, how can you be sure that the people at the banquet are all gentlemen?" "Max mentioned that group of people to me last night. Have you heard of the Sean family in New York? They have been rich for three generations and have always settled in the United States. The current head of this family is Mr. Jayden Sean, unmarried—and Very handsome."

"He thinks it's his thing," Olivia said. "I'm not trying to hook a husband, no matter how attractive he is." Erin hugged Olivia's shoulders protectively.Olivia hadn't been in love since the death of her fiancé, Sir Amberley.But she really needs a real home, and she shouldn't spend her whole life waiting for infatuation. Olivia loved Amberley so much that she was still mourning his death two years ago.Even the kindest man like Amberley couldn't bear Olivia to spend the rest of her life alone. "God," said Eileen, "you're likely to meet another man and fall in love with him—like Amberley—maybe not more than him, but at least not less."

Olivia's shoulders tightened. "Lord, I don't want that. Loving someone is hard work. You've been through the same pain as I have." "Yes." Erin admitted, struggling to close the door of memory. They stood quietly, understanding each other's inner pain.Irene was thinking that her younger sister, who was tolerated by the world, turned out to be her closest and most caring friend.Irene sighed, walked to one of the spiers of the mansion, turned around and said, "Come on," she cheered up, "Let's go in from the servants' hall, I don't want guests to see us covered in dust."

"I think so too." Olivia stepped up the steps, "Eileen, don't you feel tired of always helping Max greet guests?" "No, in fact I'm quite happy to hear the news from London all the time." "And last week old Sir Torrington said you always make people think they're smart and funny. He said you were the best hostess he'd ever seen." "Really? I'll have to add more brandy to his glass next time." Irene smiled, and stopped in the lobby, wanting to take a look at the American guests.Their luggage was on the ground, and the crowd was bustling.

While Erin was looking at them, a man caught her attention.He was taller than any other, more athletic than athletic.He has black hair, broad shoulders, and walks with great confidence.Like many Americans, his clothes are hand-made and strictly conservative.He stopped to chat casually with a guest, his hard face half-hidden. His presence made Irene feel unnatural, and her usual composure was a bit out of order.The distance was a bit far, so she couldn't see his face clearly, but she could feel his heat.His movements, his natural kingly demeanor, the arrogant tilt of his head... There is no doubt that he is a person who is used to giving orders... Could it be that he is Mr. Xiao En?

Olivia had already entered the room before her, "Aren't you coming, Erin?" She turned around and asked. "Come on, I..." Irene hesitated, and continued to look at the back. Compared with him, the people around were lifeless.He finished his short conversation and walked towards the door of the house, and when he reached the first step, he stopped... as if someone called his name.His shoulder muscles tensed under his black coat.Erin watched him, fascinated by his sudden stillness.He turned slowly and looked at her.With her heart beating wildly, she ran into the house before their eyes met.

"What's wrong with you?" Olivia patted her with concern, "You seem to be frightened." She anxiously held Erin's hand, "Come on, wash your face with cold water." "Oh, I'm fine," Erin replied, but her stomach was already churning, "I saw a gentleman in the yard just now..." "The one with the black hair? Yes, I noticed him too. Why are Americans so tall? Maybe it's the soil and water—they look like mourning belts." "As far as etiquette is concerned, we both have to go down as soon as possible." Irene smiled. Both of them belonged to petite bones. The elder brother Max was about the same height as an ordinary person, but his physique was stronger, and the messages revealed clearly all over his body It shows that anyone who dares to challenge him is courting death. The two sisters chatted casually while walking into the bedroom on the east side.Erin knew that she had to change clothes as soon as possible, and she had to greet the American guests who arrived early in a well-dressed manner.Maybe get them a little snack first, but no time for a decent breakfast.Only drink more in the morning before dinner. Erin walked briskly through the pantry.She decides to serve the strawberries and blueberries first, which must be served in large crystal bowls.And bottled cream and jam, and bread and cake.The asparagus salad and grilled bacon were also good.Erin ordered Mrs. Fickles, the housekeeper, to add a frozen lobster souffle to the dinner.The dinner seems to be less, or some salmon steak with mayonnaise, and sweet bread with celery stalks—— "Okay," Olivia swayed leisurely, interrupting her contemplation. "I wish you a happy life, I have to find a shelter as usual." "You don't have to do this," Erin frowned displeased. Ever since Olivia's affair with Amberley started, she's pretty much kept herself hidden.Although most people sympathize with her, she is still regarded as "disrupted".She was not invited to all social events, and she stayed alone in her room when balls or banquets were held in Shiziyuan.After two years of self-imposed isolation in Olivia, Max and Erin finally decided to do something about it.While Olivia will never be able to return to her pre-scandal goodness, neither can she live the rest of her life as a hermit.They would bring her into the social circle firmly but slowly, and finally find her a good husband of the same kind. "You have mourned long enough, Olivia." Irene said firmly, "Max said that if any guests disrespect you, tell them to leave immediately." "It's not because I'm afraid of their rejection that I don't get in touch with them," Olivia protested, "It's because I'm not ready yet." "You're never ready," Erin commented. "Sooner or later you have to face it." "tell you later." "I remember you used to love dancing, singing at the piano, playing cards—" "Eileen," Olivia interrupted her softly, "I promise you, one day I'll dance, play cards and sing again—but that's my choice, not yours." Erin smiled apologetically, "I don't want to be bossy. I just want to make you happy." Olivia held her hand and patted it comfortingly, "Honey, I only hope that when you take care of other people's happiness, you also think about your own happiness." I'm very happy, Eileen wanted to say, but the words were stuck in her throat and she couldn't speak. Olivia sighed and walked out, "See you tonight." Erin unscrewed the glazed porcelain doorknob, walked into the bedroom, and took off her hat.The hair at the nape of her neck was sticky with sweat.She tore off the pins and scrunchies from her long chocolate-brown hair, put them on the dressing table, picked up a silver-handled comb, and started combing slowly from the root of her hair, enjoying the tingling feeling of combing. August this year was extremely hot, and the upper-class people who didn't want to die in the heat in London crowded into the countryside to escape the summer heat.Max had said that Mr. Sean and some of his business associates would take Stoney Park as their temporary residence, traveling back and forth between Hampshire and London.It seems that Mr. Sean intends to set up an office in London. After all the links are cleared up, his ship can be loaded here. The Sean family is extremely wealthy because of their involvement in the real estate industry and Wall Street. Recently, they have greatly accelerated the production efficiency of the factory by adopting advanced industrial production.It seems that their ambitions are not limited to providing engines and parts to the US railroad industry, but also intend to enter the European market.For Max, Sean is undoubtedly the ideal investment partner - Erin has a hunch that her brother is very interested in their business.Judging from this purpose, Mr. Xiao En should stay in Shizi Garden for a long time and enjoy it. She suddenly had a plan, and immediately got up and changed into a summer dress with lavender pattern on a white background.She didn't ring the bell for the maid to help.Unlike the ladies of her class, she usually dressed herself.She would only ask Mrs. Ficos to help if necessary.Aside from Olivia, only Mrs. Ficos could help Erin bath or change her clothes. Erin buttoned the small pearl-breasted bodice and stood in front of the full-length mirror.Fix the hair with hair pins, and tie the hair at the back of the neck into bundles.She was tucking the extra hair into her hat when she looked in the mirror and saw something on the bed... a single glove, or a garter, or... a light pink satin cloth.Irene frowned curiously, and walked over to find out. She took out the thing from under the pillow.It was an old handkerchief, the embroidery had faded to almost white, and the threads were frayed in many places.Irene traced the rosebud with her fingertips in bewilderment.Where did this come from?How could it appear on her bed?She was still stroking the delicate embroidery, with a familiar churning feeling in her stomach. This was embroidered by herself, twelve years ago. Her fingers clenched, gripping the fabric.Her pulse was racing and filling her ears, throat, and chest. "Mikan," she whispered. She remembered the day she gave it to him...or rather, the day he took it from her, by the carriage by the stable.Only Mikan will return this fragment of memory.But it can't be him.Mikan left the UK years ago, interrupting his apprenticeship in Bristol.No one has seen or heard from him since. Eileen had been trying not to think about him, she told herself that time would cut short the pain of love.Still Mikan haunted her like a ghost, filling her dreams with hopelessness she didn't want to admit.For so many years, she didn't even know his life or death. Erin held the handkerchief and walked out of the room.Like a wounded animal, she softly crossed the east side of the house and came out of the house through the opening of the servants' hall.There is no privacy in the house, so she needs to find a place to be alone and think about it.In her mind, the first thought that came to her mind was...don't come back, Mikan...if I see you now, I'd rather die.don't come back, don't... Sir Max Westcliff, meeting Jayden Sean in his study.The first time he saw Sean was during his visit to England, and he thought he was worthy of praise then. Frankly speaking, Max doesn't like people like Sean, who is usually called the American aristocracy.Even if he had not been educated by society in this life, Max did not believe in any aristocratic class.And, of all the people Max met, none was more American aristocratic than Jayden Sean.But in fact, Sean is more willing to emulate the behavior of his great-grandfather, a vulgar and outspoken sea trader who accumulated a pitifully small fortune.Today's results have been achieved through generations of hard work.Considering the current status of the Xiao En family, it would be better to avoid mentioning the ancestors with indecent backgrounds...but only if Jayden agrees. Sean walked into the room relaxed and leisurely.He was about thirty-five and well-mannered.The wheat-colored hair is neatly trimmed and layered, and the skin is tanned.Typical American...blue eyes, blonde hair, with a hint of disrespect.But there was something dark beneath the golden exterior, with deep lines around his eyes and mouth from cynicism and resentment.Everyone's evaluation of him is that he works hard and has fun even more.It appeared that the rumors Max had heard about his drinking and debauchery were true. "My lord," Sean whispered, shaking his hand firmly, "it's a great pleasure to be here as a guest." The maid brought the coffee, and Max motioned for it to be placed on the table. "How was the trip?" Max asked. Sean's blue-gray eyes showed smile lines, "Everything is safe, thank God. Please allow me to greet the Countess, is she all right?" "Very well, thank you. My mother asked me to apologize on her behalf, because she is now visiting friends abroad, so she can't make it back." Max stood by the tray, wondering why Erin hadn't come down to entertain the guests.It seems that she should have adjusted the arrangement due to the early arrival of the guests. "Would you like some coffee?" "Of course, thanks." Sean sat in a chair by the desk with his legs slightly apart. "Cream or sugar?" "Sugar is fine." Sean took the cup and saucer, and Max noticed that his hand trembled, causing the china to rattle.It should be the sequelae caused by the excessive drinking the night before. Sean took the cup and put it on the table, took out a thin silver bottle from the inner pocket of his well-fitting coat, and poured some wine into the coffee.He picked up the cup, drank the coffee in one gulp, closed his eyes and enjoyed the feeling of the spicy liquid flowing down his throat.Then put the empty glass back on the table and Max refilled it.The Silver Bottle show is on stage again. "We welcome your partner very much." Max politely responded. Sean sat back in his chair and slowly sipped his second cup of coffee. "Thank you. But at this moment, he should be busy telling the servants." A sarcastic smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, "Mikan is busy all day, he is a workaholic." Max had already sat behind the desk, and suddenly stopped wanting to drink tea. "Mikan," he repeated softly.It was just an ordinary name, but even so, he felt alarm bells ringing in his heart. Sean chuckled. "In Manhattan, Mikan is known as the 'King'. It is because of his unremitting efforts that the Sean family abandoned the original agricultural machinery and switched to advanced industrial production equipment." "Some say it's an unnecessary risk," remarked Max. "You're already second to none in the production of agricultural machinery . The homegrown engine - by all metrics, it fits the bill very well." "This situation won't last long," Sean responded with ease. "We can be sure that their actual production capacity will not be able to meet their guaranteed production progress—and then they will have to lie to the outside world to cover up their incompetence. In addition, the United States and The UK is different. There, most of the railways rely on industrial operations—such as my factory—to produce engines and components. Because of the fierce competition, it has to produce more competitive products.” "I'm very interested to know why you think that the British railway company can't guarantee the production schedule?" "Mikan will explain it to you carefully." Sean promised. "I'm looking forward to seeing you." "I believe you have already met him, Sir." Sean stared at Max, and continued in a casual tone deliberately, "I heard that Mikan was once employed by Shiziyuan. You may not have the impression of him, after all that He was a groom back then." Max didn't respond, but he thought, Oh, God!This Mikan must have been the one Erin had always loved.Max felt the urge to go to Eileen right away, and he had to prepare her because Mikan was back. "Groom?" He corrected softly, "If I remember correctly, Mikan was a servant in the house before he left here." Sean deliberately asked back, "I hope you don't mind accepting the former servant as a guest." "But on the other hand, I admire Mikan's accomplishments. I'll compliment him to his face when I get the chance." That's only half the story.The problem is that Mikan's presence in Stone Word Garden would make Erin very disturbed.If that's the case, Max has to figure out a way, two sisters are more important than anything in the world.He couldn't let them be hurt. Hearing Max's answer, Sean smiled and said, "It seems that I have not misread you, Sir Westcliff. You are just as I imagined, open-minded and fair to others." "Thank you." Max added a spoonful of sugar to his coffee, thinking gloomily of where Erin was at the moment. Erin walked fast, almost running to her favorite river.Wildflowers and vines grow in clusters, forming tall vine walls.She never brought anyone else, not even Olivia.This is a secret that belongs to her and Mikan. Since he left, she often comes here to cry alone. Facing him again was the worst thing she could ever face. Eileen was still clutching the embroidered handkerchief in one hand, and lowered her body to grab handfuls of grass in a daze to stabilize her thoughts.The sun shone on the water, sparkling.Tiny black beetles struggled their way up the calendula stalks, and the pungent sun thistle and marsh chrysanthemum melted into the river and the fertile ground.She stared blankly at the water. A feathered kingfisher landed on the water, pecking its feathers with its sharp beak. The oath of the past is still branded in her heart... "I won't marry anyone but you, Mikan. If you leave me, I'll be alone for the rest of my life." "Irene... unless you tell me to go, I will never leave you..." She shook her head violently, trying to shake the annoying memory away.She kneaded her handkerchief into a ball, raised her arms and was about to throw it into the quiet river, when soft whispers came from her side. "etc."