The Gentleman of Greenstoke

II.

Sakura observed the beautiful flowers in the garden. The Japanese was trying to calm her nerves after the strange meeting which had taken place an hour ago. The young woman had met the official master of the mansion and was not proud of the result of that encounter. The cause for such thinking was her behaviour towards the involved persons (mostly Mr Kirkland). "He will think very little of me," she whispered, watching the bushes swinging with the winds movement. Nature was a true cure for her nerves, but Sakura knew that she needed to return inside in order to be properly introduced to the Landlord by a third party.

The looking glass was reflecting Arthur's scowling visage. "Why in God's name did you wait so long before informing me of this?"

Alfred cleared his throat, "Pardon me, but I forgot." He rubbed his neck.

"How can you forget such important information?"

As the English Gentlemen watched his cousin's nervous stance, he inquired an immediate explanation.

"Well, you see," The American's eyes focused on the door, "I was dishonest about the duration of their stay." He waited for any reaction of his cousin, but decided to continue. "They have no other choice but stay a little longer."

"For what cause? Because of the trading company, Mr Wang plans to establish?"

"Yes and he has expressed the wish to give his niece a chance for a new live."

"His niece? You mean to tell me that Miss Honda is not only his goddaughter but his relative? What does he expect her to do here?"

"She is orphaned and he has great hopes for her," he exclaimed, although his face held a hint of sadness. He and his sister had lost their mother in a very early age, which forced their father in a restless situation. The older man started gambling, leaving nothing of the heritage, their mother had left for them. Alfred had always been told that she was a gentleman's daughter. After all, the elegant woman was Arthur's aunt and raised them to behave as agreeable as a man should. The older Mr Jones was a tradesman, but fell into depression after his wife was gone. To say that he and his father had an amiable relationship was an understatement. After Alfred's father died years ago, he had inherited the bankrupted trading company. Due to his ambitious spirit and his cousin's connection, the company had start anew in a better light. That was the reason why the American had visited China, to make new connections and treaties to expand the company's influence.

"Oh," The Englishman murmured, "I was not aware of her fate." He had not realised that she had lost her parents. Arthur had been certain that she was only travelling with her Godfather. "So, Mr Yang wants her to have a fulfilled future in England. But as a woman, that is only achievable if she marries someone with a good fortune."

"And that, dear cousin, is the reason why we are going to help. We will teach her the formalities of attending balls and show her the English culture," Alfred expressed, "Although it will also be important to teach her of American culture as well."

"Oh how charming. I don't believe Miss Honda will be interested in American culture," Arthur mocked, feeling unnerved by this notion. Of course this expression was uttered to challenge his cousin. The two had always have discussions on what country – USA or United Kingdom – was the best.

"Maybe I will take it to heart to marry her. Our acquaintance is agreeable and I have a good fortune," Alfred jested but did not realise that his cousin's facial expressions had changed. Before the latter could reveal his disapproval of Alfred's declaration, a knock on the door interrupted them.

"Sir, tea will be served in an instant."

Alfred opened the door, revealing the servant who waited patiently for them.