The Gentleman of Greenstoke

III.

Almost a week had passed since the foreign visitors had met the official master of the Kirkland mansion. During the few days, Sakura had learned more about the tall building, its owner and family. She had to admit that despite the rather awkward beginning of their acquaintanceship, she and Arthur had developed a delightful friendship. Not only had she grown accustomed to the new environment, but had spent time with the workers at the mansion. She and Miss Elizabeta Héderváry had conducted more than one conversation and discussed several topics. Both enjoyed their spent time together and Sakura could fairly express that the Hungarian cook was indeed a very good companion.

A few hours ago, the party had decided to visit the town which was nearest by the mansion.

"It is beautiful," Sakura whispered, holding the silk red ribbons in her hand. Although it was clear that Sakura should purchase the demanding attire – which for English standards was a must have – she was rather more interested in the classical buildings and cultural customs. Her uncle had promised to buy the required clothing as they had sat in the carriage. The older man had been overjoyed as Mr Kirkland had made the proposition to go to town. After they had arrived, Marguerite had suggested taking Sakura to the seamstress. It was a kind older woman who had then taken care of Sakura's measurements and proposed her different genres of English dresses for balls and quotidian purposes. From empire dresses to low cut ball gowns.

"You prefer that colour?"

The black-haired Japanese looked at Marguerite upon hearing her soft voice. "Yes," she answered honestly; she had always had a preference for warm colours, especially red. The two women were not alone in the shop, hearing laughter and gossiping conversations in every corner of the room. The customers were a melange of young fair women and older elegant Ladies. Apparently they were present due to preparations for balls and the next London season or to fulfil their social hobby in spending their leisure time with their friends. Lots of different looks were thrown at them: curious, questioning and conceiting eyes were watching them. It was an uncommon feeling which took over Sakura, but she tried to hold up her smiling face. As she walked to the gowns and other accessories, she overheard a conversation which involved a certain English gentleman.

"Have you heard, Mr Beilschmidt is hosting a ball in three weeks."

"Oh what wonderful news, do you happen to know who will attend?"

"I am not quite sure, but I am certain that Mr Kirkland is going with his two cousins."

Sakura moved her head but pretended to look at the clothes in front of her. She had not been informed of any ball – and she was told that she would certainly attend social assemblies – and felt her hands sweat as she recalled the conversation she had with Arthur almost a week ago. He had made the suggestion of teaching her English etiquette in order to attend balls – of course in favour of her uncle who certainly enjoyed that plan – and to introduce her to his friends. For her, three weeks were a short time.

"He is most agreeable and extremely gallant. I still cannot comprehend why he is not courting anyone. Every agreeable Lady is pursuing him. Have you heard that Miss Bonnefoy tried to catch his interest?"

In all honesty, Sakura agreed with that statement. For such a handsome and eligible man, he certainly had to be engaged or courting someone. Her ears perked up again as the two Ladies were continuing their talk.

"But apparently, Mr Kirkland entertains foreign visitors at the moment. Weeks ago his cousin, Mr Jones, had the nerve to invite a foreign tradesman and his daughter to the mansion without informing Mr Kirkland. I am surprised he is keeping such company at all."

Sakura's body stilled. Now they were talking about her and stating wrong facts such as her being her uncle's daughter. In addition to that the woman made the assumption of her and Mr Wang being an unpleasant company.