The Maid Under the Stairs - Chapter 25

< Chapter 25 >

To Mr. Edmundstone,

Oh my! I heard the news that you’ve purchased 100 copies of “Modern Woman”. Yes, that’s right. I also have a spy around you, Mr. Edmundstone. To be precise, I have a friend who exchanges letters with that spy every week.

According to that reliable source, it seems you’ve subtly coerced the people working for you to take one copy of that magazine home with them when they leave work. Mr. Edmundstone, your affection for this humble friend of yours is truly excessive.

Luckily, according to Leon de Percy, sales of Modern Woman were quite good this month. I can’t say it’s because of my short story, but still, I’m glad to think that many people have read my writing.

However, please don’t ask your office staff to buy more magazines! They’ll grit their teeth and read my writing just to avoid incurring the wrath of their boss.

I’m sure you already have enough, but I’m enclosing a copy of the February issue of Modern Woman, especially autographed by me. I’ve also sent a copy to Lord Alfred and Daisy.

Mabel Willis, Summerhill

* * *

Dear Miss Mabel,

The next day, my employees appreciated the magazine gifts. I didn’t even hint that I know the author personally, but most of them said the short story “The Lieutenant and the Maiden” was the most impressive.

I had no intention of helping Mr. Leon de Percy, the editor of Montaire, but I’m pleased the magazine gained popularity.

Yours sincerely,

1. Edmundstone

P.S. We can’t let that spy leave work early to meet Mary de Percy.

* * *

Mr. Edmundstone,

It’s clear that Mr. Vincent Crosby gave your employees a hint. To appease the boss’ odd temperament, they must praise my writing.

And please, don’t resent Leon de Percy. Yes, he was rude to you that day, but ultimately, he was looking out for my welfare.

Without him, my mediocre writing wouldn’t have been polished enough to be featured in a popular magazine. He’s the only valuable person in the publishing industry who recognizes the worth of my writing, albeit with some grumbling but still, in his own way, he looks out for me.

Oh, by the way, this might be my last reply this month. I have to take a chemistry exam to finish the spring semester.

Mary and I thought our friendship might help since Senior Lorelei, the senior in the dormitory, is the lab assistant in the chemistry lab. But it turns out, she grades much stricter than Professor Westerhagen, so our lazy plan has failed.

Mabel Willis, wishes to memorize up to the third row of the periodic table.

* * *

Dear Miss Mabel,

Here’s a list of popular publishing houses in the UK:

– Royal British Publishers

– John Woodstock Press Association

– Kettleberry Publishers

– Cambridge Publishers

– Thomas Longman Publishers

Let me know if Miss Mabel needs any assistance in preparing her manuscripts.

Edmundstone, hoping you did well on your exam.

* * *

Mr. Edmundstone,

You are not angry because I praised Mr. Leon de Percy, who insulted you, are you? I was worried because your weekly replies were delayed. As I mentioned during the Christmas vacation, my friendship with you, Mr. Edmundstone, is very precious to me.

Let me tell you what happened to me last week.

Mr. Leon de Percy asked me to write a mid-story for the winter issue of “Modern Woman”! Isn’t that exciting? After finishing the work and seeing my writing published in the magazine, I might be able to put the title “author” in front of my name.

So please forgive Mr. de Percy’s rudeness and support me in working with him.

And even if I am unable to work with Montaire, I will not use Mr. Edmundstone’s name to contact other publishers. Why? Judging by Mary’s reaction after discovering your true identity, your name seems to carry considerable weight in high society.

Mary still can’t believe that I genuinely share a friendship with you and thinks I might be a hidden princess of the royal family.

Yours, Mabel Willis

P.S. Just a heads-up in case you’re surprised when you see me next, I’ve cut my hair short. It was due to an accident, but I’m quite content with it in this warming weather.

* * *

Dear Miss Mabel,

No, I can’t be angry with you alone. It seems I’ve been hiding my weaknesses quite well all this time if you didn’t know.

Last week, I was delayed in replying because I was on an island off the southern tip of England, where Lord Alfred is staying. Did I mention Lord Alfred’s health and vigor have been improving day by day since he started reading Miss Mabel’s writings?

Congratulations on being featured in the winter issue. It’s only fitting for someone as talented and hardworking as you. We should celebrate this good news together before Miss Mabel becomes too busy as a famous writer.

It seems spring is coming unusually quickly this year.

Yours sincerely, William

* * *

Dear Mr. Edmundstone,

When I went to Cheshire Hall yesterday to pick up the letter you sent, I also received a lovely package from Winterbrook.

It was a package containing letters and postcards from Anton and the children at Winterbrook Orphanage. It was a thank you note for our volunteer work last Christmas.

Do you remember what I mentioned during Christmas?

Anton is the cute kid who gave me a cold back then – although you, Mr. Edmundstone, who took care of me, might think differently – and he says he’s already finished reading all the books I gave him as promised.

It seems he was able to read to his heart’s content without the director noticing, thanks to the gifts from the volunteers.

So, here’s the thing, can I use part of the living allowance I’ve been given to buy a few more books for the orphanage?

Whenever I have some leftovers from the living allowance given by Lord Alfred’s foundation, I’ve been setting it aside gradually for eventual repayment. So, before I use this money as I see fit, I feel like I should get approval from you, representing Lord Alfred, who’s overseeing everything.

Currently, I have about 2 pounds saved up, so I plan to use half of it, 1 pound, for the orphanage. That should allow me to buy around twenty children’s books.

What do you think? I hope to hear your answer in the next letter. My mind is already filled with thoughts of books to choose for the children!

Wishing you health and happiness, Mabel Willis

* * *

[Transmission: Royal Bank of England – William Edmundstone transferred £50 to Mabel Willis’ account for Winterbrook Orphanage.]

* * *

Dear Mr. Edmundstone,

Oh my, £50! Mr. Edmundstone, thank you so much.

With this, I’ll be able to provide as many books as the thirty children living at Winterbrook want and still have money left over to buy them new clothes and bedding.

With the help of Theo, who knows the administration of the orphanage well, I combined the £50 you gave me with my own pound and donated it to the orphanage. Of course, as you suggested, I didn’t reveal your name and simply referred to it as “Kind Welfare of London.”

Thank you, thank you so much! I wish you could see the happiness in the eyes of the children who received new clothes and books.

The short spring semester at Summerhill is coming to an end now. After a week-long spring break, the summer semester will start in mid-April already. I haven’t even had a chance to see all the beautiful spring flowers at Summerhill, and it’s already the “summer” semester… I feel rushed.

How about you, Mr. Edmundstone? Amidst your busy schedule, have you greeted all the spring flowers this spring? Thanks to you, my heart is filled with flowers.

With respect, Mabel Willis

* * *

Miss Mabel,

I’m glad I could help. My office overlooks Kensington Gardens in April. Thanks to that, I get to see the changing of the seasons.

How about this? How about you come to London to see me, both to celebrate your new novel and to give me a little time to enjoy the spring that’s creeping up on me?

Thinking of you, Edmundstone

* * *

London is known for its unpredictable spring weather, but today it was sunny. Enjoying the warm and refreshing feeling of the sun on her skin, Mabel felt excited for her first meeting with William since Christmas.

Mabel dug out the slim, sky-blue spring dress she had bought with big hopes for her exhilarating meeting with William, which felt like waiting for a date.

“I feel like a lady waiting for her date like this.”

With a thoughtful expression, Mabel gently adjusted her hat and whispered to herself.

Hyde Park, where they agreed to meet, was filled with lovers enjoying the spring flowers. When William suggested they take a stroll in Kensington Gardens, she didn’t realize it at the time, but it was nothing short of a typical spring date course for lovers.

“Miss Mabel.”

William’s soft, warm voice reached Mabel from behind her shoulder.

“Oh, Mr. Edmundstone!”

Mr. Edmundstone, with his statuesque appearance in a brightly colored suit, caught her eye. He stood closer to her than ever before, tenderly kissing her gloved hand.

Unable to contain the fluttering in her chest once again under his familiar piercing blue gaze, Mabel couldn’t help but feel a rush of anxiety, wondering if William would find her shortened hair awkward, recalling Leon’s passionate response.

“You’re beautiful.” 

William said as if reading Mabel’s mind. He still hadn’t let go of her hand, lightly brushing her wrist.

Feeling the lingering warmth of his touch, Mabel trembled slightly, unknowingly.

With his usual relaxed smile, William gazed at Mabel, as if he wouldn’t miss any of her reactions.

“Thank you for taking the time to walk with me, despite your busy schedule.” 

Mabel replied, feeling her cheeks warming.

Today wasn’t a day for receiving a cheque from him or delivering news from Lord Alfred. There was no obligation or duty between them today, just a casual meeting with the sole purpose of celebrating the possibility of her writing being published.

“If you would be so kind as to thank me, please wait until the end of the day.”

As William slowly took Mabel’s hand and placed it on his arm, his strong arm could be felt through his thin shirt.

“I have much to do today to soothe my longing to see Miss Mabel over the past two months.”

As William finished speaking, he firmly grasped Mabel’s hand. Like the spring breeze, excitement surged into Mabel’s heart.