The Maid Under the Stairs - Chapter 27
< Chapter 27 >
Summerhill’s campus, welcoming May, became even livelier.
Mabel, who had signed up for several classes with confidence as a high achiever last semester, was a busy bee in the spring.
Furthermore, some female students, whom Mabel recognized from their shared classes, remembered Mabel’s short story being published in a magazine. They approached Mabel to greet her and offer compliments, making her feel as though she had become somewhat famous.
“Julia, because of you, I find myself clinging to a chemistry textbook that I thought I’d never see again.”
Mary exclaimed from the sofa in the dormitory lounge.
“But because of the home economics, my schedule doesn’t match with yours. Chemistry was the only class we could take together if we wanted at least one.”
Julia, who had become busy with the home economics, pouted.
Unable to resist her plea, Mabel and her friends reluctantly signed up for the challenging chemistry lab together. However, not long after the semester began, they regretted their decision.
“Professor Westerhagen from the Chemistry Department is kind and understanding, so it should be fine.”
Julia, hiding half her face with a gossip magazine she often read during home economics, said cautiously.
“Who’s worried about Professor Westerhagen? The problem is that strict and tough senior, Lorelei, who supervises the lab.”
Even Irina rolled her eyes toward Julia, aligning with Mary’s complaint. Julia felt awkward and turned her gaze back to the magazine. However, she quickly focused her attention as a new topic arose.
“Wait a minute, doesn’t this person look a lot like Mabel?”
“Julia, you keep changing the subject to avoid responsibility…”
“No, really, isn’t it Mabel?”
As Mary’s scolding began, this time Julia stood up and turned the magazine towards Mabel, who was sitting in a corner of the lounge doing her assignment. Mabel’s gaze finally shifted to the corner of the magazine that Julia was pointing to.
[Exclusive] The Mysterious Fiancée of the Next Deputy Prime Minister?
William Edmundstone MP is a candidate for the next Deputy Prime Minister, known for his progressive policies and effectiveness. However, what sets Edmundstone apart is that he is also one of the most coveted fiancé candidates in London…
…Recently, Edmundstone MP was spotted enjoying a date with an unidentified young woman at a theater in London. As a progressive thinker, his supporters, who value family and traditional values, express concern about his seemingly trendy behavior reminiscent of the free love trend among the gentrified youth…
……However, according to reports, no one in London’s upper class knows who the woman in the photo is who may be the new hostess of the Edmundstone family.
Underneath the article, there was a small blurry photo of Mabel and William entering the theater.
“Oh, this person was also there during Christmas…”
Mary started to say something in surprise but then quietly closed her mouth. She didn’t want to embarrass Mabel.
“I knew it. He looked familiar. It was Mr. Edmundstone. Mabel, are you really dating this remarkable person?”
Irina, who had been doubtful since encountering William in front of the dormitory, clapped her hands and finally expressed relief.
However, Mabel, ignoring the question, carefully read through the article and was shocked.
The article was clearly critical of William. It mocked him for openly engaging in free love, a behavior contrary to the conservative sentiments of London, and even questioned his choice of a woman whose background was uncertain.
The editorial below, typical of the magazine read by families, promised to focus on unveiling the identity of the mysterious woman on behalf of the ladies of London.
‘What if my identity is revealed, and how will it affect Mr. Edmundstone as the election approaches? Are they planning to write follow-up articles about me?’
Mabel’s hands trembled.
Despite being an unidentified woman, the woman who went to the theater together with all sorts of speculation criticizing William could reveal her true identity as a maid from under the stairs who deceived her background and attended college. Mabel didn’t want to imagine what kind of article would come out.
“Oh, she could just look similar, and now that I think about it, she doesn’t seem like Mabel again…”
Seeing Mabel lost in thought, Julia sensed that something was wrong and quickly picked up the magazine, saying.
“Mabel, are you okay?”
Mary, with a worried look, thawed out Mabel, who seemed frozen.
“He’s just someone close to my grandfather… I met him briefly in London to congratulate me on my article being published in the magazine the last time. That’s all. He’s a politician facing an important election, so if such an article comes out, it could be detrimental, right?”
Mabel finally spoke cautiously to her three friends who were carefully watching her. Although she wanted to confide in them and seek advice on how to proceed, she wasn’t sure how much to say to them.
‘Irina and Mary know about Londoners well, so maybe they can tell me what to do in the future? …No, then I have to reveal my identity, and they’ll be shocked and angry to learn that I’ve been deceiving them and pretending to be a high-class lady all this time.’
Mabel couldn’t act recklessly, fearing that her lovely and reliable friends would turn away from her.
Irina, meanwhile, is amazed that a star politician with a packed schedule for the next few months would take the time to congratulate a mere college student on her magazine article.
But Mabel was so focused on her fear of being in the spotlight that she didn’t seem to realize what it meant.
“This magazine is from the bottom of the pile, and it often publishes absurd false information. So, if you’re worried about people bothering you, you don’t need to care.”
Irina, reading Mabel’s complicated expression, spoke up. She knew that even if she tried to enlighten Mabel about William’s actions, Mabel would be even more anxious in her current state.
Finding subtle comfort in Irina’s characteristic firm voice, Mabel barely nodded her head.
Mary also chimed in.
“Mr. Edmundstone is a great politician known for his excellent policies, so there are probably more supporters who don’t care about his private life, no matter what it entails, right? According to my father, even members of the opposing party often praise Mr. Edmundstone to some extent for his remarkable reputation.”
Julia couldn’t agree with unmarried men and women meeting up for dubious reasons, but seeing Mabel’s gloomy expression, she simply nodded her head.
Mabel appreciated her friends for understanding her feelings without her having to say anything and offering comfort. She also remembered William’s words when he used to take care of her when she had a fever.
‘If it’s tough, say it’s tough, and ask for help from me. Got it?’
Remembering William’s voice, which had become more desperate than ever, Mabel calmed her heart.
‘Yes, last time, I almost went out alone to clarify things with Mr. Edmundstone and Lord Alfred in case it became a problem. This time, instead of being anxious alone, I should ask Mr. Edmundstone if there’s anything I can do.’
Mabel hoped that William wouldn’t suffer because of this article.
“However…”
Irina, who had been carefully observing Mabel, spoke up with a subtle expression.
“No matter how trashy the article may be, sometimes the eyes of people who know nothing can be more accurate. Especially when it comes to hidden feelings.”
Although Mabel grinned at Irina’s ambiguous words, she didn’t quite catch their meaning as Mary started speaking.
“By the way, Irina, I heard that Mr. George O’Connor asked you to have a picnic with him before the exams hit. Theo told me. What happened, you two?”
“Oh, yes. We’re going on that date Miss Rebecca was so critical of. Of course, George’s family and mine already know each other, so it won’t be the kind of free-for-all that would make it into the gossip magazines.”
Irina joked about the earlier incident.
“And two weeks later, George suggested going stargazing. He said there would be a beautiful meteor shower in the western sky after midnight. Of course, you’re welcome to come too if you want. He said he’d bring his father’s car.”
“Really? We’d love to!”
A night picnic out in the outskirts in a car was a true romance of campus life. But Mary and Julia’s joy was short-lived as they locked eyes with each other, and then asked.
“But don’t you think we’re interrupting your time with Mr. O’Connor?”
“Even if I ignore the household’s concerns, it might be difficult for a newly dating couple to go on a picnic alone. So, maybe George and I could spend some more private time together, using the excuse of going with you guys.”
Irina calmly said, flicking away a stray nail as if she had finished all her questions.
“As expected, Irina. You always have a plan for everything.”
Mary looked at Irina in admiration, but Irina rolled her eyes in response. Taking this as a signal, Mary and Julia suddenly became enthusiastic about planning the picnic, leaving Irina an opportunity to lean towards Mabel.
“Now you understand, Mabel? It’s not usual for a man and a woman to meet up alone for dubious reasons, especially if they’re not lovers or engaged. So, the journalists might be trying to figure out who you are.”
Irina, who usually wore a reserved expression, smiled for the first time in a while and winked at Mabel.
“I think Mr. Edmundstone understands that well. Just in case, it’s good for you to know too.”