The Maid Under the Stairs - Chapter 40
< Chapter 40 >
Thanks to their parents, who bought a villa on every popular European island, Irina and Mary’s party was prepared smoothly.
Moreover, with the rumor that Theodore, well-known in social circles, and the siblings of the de Percy family who have established themselves in the emerging media power of London, are appearing, the small party on the Isle of Wight has suddenly become a splendid gathering where Summerhill and students from the London School of Economics converge.
Entering Irina’s mansion, unlike Lord Alfred’s villa, grand and glamorous, Mabel was left speechless. With the staff brought from London, a band, and beach decorations capturing the atmosphere of the Isle of Wight, this was by far the most splendid party Mabel had ever attended.
‘It feels like a real high-society party in London. Even Lord Herbert’s party, the snobbiest one in Oxford, wasn’t this glamorous…’
Mabel keenly felt the wealth and status of her friends who had always been with her. Of course, since Irina’s household owned a department store in London, they had to host a stylish party befitting the family’s name.
Mabel was relieved that she had given in to her stubbornness this morning and borrowed Irina’s white silk dress and pearl necklace instead of her own. If her attire at this extravagant party was any less, it would surely tarnish her friends’ reputations.
“Let’s quickly choose dance partners, Mabel.”
Mary, who had approached unnoticed, nudged Mabel’s side. The party was packed with people, and the band played ballads that suited the sea, enhancing the guests’ mood.
Feeling a bit awkward in her dress that exposed her shoulders, Mabel said.
“I’m not good at dancing…”
“If you don’t choose quickly, Andrew might ask you to dance.”
Mary said, nodding towards Andrew who was staring intently at Mabel from afar. The party was filled with familiar male students from the London School of Economics, as well as many young gentlemen she had never seen before.
“Irina will dance with George and Theodore.”
In response to Mary’s words, Mabel asked, puzzled.
“Then what about you? I thought you’d be with Theodore.”
“I heard Mr. Crosby will be at the party today.”
Mary said casually, but Mabel noticed her cheeks slightly reddening.
“Oh, now that you mention it, Mr. Crosby might come with Mr. Edmundstone. So, are you going to dance with Mr. Edmundstone?”
After erasing the shyness from her face, Mary glanced at Mabel and flashed a mischievous grin like a cheeky imp. Seeing her playful smile, Mabel was once again reminded that Mary and Leon were siblings.
But that wasn’t important right now.
“Mr. Edmundstone is coming to this party? He is…”
‘Has it only been a week since he left the island?’
Mabel forcibly swallowed the words. It had been exactly a week since he left the Isle of Wight. Upon arriving in London, he had sent a letter to her, unsure if it would reach her, and it wasn’t an appropriate place to discuss political issues. It was unthinkable for him to return all this way just for a party of college students.
“I don’t know, yesterday’s message from Mr. Crosby mentioned that Mr. Edmundstone might come with him. He wouldn’t be interested in such a party. Perhaps you attending here, did he know? Are you really not involved with Mr. Edmundstone?”
Mary, sniffing like a bloodhound chasing a thief, pressed Mabel. Before Mabel could respond in her confusion, a smooth voice came from behind her.
“Instead of an uncertain partner, how about dancing the first dance with me?”
The suave Leon de Percy walked towards Mabel. His blond hair, shining even brighter under the sunlight by the beach, matched well with his bright green eyes and refined face.
“I didn’t expect to see Mr. de Percy here.”
Mabel smiled with a mixture of joy and surprise in her voice. Although their start had been rocky, Leon seemed more thoughtful and interesting than he appeared at first, as Mary had suggested.
Having established familiarity with Leon through the autumn festival and their conversation during last Christmas, Mabel was pleased to see a friendly face amidst the bustling party.
“Your welcome is truly touching.”
Leon said with a mischievous grin like Mary’s. His handsome appearance was further highlighted by the smile. Thanks to him, Mabel felt the curious gazes of the women around Mary and herself, as they gathered to converse.
“Your writing has greatly improved. I’ve come to find out if you’re really in love, as Mary suggested, to learn the secret.”
As Leon focused his gaze on Mabel and leaned forward to speak, Mabel’s face blushed slightly. While she felt pleased with the compliment on her writing, thoughts of William couldn’t help but surface at the mention of love.
“Ahem. Ms. Willis, Mr. de Percy, and Miss de Percy, greetings.”
Andrew interrupted Mabel and Leon’s conversation. He announced his presence with more formality than usual, then subtly pushed Mary aside to stand next to Leon, capturing the attention of the women around them. Andrew’s actions showed an unusual determination to stand beside Leon, who was already attracting attention, even as he sweated profusely on his pale forehead.
“I am Andrew Woolf. I’ve heard about Mr. Leon de Percy’s success from London, and I am delighted and honored to meet you in person like this.”
Andrew spoke loudly with sweat dripping down his pale forehead. However, Leon, without hesitation, stood between Mabel and himself, showing no sign of discomfort towards the awkward and overly formal man.
“I heard you’re the youngest editor-in-chief at Montaire Publishing. Furthermore, I heard you’ve surpassed all the heirs of the Montaire family solely on merit, and you’ll be inheriting the publishing house starting the year after next. Truly remarkable! You’ve become a beacon in our meritocratic society. If I may speak, I have a father who’s a middle-class gentleman, but he entered the London School of Economics as a top-ranked student…”
Andrew started boasting about himself and his family to Leon, despite Leon openly frowning.
“You might have heard of my brother, Charlie Woolf. Recently, he finally purchased a small mansion on the outskirts of London and became a true citizen of the capital. So, I…”
“Mr. Woolf, I was just about to ask Miss Willis for a dance.”
Leon finally said, cutting Andrew off sharply. Leon had always disliked the young Londoners who excessively praised meritocracy, seeing himself idolized by them.
“Ah, I see. Haha, what a wonderful connection. I was just about to ask Miss Willis for a dance as well.”
Andrew retorted with an unusually loud voice. Judging by his exaggerated laughter and the way he looked around, it seemed like he hoped everyone would acknowledge him as Leon’s competitor for a moment. Leon raised an eyebrow and glanced at Mabel. Mabel, too, looked at Leon.
‘Quite an annoying bunch to deal with. Surely Ms. Willis wouldn’t be interested in a man like this?’
‘I’ll save you, hold on.’
Mabel burst into laughter at Leon’s arrogantly displayed genuine expression.
“Mr. Woolf, Mr. Leon de Percy was just about to ask me to dance. So, I don’t think you need to trouble yourself anymore.”
While exchanging glances with Leon, Mabel quickly spoke as soon as Andrew paused.
“Hahaha, Mr. Leon de Percy, you’re quite the formidable competitor indeed. The successor of Montaire, Mr. de Percy!”
Without paying attention to Mabel, Andrew repeated Leon’s name several times in a loud voice.
“I’ll graciously step back and yield to Mr. de Percy. There’s no chance for me next time, Mr. de Percy! Hahaha.”
With that, he gave an exaggerated farewell to everyone and returned to his group to boast about his connection with Leon de Percy.
“His walk is just like that of a peacock.”
Mary, who had been pushed aside by Andrew and then returned to her spot, muttered disdainfully. Both Leon and Mabel found Andrew’s behavior difficult to tolerate. They exchanged glances, expressing their displeasure with Andrew, and burst into laughter together.
“Well, thanks to him, I easily got Ms. Willis’ acceptance for the dance.”
With a radiant smile, Leon extended his hand towards Mabel.
“Surely, you’re not hesitating? After all, it’s a rare honor to receive a ‘yield’ from Mr. Woolf.”
Seeing Mabel’s hesitation, Leon narrowed his eyes.
“Surely not. Until you come up with an excuse to reject Mr. Woolf, you’ll have to remain my dance partner.”
Mabel replied wittily with a bright smile.
“Of course. Until I come up with an excuse to reject Mr. Woolf, I’ll stay as your dance partner.”
With that, a lively jazz waltz began to play, and Leon delicately took Mabel’s hand, leading her onto the dance floor.