Grace in Wonderland - Chapter 18

18. A New Encounter

The Chelsea neighborhood, where the Montague mansion was located, faced the Thame River in Lydon. Starting the day after Grace arrived in the capital to meet Mary Montague, the two women would leisurely stroll along the riverside.

“Most noble families’ mansions are clustered in Kensington or Mayfair.”

“I-I see.”

To Grace, names like Kensington and Mayfair were places she had only read about in newspapers—distant, unrealistic locations. Wonderland from a book felt closer and more familiar to her.

“The Spencer mansion is in Westminster. It’s not far from here.”

At Mary Montague’s remark, Grace blinked in silence, unable to find a suitable response.

Grace thought that Mary Montague bore a strong resemblance to Charles Dodgson, and one of those similarities was the way they both made statements whose intentions were difficult to grasp. Perhaps this was just a general characteristic of Ingrintians.

“And Westminster has the Royal Library.”

Ah, so that was the subject of this conversation. Finally understanding, Grace Gurton nodded her head.

In response to Grace’s hesitation about the adoption, Mary Montague had dangled two enticing prospects before her. The first was the promise of days spent surrounded by vast collections of books in the Royal Library if she lived in Lydon. The second was the chance to become closer to the much-admired Richard Spencer.

Mary’s argument, summarized, was as follows:

1. The Westminster area has the Spencer estate and the Royal Library.
2. It is not far from Chelsea, where the Montague mansion is located.
3. Therefore, if Grace became Mary’s adopted daughter, she could frequently access the Royal Library and the “Lion King,” Richard Spencer.

Mathematically and logically, it was a nonsensical syllogism. However, for Grace, whose mind was filled with a bit of academic fervor and a great deal of affection for Richard, it was a tempting line of reasoning.

“L-Lady Montague, I have a question.”

But such a flimsy argument couldn’t possibly solve a problem that could alter her entire life. So, Grace cautiously addressed Mary, who stood beside her.

“Ask as many questions as you like, Grace.”

Mary replied, pulling a handkerchief from her bag to cover her nose and mouth. Grace had already noticed earlier that Mary had been suppressing the urge to gag throughout their walk.

Although the riverside promenade along the Thame was neatly maintained with a consistent design, the stench rising from the river water was beyond imagination. Perhaps that was why Mary Montague’s face appeared even paler than usual.

“A-are you alright?”

“I’m fine. Ask whatever you’re curious about. I quite enjoy it when people want to know more about me. I have no children, Richard is always busy, and the women I meet only chatter about trivial matters.”

Mary waved off Grace’s concern with a smile, her pale lips curling slightly.

“W-why did you choose me?”

“What do you mean?”

“I-I’m older, and… I’m a woman.”

“What do those factors have to do with you becoming my daughter?”

Though Grace might have been naive, she wasn’t entirely ignorant of how the world worked. Therefore, Mary’s evasive reply, which seemed to sidestep the core of the issue, left her feeling somewhat bewildered.

“You are Annabel’s daughter.”

“……”

Mary Montague repeated firmly as she looked into Grace’s constantly blinking eyes.

“That alone is reason enough.”

“……”

Grace decided to stop asking further questions. The justification that her being Annabel Gurton’s daughter was sufficient for adoption was a reasoning she found hard to accept.

But the world often contained more inexplicable phenomena than comprehensible ones. How wonderful it would be if everything fell into place as neatly as solving a math problem.

“Take your time to think it over.”

“Y-yes, I will.”

Grace nodded obediently. Watching her, Mary reached out and gently stroked the back of Grace’s hand before making another proposition.

“Since I’m back here, I’m thinking of traveling to Bath. Would you like to come with me?”

“T-to Bath?”

Many knew that Bath, located somewhere in Ingrint, was a dazzling retreat. It was a luxury destination that many young women at Grentabridge dreamed of visiting for a rejuvenating stay. Realistically, however, it was an impossible wish for most. Bath was a high-end resort accessible only to the wealthy elite.

“Have you ever been there?”

“N-no, not yet.”

“Then you should take this opportunity to go.”

When Grace shook her head, Mary snapped her fingers with satisfaction.

“Actually, Elaine—or rather, the Countess Spencer—was the one who suggested this trip. She’s Richard’s mother.”

“I-is that so?”

“Soon, Richard’s fiancée will be arriving from Gallia. The trip is meant to celebrate and welcome her. Elaine won’t like me tagging along, but I’m too curious to resist. So I insisted on going.”

Mary explained with a triumphant laugh.

“H-his fiancée?”

Grace’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Yes, the two were promised to each other before they were even born. I still resent my father for whatever he was thinking when he made such a decision. Richard, who had his marriage decided just because of a difference in gender with someone he didn’t even know, must be the real victim of that absurd contract.”

“But… but I’ve heard that’s how nobles typically get married.”

“Yes, that’s true for many. But not for everyone.”

“……”

“You don’t have to look far; there’s someone right in front of you who doesn’t follow that norm.”

Mary Montague grinned mischievously. Her green eyes, the same shade as Richard Spencer’s, sparkled with amusement.

“It seems Elaine intends to use this trip to Bath to finalize Richard’s engagement and set the wedding date.”

“I see…”

“She might call it planning, but it’s really just about determining how much will be exchanged and what concessions will be made—mundane, materialistic details.”

“……”

“Meanwhile, we’ll simply enjoy our stay at the villa, indulging in relaxation and occasionally mingling with them.”

“……”

“So there’s no need to feel uncomfortable.”

Mary glanced at Grace, whose words had diminished.

“Do you dislike the idea?”

“Oh, no. I—I’d like to go.”

Grace shook her head and smiled. As Mary Montague had said, there was no reason for her to feel uneasy. Her momentary apprehension had been unwarranted. Realizing this left Grace feeling a little hollow, but she quickly lifted her spirits.

The trip to Bath might provide a chance to observe Richard Spencer from a different perspective. Grace, a seasoned admirer, firmly believed that a handsome and charming man held inherent value simply as an object of admiration.

“Excuse me, might you be Lady Mary Montague?”

At that moment, a tall gentleman approached Mary and Grace as they walked side by side.

“Who are you?”

Mary narrowed her eyes and studied the man’s face intently. After a moment, she laughed wryly, realizing she had no idea who he was, and apologized.

“I’m sorry. I’ve been abroad for so long that I’ve forgotten many faces.”

“That’s understandable. I only met you once when I was very young, so it’s natural that you wouldn’t remember me.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

The man smiled warmly, a disarming expression that eased the tension.

“So, what is your name?”

Mary’s sharp gaze softened as she inquired further.

“Theresius Wilford.”

“Wilford?”

“Yes, from Cornwall.”

“Ah! Are you the son of Jonathan Wilford, the member of parliament? My husband has spoken of him a few times. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Please send my regards to your father.”

Theresius chuckled softly at Mary’s words. “It’s an honor that you remember my father’s name.”

Mary appeared pleased. She quickly formed a favorable impression of Theresius, believing such a polite and trustworthy young man would be kind to Grace as well.

Though she didn’t show it, Mary was well aware that Grace’s social standing and stammer could make her an easy target in high society. Her hope was that Grace would find friendly and approachable companions to help her navigate this new world without trouble.

“This is Grace. Grace Gurton. She’s my husband Anthony’s distant niece.”

Mary introduced Grace to Theresius with enthusiasm.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you… Miss Gurton.”

Theresius bowed courteously, waiting a few seconds for Grace to extend her hand. However, when she didn’t, he straightened his posture, hiding his slight embarrassment.

“Oh dear, she’s just very shy…”

Mary quickly interjected, though she couldn’t help but recall how Grace had boldly extended her hand and chattered away with Richard.

Could it be that she fancied Theresius? Was she too bashful to speak or even offer her hand? Observing this charming encounter between two young people brought a delighted smile to Mary Montague’s lips.

The Wilford barony was a prominent family in Cornwall. Recently, the current baron had successfully entered central politics, making the family a rising star in society.

Mary had heard that their only son was studying at a college in Grentabridge, likely to inherit his father’s position in time.

“Not at all. I seem to have interrupted a pleasant walk between ladies. I’ll take my leave now.”

“……”

Theresius bid farewell to Mary, who seemed reluctant to let him go. After hesitating, she asked him tentatively.

“We’re planning a trip to Bath in a few days.”

“Yes, Madam.”

“If it’s not too much trouble, would we be able to see you in Bath as well? That is, if your schedule permits.”

Theresius, as though he had been waiting for the invitation, responded eagerly.

“I would be delighted.”