Grace in Wonderland - Chapter 25

25. The Trap of Statistics

While Richard and Sebastian were bickering as they looked out the window, Grace was sitting absentmindedly in her bedroom. Her hazy gaze was directed at a Cheshire Cat with a grin stretching to its ears.

Lady Mary Montague had mentioned she would arrive in Bath a few days later. Grace had offered to stay by her side, but Mary refused her multiple times.

It was likely because Grace, who was aware of her illness, would have made it difficult for Mary to handle her affairs as she wished. In fact, while Mary appreciated Grace checking on her health, she found it burdensome.

Thus, Mary had taken the opportunity to send Grace ahead to Bath while staying behind in Lydon to take care of her planned tasks. This decision was characteristic of Mary Montague—impatient and decisive.

But Mary was also meticulous and careful. She had asked Richard Spencer to accompany Grace to Bath. Mary justified her request by citing concerns about sending a young woman on a long journey alone by carriage.

Beneath this request lay her hope that Grace, her soon-to-be adopted daughter, would grow closer to Richard, who was like an adopted son to her. The concern for Grace’s safety might have accounted for about 5% of her motivation, but the overwhelming 95% came from this ulterior motive.

Mary calculated that once Grace and Richard had built rapport, she wouldn’t have to worry about Grace’s social standing during her absence in Bath. After all, Bath’s social scene was as chaotic as Lydon’s.

Unaware of these intentions, Richard Spencer wanted to point out that Grace had already made a solo carriage journey from Grentabridge to Lydon, so there was no real issue. He also refrained from mentioning his obligation to escort Eleanor d’Estrée, his fiancée from Gallia.

In the scripture of the Great Ingrint National Church, God makes an absurd and cruel demand of a devout believer: to take his son to the altar as a sacrifice. Without hesitation, the believer drags his son to the altar, demonstrating his faith. God, pleased, blesses the believer and proclaims that true devotion stems from blind obedience.

To Richard Spencer, Mary Montague’s request was much the same. Richard nodded in agreement, sacrificing his obligation to escort Eleanor to prove his devotion and respect for his aunt.

In no way did this mean he wanted to share a carriage with Grace Gurton. Nor did he agree out of some hidden desire to spend a day with a potentially cunning woman. Absolutely, positively not.

Blissfully unaware of Richard’s steadfast resolve, Grace Gurton spent the entire carriage ride barely restraining her happiness, resisting the urge to whistle. All she could do was try to cool the heat rising uncontrollably to her flushed face and press down her cheeks, which puffed upward like bread rising aimlessly in an oven.

Richard was far more mature and composed than Grace had imagined. Rumors in Grentabridge had painted him as an impulsive and unruly man, but those were clearly fabricated by some vile faction aiming to tarnish his reputation.

After observing him during the journey, Grace concluded that Richard Spencer was perfectly suited to his position as Young Earl. His noble demeanor exuded from him like Bath’s spring water, abundant enough to soak the carriage floor.

Moreover, Richard was incredibly steadfast. He was the epitome of what a man should be. He was leagues apart from other vulgar men.

He probably only ever said the right things, like a priest delivering a sermon. Mocking or swearing would be unimaginable for someone like Richard Spencer.

He was also inherently kind. If kindness were a disease, Grace Gurton was willing to catch it and suffer for a lifetime, even to the point of lying down in her coffin.

Grace knew how uncomfortable it could be to spend long hours in a confined space with someone she wasn’t close to—especially for women, given their heavy dresses and constricting undergarments. Though the clothes Lady Montague had bought for her were beautiful, they were extravagantly cumbersome.

Richard Spencer seemed to prioritize Grace’s comfort during the journey. He spent most of his time gazing out the window, deliberately averting his gaze to provide her with a sense of ease.

He also refrained from forcing any conversation. Engaging in idle chatter often leads to exhaustion, and tiredness makes traveling burdensome. Thus, his decision to remain silent was undoubtedly an act of consideration.

Thanks to the serene atmosphere, the journey was both leisurely and refined. Richard’s consistently reserved demeanor, ensuring she wouldn’t feel fatigued, was the very embodiment of a gentleman’s virtue.

When they finally arrived and Grace stepped out of the carriage after the long journey, Richard’s conduct left another impression. As soon as the carriage door opened, Richard stepped out swiftly and instructed his attendant to assist Grace. He also ensured that she was shown to her room without delay.

After sitting for hours in a confined space, one’s dress inevitably wrinkles, and hairstyles become disheveled. No woman wishes to appear in such a state. Richard’s understanding of this and his deliberate efforts to avoid looking directly at her and give her space demonstrated his noble character.

In mathematics, there’s a concept called “statistics,” defined as a numerical representation of phenomena for easy comprehension. Over the course of the eight-hour journey, Grace mentally charted a statistical analysis of Richard Spencer’s behavior, breaking down his actions and scoring them.

“I-it’s such a relief that the Madam is alright.”

“Indeed.”

In this brief exchange, Richard Spencer exhibited polished manners by agreeing with her opinion. Quantifying abstract notions like “empathy” in numbers is challenging, but Grace rated his response a perfect 10 out of 10.

Acknowledging and affirming the hesitant words of a lady expressed his attentiveness. For someone of his noble status to show such warmth to a commoner like herself felt like a gentle rain on parched ground.

“S-still, it seems necessary to keep monitoring her closely.”

“Didn’t the physician already confirm that my aunt’s health is fine?”

Richard countered her opinion with precise facts. Debate lies at the heart of discussion. Just as one questions a hypothesis when proving a mathematical formula, Richard extended the conversation by thoughtfully presenting his perspective rather than offering a superficial agreement. Grace awarded him another 10 out of 10 in the “intelligence” category.

“Y-yes, b-but… moving forward, I’d like to take good care of her myself.”

“You, Miss Gurton?”

Remarkably, Richard even remembered her name and used it in conversation. For someone of his status, remembering every name was an unlikely feat. Even Professor Charles Dodgson couldn’t recall the names of more than ten students at a time.

And yet, Richard Spencer not only remembered Grace’s name but also called her by it. When he spoke her name, Grace felt as if she transformed into a flower reaching toward him. Was it merely an illusion? She was convinced it wasn’t.

For this reason, Richard scored another perfect 10 in the “sensitivity” category. A man capable of making someone bloom with just a word could only be Richard Spencer.

“Y-yes. Even though the physician said she’s fine, I… I still feel uneasy.”

“Thank you. That’s a kind sentiment.”

Lastly, Grace evaluated Richard’s expression of gratitude. Many people struggle to say thank you or sorry. Whether due to pride or a belief that it compromises their dignity, such reluctance often leads to rude behavior

In contrast, Richard Spencer showed no hesitation in expressing gratitude, demonstrating genuine humility and commendable character. In this regard, he earned yet another perfect 10 in the “character” category.

Combining all these aspects, Grace concluded that Richard Spencer was, statistically, the perfect ideal man—a flawless 10 out of 10. She wanted to emphasize that this conclusion was based purely on mathematical and logical reasoning, free from ulterior motives—not that there was anyone to disclose this to.