If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Chapter 58

After Henry had tied the lifeboat securely at the edge of the beach, he took Georgiana to a house adorned with a paper lantern. Georgiana’s senses were slowly returning.

“Where are we?”

“This is a lodging for travelers operated by the village. I once stayed here with the master, so I brought you here. The master will come here once he’s done with his work.”

“What should I do now?”

Georgiana’s voice grew increasingly cold, but Henry, seemingly preoccupied, didn’t notice the change in her tone.

“You just need to wait here until the master arrives.”

“And you, Henry? Shouldn’t you go get him?”

“Originally, that was the plan, but the master said it was alright…”

“Oh, it’s because of me, isn’t it?”

He probably wanted Henry to stay and guard her, just in case she changed her mind and returned to the ship. She would have left without a word if she could. The effort he put into considering her was no longer appreciated.

She hadn’t expected his affection, but being deceived so he could meet another woman was a severe blow. Especially since they had shared a bed that very morning—betrayal gnawed at her.

Right now, she had no desire to see Lockwood.

Watching Henry, who seemed preoccupied with thoughts of the ship, she spoke calmly, “Henry, I’ll be fine here, so go back to Locke.”

“Pardon?”

“Locke will feel better if you’re with him. It’ll be easier for him to come here, too. I’ll just stay put here, so you don’t have to worry.”

“But how could I leave a lady alone in an unfamiliar place? If anything happens to you, I’ll be killed by the master.”

No, that wouldn’t happen.

Georgiana barely swallowed her next words.

“I promise I’ll stay quiet. I’m just worried about Locke. What if he can’t make it here?”

“But… I’ll get in trouble for leaving you alone…”

“Just tell him I insisted and left you no choice.”

“Haa… Alright then, I’ll be back soon. Please, do not go anywhere. Stay here.”

“Of course. I don’t even know where I am.”

Still uncertain, Henry hesitated several times before finally entrusting her with a money pouch full of coins, then set off.

Through the window, Georgiana watched the lifeboat with Henry onboard leave the shore. She then took a small portion of the money he had left behind, enough to settle herself minimally, and left the bag in a conspicuous spot.

She took off her current clothing, opting for the oldest and most worn outfit among her old garments. It was best to avoid drawing attention while on the move. She also donned a dark, wide-brimmed hat that concealed half her face.

With that, she went downstairs to find the innkeeper.

The middle-aged woman, busy serving other guests, looked at Georgiana and asked if she needed anything.

“I’m trying to leave for the Northwest immediately. Is there any way I could do that?”

The innkeeper, initially entranced by Georgiana’s beauty, widened her eyes upon seeing the bag Georgiana carried.

“You’re traveling there alone, miss?”

“Yes, I have relatives there. My grandfather is critically ill, so I want to leave as soon as possible.”

“You’re not going with the gentleman from earlier? He arranged for a carriage too. Traveling alone as a woman—whether by carriage or boat—is dangerous.”

The innkeeper shook her head vigorously, insisting that it was too dangerous for a woman to travel alone.

“Oh, he has a different destination. He’s coming back here with someone else, but I’m leaving before that.”

“How terrible. The Northwest is half a day’s journey by boat but two days by carriage. How could he agree to let you go alone for such a long distance?”

“That’s why I’m alone now.”

When she replied with deliberate bitterness, the innkeeper clicked her tongue and left to make inquiries.

Two days.

The length of the journey was longer than she expected, darkening her expression. She resolved to find a boat, even if it meant paying extra. Just as she was mulling over the situation, the innkeeper returned, her expression bright as if she had good news.

“Miss, you’re in luck.”

“Pardon?”

“A couple, the Hansons, who own a fabric store, are heading to the Northwest to see their daughter, who is about to give birth. They originally planned to leave in the morning, but a merchant they trade with just arrived. He plans to leave immediately after unloading his goods. When I mentioned you, they were more than happy to let you join them. They said it would be a good deed before the birth.”

“Thank you so much!”

Georgiana breathed a sigh of relief. Traveling alone by carriage or boat might have been dangerous, but traveling with a couple put her mind at ease.

She thanked the innkeeper repeatedly, giving her a generous tip within her means.

“Hello, I’m Georgiana Courtney.”

Following the innkeeper to the fabric store, Georgiana bowed to the friendly-looking couple. She no longer wanted to use the name Locke had given her, instead opting for her real name.

Though she wore old clothes, her noble bearing was unmistakable, and the couple seemed taken aback, waving their hands in surprise.

She quickly reassured them, saying she was not a noble and they could treat her comfortably.

The carriage they traveled in was originally used for transporting fabrics, so it lacked a proper seating area. Instead, it was filled with gifts for their daughter and essential supplies like food and bedding. As a result, Georgiana and the couple had to sit throughout the journey. Other than her aching backside from the bumpy ride, the trip was surprisingly comfortable.

The couple, who had a daughter about Georgiana’s age, treated her with the same care they would their own. Georgiana, in turn, helped with meals and washing dishes, eagerly finding tasks to repay their kindness.

Having mended her old clothes and shoes since childhood, she was confident in her sewing skills. She realized, with a secret smile, that she had talents beyond card games. With fabric scraps provided by the couple, she made a baby outfit on the way and gifted it to them.

After two days, they safely arrived in the New World’s largest port city, the Northwest.

Whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, there had been a major incident aboard the Mayfield, delaying the ship’s arrival.

She secured lodging near the Mayfield office and left a letter for Sarah there. She went around looking for work, but few places needed a young woman. Those that did mainly sought workers for taverns, inns, or theater troupes.

It was becoming increasingly apparent that life in the New World would not be easy.

***

“… Locke!”

“Isabella, please speak.”

“What are you so deep in thought about? I’ve called you several times.”

“I’m sorry. I must have been worried.”

“I’ll explain everything to my father, so please don’t worry and focus on me.”

Lockwood, who had been half-distracted in anticipation of the important event ahead, looked at Isabella, who was pouting, and sighed internally.

To think they had run into each other there.

Remembering Georgiana’s face, pale and distressed, made his chest ache.

Lockwood had only heard about Edmund’s plans a few hours ago, in the afternoon. Edmund had planned to have a final gathering with friends in a private area rather than with the general public.

As a result, they had to change the operation initially planned for the deck. All the sniper positions and routes that had been prepared were now useless.

Moreover, the uncertainty of even being able to see Edmund raised doubts about whether they could carry out the plan at all.

It was then that he had spotted Isabella, who still seemed eager to approach him. Just as he tried to avoid her, she blocked his path.

“I’m sorry for taking my friend’s side the other day. I’ve been worried that it caused an unnecessary misunderstanding.”

Just as he was about to tell her not to bother, he hesitated.

Come to think of it, the person closest to Edmund was right in front of him.

If he used Isabella, he could easily learn Edmund’s whereabouts and even get close to him.

However, to do so, he needed to win Isabella’s favor.

Since they would be leaving the ship in a few hours, Lockwood decided to pretend to be interested in Isabella.

“Lady Isabella, I have forgotten about that incident, so please do not concern yourself anymore.”

At his affectionate response, Isabella’s eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed.

“Really?”

“Of course. In fact, I was about to ask you a favor, so I’m grateful you approached me first.”

“A favor? What is it?”

“As you know, my wife has been unwell, so she won’t be attending the party tonight.”

“Oh… I-I see.”

Isabella seemed momentarily flustered at the mention of Georgiana, but she quickly nodded.

“Even as another woman, Juliana seems far too frail.”

“That’s true.”

When he agreed, Isabella’s eyes sparkled as if surprised.

“Anyway, because of that, I don’t have a partner to enjoy the party with, so I was hoping to ask for your help. Do you know of anyone suitable?”

At his request, Isabella’s lips curved into a broad smile.

“Actually, I was also having trouble finding someone to go with, so this is perfect. Let’s go together.”