If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Chapter 6

“Hey, Georgiana!”

Instinctively, Georgiana turned to see one of the ruffians Willow had been hanging out with recently waving at her from a corner. She recognized his face but didn’t want to engage, so she quickly lowered her gaze and continued walking.

“Off to be a governess again? Why not come with me instead?” The sly laughter followed her like a shadow.

“Yeah, you’d be better off with us than with your family.”

“Definitely, I can treat you better than Willow ever could. Especially in bed.”

Their crude remarks made Georgiana stop and glare at them.

“Let’s see how long you can keep up that attitude,” one sneered.

“We’ll come watch you at the ballet soon. Can’t wait to see what you look like on stage,” another jeered.

Her heart sank as she realized that these men knew exactly how her family treated her. It was clear that they were aware of the nature of the theater she would be performing in, even if she had been oblivious.

She bit her lip to keep from showing how crushed she felt and quickened her pace. At least they weren’t following her.

After walking for over an hour, she found herself in unfamiliar territory. The change in atmosphere and the neatly placed signposts indicated she had entered Harrington Street.

This neighborhood, home to doctors and renowned artists, had a refreshing air. The breeze carried the scent of flowers, and although the townhouses here didn’t have expansive gardens like the ones in noble quarters, the streets were clean and quiet, with well-maintained bulletin boards free from graffiti.

The realization that she was here for such a dishonorable purpose hit her hard. She paused in front of a bulletin board, her eyes catching a particularly colorful poster with a picture of a ship on it.

The poster, titled “Bride Wanted,” featured a large ship that could carry hundreds of passengers, with a smiling beautiful woman in front of it. Her eyes were drawn to the details beneath the picture.

– Bride Wanted –

Seeking unmarried women to travel to the New World of freedom and gold.

♣ Requirements: Single adult women

♣ Application Deadline: April 23rd

♣ Number of Applicants: No limit

♣ Benefits:

– Passage on the Mayfield to the New World

– Accommodation in a two-person cabin with three meals a day

– All travel expenses covered, including lodging upon arrival in the New World

– One-time payment of 1,000 gold upon marriage

In the land of opportunity, the New World, young and handsome men eagerly await you. There, you won’t have to worry about your family or struggle with poverty any longer.

Visit the Mayfield office now.

“……!”

As she read the final lines of the poster, Georgiana’s eyes widened like never before.

‘You won’t have to worry about your family or struggle with poverty any longer.’

The words seemed to speak directly to her. She wondered if she was imagining things.

Trying to calm her excitement, she read the poster again carefully, two or three times, and the message remained the same. She pinched her cheek to ensure she wasn’t dreaming.

Thump. Thump.

Her heart, which had been resigned to a hopeless fate, now pounded with anticipation. She had thought the only ways to escape her wretched home were through a dreadful marriage or death. Now, an unexpected path lay before her.

Georgiana recalled what she knew about the Mayfield. It was a luxurious passenger ship, often praised in the newspapers. It was described as a palace on the sea, with grand ballrooms and various facilities that could accommodate hundreds of people.

The thought of crossing the ocean on such a vessel and meeting someone there filled her with hope. Georgiana didn’t know who she might meet upon reaching the New World, but she was certain that it couldn’t be worse than her current situation.

Living under her family’s control, being forced into obscene performances or modeling nude, seemed far worse than marrying a stranger. At least she wouldn’t have to undress in front of multiple people.

And if she couldn’t find a suitable partner, she could at least escape her current life, even if it meant cleaning the ship or finding a job as a governess in the New World.

She decided to visit the Mayfield office first. According to the map on the poster, it wasn’t far. The application deadline was the next day, so it was best to go now before heading to the artist’s place. She might be a bit late, but with the sun still high in the sky, there was enough time.

As she hurried off, her hair tucked into her hat swaying with each step, someone quietly followed her.

One hour later.

“Please sign here.”

Sitting inside the Mayfield shipping office, Georgiana was presented with a contract and an ink-dipped quill. She had been worried about the application process, given the number of applicants, but it turned out to be straightforward. As soon as she proved she was an unmarried adult, the procedures were completed quickly.

She wanted to take more time to think it over, but the ship was set to sail in two days, leaving no time for hesitation. If something happened tomorrow and she couldn’t sign, she would lose this chance.

Deciding it was better to sign now and consider the consequences later, she grasped the quill with a mix of hope and anxiety.

The contract seemed straightforward, outlining the rules to be followed on the ship and the arrangements upon arrival in the New World.

With her signature poised at the bottom of the document, she carefully re-read the terms, ensuring there were no hidden clauses.

“Is that really all?” Georgiana asked.

“Yes, just make sure you board on the date and time printed on your ticket. We always have a few people who run late, but unlike small ships, a large vessel like this won’t wait for passengers. If we waited for everyone, we’d never leave,” the clerk explained.

“That makes sense. But… why are you offering such good conditions to recruit brides?” she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

“Of course, you can ask. Due to the war with the independence forces and other external factors, there has been a significant shortage of unmarried women in the New World from the start. Although the situation has now stabilized, many women still avoid going there, making it difficult to find volunteers.”

His sincere expression made it clear that they were indeed facing challenges in recruitment.

“We’re just in the business of transporting people, but it’s good to do something beneficial. Plus, there’s some profit to be made,” he added with a smile.

Georgiana nodded in understanding. If she had reservations, she could only imagine how others felt.

“Do you have any objections? If not, could you sign here? There are others waiting,” the clerk prompted, pointing to the document.

“Alright.”

She quickly signed her name, and the clerk handed her a small white envelope.

“This is your boarding pass. Keep it safe, as it cannot be reissued. We thoroughly check the tickets to prevent any betting or trading.”

“Thank you. I’ll take good care of it,” she replied.

“Feel free to come back if you have any questions before departure. We leave in two days,” the clerk said.

Georgiana examined the ticket, the reality of her decision hitting her. She grabbed the clerk’s sleeve as he began to walk away.

“What if I change my mind?”

“You can return the ticket anytime before departure. If you change your mind on the day of departure, you’ll need to pay the full fare. We won’t force you to board, so don’t worry.”

Relieved but still apprehensive, she asked cautiously, “How much is the fare?”

“For a third-class ticket, it’s five hundred pounds.”

“Five hundred pounds?” she gasped, her hand shaking as she held the ticket.

Five hundred pounds was more than a year’s living expenses. If she lost the ticket, she’d have no way to repay such a large sum.

Her face went pale, and she hesitated.

Should I return it now?

But this might be my last chance for a new life.

Images of her drunken brother Willow, her shouting mother Marianne, and the promise of freedom in the New World swirled in her mind.

Logically, it was an easy decision. If Willow incurred more debt, who knows what hell she might be sold into next time.

Resolving herself, Georgiana carefully tucked the ticket into the deepest pocket of her clothing to keep it safe. Just as she did, someone plopped down beside her.