If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Chapter 67

‘Wow…’

Georgiana’s mouth fell open in awe.

The scale of the plantation exceeded her imagination.

She had definitely seen the sign marking the entrance to the plantation, yet even after riding in the carriage for several minutes, there was no end in sight.

Sprawling across the vast land, leafy vegetables grew like an endless sea. Laborers, bent at the waist, were picking leaves hanging low on the plants.

Curious about why they were picking only the leaves instead of fruits or grains, Georgiana turned her body to get a better look, and Raymond provided an explanation.

“Those are tobacco leaves. Is this your first time seeing them?”

“Yes, it is. I haven’t been in the South for long.”

The mention of tobacco made Georgiana think only of the acrid-smelling pipe her father used to smoke. It was hard to believe that those green leaves were the raw material for it.

“We pick the leaves like that, then dry them in a drying facility before sending them to a packaging factory. Originally, the factory was in another area, but to reduce transportation costs, we built a new one here recently.”

He pointed to a large wooden building, bigger than most houses. Behind its large windows, people wearing white head coverings could be seen working.

“Are there three factories?”

Raymond shook his head when she pointed at the orange and blue-roofed buildings next to the wooden ones.

“One is the tobacco leaf drying facility, and the one next to it is housing for the workers. Most of them were originally slaves, but when I acquired this place, I rehired them as regular workers. We also rebuilt the housing recently.”

“You’ve done an incredible thing, freeing the slaves…”

Unlike the West or the North, the South had many large plantations and factories, making slavery more prevalent. Many places bought slaves at low prices and worked them until they died, so Raymond’s decision to free them left her astonished.

“It was my brother’s suggestion. He also provided significant support for the costs involved.”

“You both have done something truly remarkable.”

“In the end, the initial cost was all we had to cover. Later on, the productivity here became several times greater than other plantations, and we quickly recouped the investment. Everyone worked hard, probably worrying I wouldn’t be able to pay their wages.”

Raymond’s joke brought a smile to Georgiana’s lips.

She could easily imagine the workers’ gratitude driving them to work even harder. Freeing slaves and providing such a clean environment wasn’t something anyone had done before—it was probably the first of its kind.

Suddenly, Georgiana found herself curious about his brother. A businessman willing to spend money on such initiatives, and someone who even tied Angela’s hair so neatly—it sparked her interest.

“Does your brother visit the plantation often?”

“He’s very busy, but he comes by occasionally. You will probably meet him soon. Not just because he’s my brother, but I genuinely believe there’s much to learn from him.”

Pride in his brother radiated from Raymond’s expression.

Georgiana thought of her own family—the father consumed by gambling, and her mother, devoid of any motivation.

If they had owned a plantation like this, they would have treated the slaves even more cruelly than they had treated her. In a strange way, she felt lucky that her family had been poor, and she shook her head to clear her thoughts.

When the sea of green leaves finally ended, they turned onto a path lined with large plane trees on both sides. Sunlight filtered through the branches like a curtain, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty. A sweet floral scent wafted between the trees.

The carriage, which had slowed as they entered the shaded path, came to a halt with a soft neigh.

Before stepping out, Georgiana smoothed the wrinkles in her blouse and skirt, hoping they would look a bit more presentable. Even if the lady of the house wasn’t present, she was still nervous about meeting those managing the estate. She had encountered many servants who disdained her for being neither noble nor a commoner, and she prayed that nothing would happen here at Raymond’s estate.

“Angela.”

Raymond called softly, and the child stirred, frowning as she awoke.

“Mmm… I’m still sleepy. Carry me.”

Half awake, Angela reached out not to Raymond, but to Georgiana, who was seated opposite her.

Raymond’s eyes widened in surprise.

Without hesitation, Georgiana lifted the small child onto her lap. The sweet scent of milk wafted from Angela, who blinked sleepily.

“I’ll carry her. It’s too much for a lady to handle.”

Raymond belatedly reached out, but Angela snuggled further into Georgiana’s embrace.

“I like the way Leona smells. Mommy used to smell like this too…”

At the child’s murmured words, a look of sadness flickered across Georgiana’s face, while Raymond’s expression turned into one of helplessness.

Unable to take the child from her under such circumstances, Raymond looked conflicted.

“It’s alright. I’ve carried older children before when I was teaching.”

“Thank you.”

Holding Angela securely, Georgiana followed Raymond as they carefully stepped out of the carriage.

Just as in the Empire, the custom of welcoming the master upon arrival seemed to remain here, as over ten people had gathered in front of the entrance, lined up in formation.

They all stared at Georgiana and Angela, who was cradled in her arms, their eyes wide with curiosity. Among them, a middle-aged woman wearing a white bonnet looked particularly shocked.

Raymond, leading the way, chided the man standing at the front of the group.

“Austin, didn’t I tell you there was no need for this? Just focus on your respective duties instead of wasting time being called out like this. I said so only yesterday.”

“Wasting time, sir? This is the minimum courtesy we owe you. Every other household does the same. If you don’t allow this, we may as well go back to seeing you off as well,” retorted the mustachioed butler retorted stiffly.

“Honestly, your stubbornness is something else.”

Raymond frowned as if he found it impossible to argue further.

“Oh, right. This is Ms. Leona, Angela’s new governess. She’ll be staying here at the estate from today, so please take good care of her.”

Raymond’s introduction left both sides startled.

Georgiana had assumed there would be some sort of assessment when she arrived at the estate, so his sudden introduction left her bewildered. The butler, meanwhile, alternated his gaze between her face and her modest attire, his expression questioning.

Despite their surprise, it was only polite to introduce herself first.

Clearing her throat softly, Georgiana bowed her head. Since she wasn’t a noble, she didn’t bend her knees.

“I am Leona Owen. I look forward to working with you.”

“I am Austin, the butler. I will ensure you are well cared for.”

Despite her plain, ready-made clothes, Georgiana carried an unmistakable air of nobility, which seemed to soften the butler’s demeanor. Her manners were not mere mimicry but reflected the true poise of a lady.

The madam who had passed away a year ago had grown up in the distant East and had a more relaxed approach to etiquette, whereas the young woman before him displayed the classical formality of an old noble family.

The butler’s initial suspicion of the unexpected young woman gradually faded.

Of course, Raymond’s instruction to take good care of her played a significant role as well. It was particularly shocking to see Angela, who, despite her angelic smile, never clung to anyone or threw tantrums, nestled so comfortably in the stranger’s arms. Observant members of the household glanced between Raymond and Georgiana, trying to gauge their relationship.

“This is Catherine, the head maid. If you need anything, please let her know. She and Austin handle everything in this household.”

Raymond gestured towards the woman wearing the white bonnet.

Georgiana greeted her just as she had greeted Austin. “I look forward to working with you.”

“……”

“Catherine?”

“Oh, yes!”

It wasn’t until Raymond called her name that the head maid finally bowed to Georgiana.

Raymond didn’t seem to notice, but Georgiana, who had encountered many people like Catherine, immediately recognized her reluctance.

The hostility in the maid’s gaze wasn’t just surprise at Georgiana’s sudden appearance—it was something more.

What had she done to offend her already?

Even though such unfounded jealousy and harassment were common, it still left her feeling bitter.

“Catherine, give Miss Leona the room closest to Angela’s.”

“Pardon? But that room was where the madam used to…”

“Catherine!”

“Yes, understood.”

The hesitant maid only nodded after Raymond’s expression hardened.

“What’s gotten into you today? If you’re feeling unwell, you should rest.”

“My apologies.”

Catherine’s face flushed with embarrassment.

“Then, please unpack and come to the study.”

“Of course. Thank you.”

Holding Angela close, Georgiana climbed the stairs. The maids watching her seemed to have mixed feelings.