After returning to Minsk Street from the factory district, Klein had a simple lunch and fell asleep. He slept until the sky turned dark and evening came before he woke up naturally.
But even so, he still felt exhausted, exhausted from the bottom of his heart.
After falling into a daze for a while, Klein went down to the first floor, lit the gas lamp, and prepared to sit on the sofa to read the day's newspaper. However, when he swept his gaze, he saw an invitation on the coffee table.
He was first taken aback before he snapped to his senses. It was a dinner invitation that Mrs. Stelyn Sammer had sent a maidservant to make up for a few days ago.
I almost forgot about this … A matchmaking party in disguise … Klein put down the invitation and walked to the bathroom on the first floor. He washed his face with cold water to make himself look more energetic.
Compared to when he first arrived in Baekeland, he had a relatively thick black mustache around his lips and chin. Although it didn't completely eliminate his scholarly aura, it made him appear much more mature and boorish.
If I'm not someone I know, I won't be able to recognize me in person … Klein exhaled silently, wiped his face clean, and placed his gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose.
He took a short break, changed into a shirt with a straight collar, and matched it with a black tuxedo. Then, he very formally put on a half top hat, took his cane and invitation, and turned next door.
Amidst the jingling of the doorbell, he saw the maidservant, Julian, who opened the door. He saw Stelyn with her blonde hair coiled up high and silver earrings on her earlobes.
Klein took off his hat, bowed, and praised politely.
"Mrs. Sammer, you look very beautiful today."
Although his words were very perfunctory, Stelyn was indeed much more beautiful than usual today. In the field of meticulously grooming herself, her abilities seemed to have undergone a breakthrough.
From the looks of it, the matter of catching her in adultery had made her and Ma 'am Mary truly "best friends." And she's a tycoon with a net worth of tens of thousands of pounds. She's now part of the Kingdom's National Atmospheric Pollution Council and has gotten to know quite a number of dignitaries. She must be knowledgeable when it comes to makeup, clothing, accessories, and other aspects … Klein nodded inwardly in enlightenment.
The corners of Stelyn's mouth curled up uncontrollably.
"These are my new earrings. They cost eight soli."
Madam, your style still hasn't changed … Klein smiled as he handed his hat, cane, and coat to the maid.
The fireplace and pipes in the house brought warmth as if it was early summer. Many young ladies and ladies' dresses were relatively loose. Some revealed half of their fair and tender arms, while others revealed their smooth breasts.
"Luke is discussing business with some friends and asked me to apologize to you on his behalf." "Have your meal first. I'll introduce you to a few ladies with good upbringing later."
Actually, there's no need for that. Just let me eat in peace … Klein smiled.
"I can already smell the food."
Because there were more than 20 guests, the banquet was a buffet. Klein took the tray and walked around. He found that the food this time was more sumptuous than before.
Cold salmon, chicken pie, lamb stew with peas, marinated brisket, curry, roast beef, cooked turkey, beef tongue pie, ham, salad, and cream cake …
The wine was still champagne and red wine.
This was very much in line with the appetite of a carnivore. Klein picked up a large plate and didn't chat with anyone. He shrank into a corner and slowly savored it.
It's not as good as the chefs at the Quelaag Club … He commented inwardly from time to time.
Just as he was about to take the second round, he was finally discovered by Stelyn Sammer.
At the same time, he saw an acquaintance beside the lady, the serious-looking Lawyer Jurgen.
That's right, Jurgen is also a bachelor … Klein smiled as he leaned over and took the initiative to greet him.
"How's Mrs. Doris's recovery?"
Jurgen tugged at his bow tie uncomfortably.
"She'll be discharged next week."
"That's great," Klein said with a sincere sigh.
At that moment, Stelyn had already led a few ladies over and introduced them.
"This is Mr. Jurgen Cooper, a senior solicitor. He earns at least three pounds a week, and he often receives a commission from his cases. His annual income must be more than 200 pounds, and he's young and promising. He's likely to become a barrister in the future."
"This is Mr. Sherlock Moriarty, a famous detective. His income isn't stable, but every sum is very generous, such as ten pounds or fifty pounds."
Ma 'am, isn't this introduction a little too direct … Klein couldn't help but silently criticize.
Jurgen, who was beside him, clearly frowned.
Stelyn didn't find anything wrong with her introduction.
"Miss Sarah Taylor, her parents are teachers at the grammar school …"
"Angelina Watson, her father is a civilian at the Baekeland Police Department …"
…
Klein smiled numbly and greeted the ladies.
After Stelyn finished speaking, Jurgen said in a deep voice,
"Mrs. Sammer, it's not polite to mention someone's income in front of them."
Stelyn wasn't angry as she replied very seriously,
"No, it's very important."
"If you can like each other and build a family, income is an essential foundation."
"Think about it. There's always meat, vegetables, fruits, milk, white bread, cream, butter, and other food every day, right? You'll have to spend at least one pound and five soli a week on this, and that's not including alcohol. In addition, you'll have to rent a better house, which will cost you nearly one pound a week. Well, you'll also have to buy water, gas, charcoal, soap, and other necessities. You'll also have to consider the cost of traveling. All of that adds up to about ten soli. "
"This is the most basic expenditure. Don't you take your wife to concerts and plays?"
"Don't you buy some new clothes every year? Ladies, I believe that a family has to spend at least thirty pounds a year on this to be considered decent. "
"In addition, there's the salary of a maid, the cost of a child's education, medical expenses, and some necessary decorations."
"Only with an annual income of more than 200 pounds can these needs be met and a happy family can be had."
"So, in order not to waste your time and cause any misunderstandings, I think it's necessary to introduce it in advance."
As a lawyer, Jurgen was momentarily unable to find the words to retort. Thankfully, he only had a serious and serious expression to begin with.
How magnanimous … However, basic etiquette is to inform both parties of such information in private. Of course, I understand the reason why Mrs. Sammer is introducing it in person … Klein forced a smile and said, "Yes, income is very important."
"That's right, income is very important."
"Only with an annual income of more than 400 pounds can one hold a banquet of this level. Only then can one allow one's wife to have beautiful dresses and exquisite earrings."
Stelyn immediately raised her chin slightly and tried hard to suppress her smile.
"430 pounds. What I mean is to have some savings every year in case of accidents or to invest in stocks and bonds."
This was her husband's approximate annual income.
After helping the two strangers find a topic to talk about, she left and greeted the other guests. And Klein clearly sensed that Sara, Angelina, and the other ladies were more interested in Lawyer Jurgen. After all, he was quite good-looking, and his job and income were very stable.
As for a private detective who could enter the police station at any time, he wasn't a priority for middle-class women. Furthermore, with Klein's beard and slightly rugged appearance, it was inevitable that the girls would be a little afraid of him.
After chatting with him for a while, he found an excuse to leave and hid in a corner. As he ate, he enjoyed Jurgen's awkward and helpless expression.
At times like this, it was unknown where his eloquence as a lawyer had gone.
A few minutes later, the two Sammer children ran past Klein while playing.
Noticing the gentleman in the corner, they came to a halt, and with large, curious eyes inquired: --
They widened their eyes and asked curiously, "Mr. Moriarty, I heard you're a detective?"
"Yes," Klein replied with a smile.
The little girl said innocently,
"Can you tell us about the cases you've solved?"
Her twin brother nodded repeatedly.
The cases I solved? It doesn't involve wraiths, marionettes, Devil dogs, or finding a cat to catch an adulterer. There's really nothing suitable for children … Klein thought for a few seconds and chuckled.
"Alright, this is a story about treasure."
"An officer who retired from East Balam was suddenly murdered …"
He had actually forgotten most of the detective novels he had read in his previous life. He could only make them up based on his vague memories. As for the two children, they didn't care if the plot was reasonable or not. They listened very seriously and even learned to ask, "What happens next?"
Unknowingly, Klein relaxed quite a bit.
When the banquet came to an end, he was about to bid farewell when he saw the joy on Stelyn's face.
"Did something worth celebrating happen?" Klein asked casually.
Stelyn raised her head slightly and smiled reservedly.
"Mary was invited by the Chief Secretary of the National Atmospheric Pollution Council, Mr. Hibbert Hall. She will be attending a luncheon at his house on Monday."
"This gentleman is the eldest son of Earl Hall, a true noble. He invited all the members of the council and allowed them to bring two or three friends."
Stelyn paused.
"Mary just invited Luke and me."
...
Monday afternoon.
Dressed to the nines, Stelyn Sammer, accompanied by her husband, Luke Sammer, followed Lady Mary to Empress Borough and saw a building that occupied a large area.
Marble statues, pools, fountains, gardens, lawns, and other things were reflected in her eyes, making her feel nervous before she even entered the villa.
"Luke, does this necklace of mine not match my dress?" she turned her head and asked her husband.
Luke shook his head and smiled.
"Darling, you're too nervous."
"You don't have to worry at all. Nobles only live a little bigger than us and eat a little better. We're not lacking in anything."
Stelyn nodded repeatedly as she listened, as though she had regained her former confidence.
Upon entering the villa, they saw a gorgeous crystal chandelier, a hall that could accommodate many people to dance in, and plates of delicacies.
Foie gras, pan-fried Dragon-Bone Fish, baked lobster … Aurmir red wine, Misty Champagne … It's just as described in the magazine … Stelyn looked at the food curiously, feeling that if she were to scrimp a little, she could have such a meal during festivals or the new year.
Apart from Aurmir red wine and Misty Champagne … she finally added inwardly.
At that moment, her gaze suddenly froze as she saw a girl in a beige regal dress slowly walk over.
The girl had blonde hair and blue eyes. She was abnormally beautiful, wearing a pair of white silk gloves and a pair of small and beautiful emerald earrings. She had a pure and elegant bearing.
She really looks like an angel … Even though she had always been proud of her looks, Stelyn couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. She felt an inexplicable sense of inferiority.
"Hello." She clumsily greeted with the etiquette she had just learned.
"Hello." The girl gracefully returned the greeting.
After the two of them brushed past each other, Stelyn accompanied her husband and Mary to get to know the distinguished guests, including the noble Mr. Hibbert Hall.
After a while, she walked to the balcony alone, intending to calm herself down. However, she was surprised to see the angelic girl from before.
She was looking out at the scenery, and beside her shoes with ribbons and roses was a large golden retriever obediently squatting there.
"It's really cute." Stelyn searched for a topic.
The girl replied with a faint smile.
"I thank you for your praise on behalf of Susie."
Looking at the combination of the beautiful girl and the large golden retriever, Stelyn suddenly felt that she should have a similar pet.
Only then could she show the Sammers' dignity! She deliberated and asked,
"I heard that nobles will domesticate many hounds. Is it one of them?"
"Yes." The girl, whose green eyes were more charming than the earrings, nodded lightly.
"I wonder how much it costs to buy one?" Stelyn asked with a smile.
The pure and elegant girl looked down at the large golden retriever and replied with a smile, not minding it.
"450 pounds."
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