Chapter 101 Daily Life of a Lady 15 Finale

Two months later, this sudden cholera outbreak gradually subsided. Perhaps there will be a more serious outbreak in a dozen years, but at least now, most areas of London are slowly returning to normal life.

The ports have been announced to be unsealed, most quarantine areas have also been lifted, and economic order has basically returned to normal.

Doctors continue to devote themselves to research on epidemic prevention and treatment, priests are busy seeing off the believers who have unfortunately died, and the upper-class aristocrats are seizing the time to re-engage in the social season that has almost stagnated for two months.

However, to their disappointment, there were not many social activities left for them, because the regent, who was guarded by several doctors in turn, died a month ago. His health was already worrying due to obesity, and coupled with illness, he soon returned to God's arms.

Due to his unsavory lifestyle and difficult-to-assess governing abilities, coupled with his tendency to oppress the nobility for personal reasons, he earned widespread dissatisfaction from the upper classes. Not only were they mourning his passing, but some even privately complained that some entertainment venues couldn't open publicly due to the national mourning.

"Parliament passed the new Regency Act last week, and Mrs. Saunders from the gallery said she and the new Princess Regent, the former Duchess of Clarendon, met each other twenty years ago. She's eager to approach her and propose a few lively society balls, with everyone wearing bright colors to completely wash away the shadow of her illness and usher in a new beginning, as she hates wearing black dresses."

Anna was lying comfortably with her legs crossed on Heather's newly customized sofa, enjoying the new snacks developed by Mrs. Johnson who had temporarily returned to London, and sharing the latest news with her dear neighbor.

Heather is very busy. She is getting engaged in two weeks. Her future fiancé, the Lord Chancellor, who is very busy and energetic, will take care of all the details of the ceremony, but she still has to make sure of things like the invitations she wants to send out.

In addition, she had to deal with various visitors who she had only met once from time to time. Seeing Anna comfortably occupying the sofa, Heather was extremely jealous.

"Why are you so idle? I thought you didn't even have time to go to the gallery." Heather was puzzled from the bottom of her heart, because if all the residential doormen on this street were ranked in terms of their busyness this week, No. 12 and No. 11 Paddington would definitely be in the top two.

Anna was defeated because of her father. General Wellesley's army won a great victory on the main battlefield, laying an important foundation for a complete victory. With the enemy commander gone, the war that had lasted for several years was finally coming to an end.

Anna swung her feet leisurely and replied nonchalantly, "I'm not very popular. What's the point of those people who usually look down on me coming to me and trying to get close to me? It's just because my dad is coming home soon and our family is well-off. It's more interesting to listen to gossip from acquaintances, so I won't meet them."

She dusted off the snack crumbs on her body and kindly took the messy stack of invitations from Heather to help sort and check them. She then asked curiously, "I, an illegitimate daughter, have limited value. You, the future Duchess, are the real hot commodity. Where's Mary, and your other niece? Why don't you come over to help?"

Heather took the floral tea from Reina and lay down on another sofa next to her before saying, "My sister came to London the day before yesterday. She's always wanted to live here, but unfortunately her husband has absolutely no interest in it. Now that conditions allow, I plan to give her a small house. I'll have Mary take her to several promising neighborhoods over the next few days and let her choose one she likes."

Anna sighed, "That's right, you're truly wealthy now, about to top the list of London's richest women. Some people used to say sour things, thinking someone of your status should stay home and avoid the public, but now no one dares to say that. Not only are you rich now, you're also famous. I heard that many civilians in the industrial zone who received the epidemic prevention manuals mentioned your name in their prayers. Also, yesterday, Lady Linnae next door said that the Duke of Ashwood almost never attends non-essential social events, leaving no opportunities for nobles who want to establish relationships with him. Now that he has a wife, I'm afraid you'll be the one to receive invitations to every ball and dinner in the future."

Heather thought carefully about what she had done in the past year, and couldn't help but secretly applaud herself. If she told these achievements to her childhood friend who graduated in the same year as her in her previous life and was also struggling to find a job, that girl would definitely shout that she should treat them and then spread her story to all the neighbors.

As she was speaking, the maid came over and reported that a guest had arrived.

Heather didn't want to see him at first, but when she heard it was Mrs. Victor, she quickly asked someone to come in. Mrs. Victor also helped convince her husband. After the Clean Act was enacted, her winery was the first to respond and even purchased protective suits.

Because of this, the brewery's employee loss rate in the past two months was much lower than that of other factories, and it was also recognized as a model factory.

Mrs. Victor walked in with a smile on her face, and brought with her eldest son, who was holding a large box.

"Ah, long time no see, Heather."

After the news of the engagement spread, many ladies who were once familiar with Heather had subtle changes in their attitudes when they got along with her again. Some were cautious because of the difference in status, while others were jealous that she could remarry and marry a duke.

But Mrs. Victor was a little thick-skinned and remained as enthusiastic and relaxed as ever.

Mrs. Victor had received the invitation to the ceremony a long time ago and came today to deliver a gift. The big box contained a specially customized beer with a lot of ice cubes to keep it cool. Fortunately, her son was tall, otherwise no one else would be able to lift it.

Mrs. Victor was grateful to Heather, not only for the recognition, but also for her son.

She sat down next to Anna with a familiar air, complimenting her newly permed hair before turning to look at Heather and pointing at the tall figure standing behind her. "Look, this is my son Noah. I wonder if you've met him. He was sent to Liverpool to study because his father was too slow. Mr. Victor told me at the time that he'd never learn and might just give up and fight to return to London. I didn't expect him to be so hardworking. He went around the factory asking questions to the old guys, and in just three months he's met the requirements to return to London."

Heather took a careful look and found that the child did not look very smart. He was tall and had a fair complexion. He was now looking at her eagerly from a few steps away.

Mrs. Victor went on to say, "I only found out later that he met Miss Mary in Liverpool. He said that Miss Mary had an extremely high talent for arithmetic and he really wanted to ask her questions in person again." This was a beautified statement. In fact, what Noah said was that he wanted to meet her and talk to her.

Heather understood. It seemed that Mrs. Victor had not given up on promoting her son, but she did not expect that Noah Victor himself would be so proactive.

Heather thought for a moment, waved to Noah, and said, "Mary is not home today."

Noah lowered his head in disappointment. He was tall and had a slight hunchback if he didn't try to support himself. He didn't look capable of taking on big responsibilities. No wonder the ladies in Chelsea were not keen on having him as their son-in-law.

However, Heather felt that maybe someone as obedient as him was suitable for a lady with strong opinions like Mary, and there would be nothing wrong with meeting him.

"But she might be going to the aromatherapy salon this afternoon to sort out the accounts. If you have any questions, you can try your luck there. You might be able to meet her."

Noah straightened his back instantly and nodded vigorously with joy.

Mrs. Victor happily took her son away, and soon Anna also said goodbye.

Heather knew that she was going to go back to painting, not the kind of painting to make money, but the kind of painting that she liked. Almost no one knew that Anna's favorite thing to paint was battle scenes, with helmeted generals riding tall horses on muddy plains. The meticulous restoration was as if she had experienced it personally.

Before leaving, Anna handed Heather a small box containing an exquisite leaf-shaped brooch and a small label.

Anna explained, "Dorothea asked me to pass this on. I'm afraid she's having trouble coming out lately. You know, ever since she took the initiative to reveal her identity, revealing that Hughes was actually herself, there's been a lot of controversy surrounding her, but now she's really in the spotlight. Fortunately, she now has a steady stream of income and is planning to move out of Sir Banks's house. I think she's still planning a few big things."

Heather looked down and saw the label read:

Thank you, and I wish you happiness. — Your friend Dorothea

Heather smiled and patted Anna on the shoulder: "Tell her for me to congratulate her on getting what she wanted."

Anna's eyes suddenly turned red. She looked up a little embarrassedly and tried to hold back her tears, thinking that this was not in line with her image. Unfortunately, she was not very successful.

She said vaguely, "You're moving away soon, right? So does this mean our story ends here?"

Heather smiled as she walked over and hugged her tightly, "How could that be? Our story definitely doesn't end here. It's just that we both have to start new stories."

After sending Anna home from the garden, Heather looked back and saw a man standing next to the small greenhouse in the garden. He was also holding boxes in his hands, three boxes of different sizes.

Heather folded her arms and looked at him, suppressing a laugh as she said, "What? Why are you all here with gifts today? Are you here to congratulate me on my engagement too? And you brought three?"

Lancaster stood tall in the sun, his hair was soft, but his expression was a little subtle.

"I brought the two big ones, but not the small one."

Heather couldn't help but walk over and took the smallest long rectangular box curiously. Inside was a well-preserved dried flower, a violet.

"I saw a suspicious person lingering near the door, so I kindly approached him to ask."

Heather was surprised at his "good heart".

Lancaster was silent for a moment, then continued, "It was John Luddy, the leader of the Workers' Mutual Aid Association. So it was violets he sent."

Violet represents eternal loyalty. Rudy is well-informed and has also heard the great news about Heather's upcoming engagement. It was only at the door that he discovered that the man she was getting engaged to was indeed the man she had been sitting next to when they first met.

Rudi completely suppressed all the inexplicable thoughts that wanted to emerge and handed the box to the other party.

Heather didn't expect that Rudy would come to give her a gift, but apart from the unpleasant first meeting, he was indeed a reliable and influential worker with a bright future.

But this has little to do with her.

Heather put the box on the cabinet next to the greenhouse, put her hands behind her back, and deliberately moved in front of Lancaster, looking up at him with a sly smile.

"It's a beautiful gift, but I'm more interested in what you brought."

There was less than a foot between them, and Lancaster could see only her wide eyes, the upturned corners of her eyes, and a smile that radiated pure joy.

This suddenly reminded him of a year ago, in that dark old house, when she unexpectedly broke into his territory. At that time, she was unfamiliar with the standard aristocratic smile, but her smart eyes revealed a unique soul.

With a momentary curiosity, he watched her trying to manage her life, family, career, kinship, and friendships, until one day he couldn't help but take the initiative to get involved.

Heather craned her neck until it was sore before she got the answer.

"One is your Royal Benevolent Medal. There will be a public commendation for you and an investiture ceremony for Mr. Darcy next week."

"The other one is a necklace that I made myself."

Heather had heard about the awarding, and now she wanted to see the necklace even more.

"Is it beautiful?" She reached out to take the box from his hand.

Lancaster didn't let go. When she was caught off guard, he bent down and kissed the corner of her eye.

"Very beautiful." My beloved fiancée.

The main text is over.