He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 58

58. The Gift (1)

◈ Three days later, Manchester Tea Garden.

Colin Peterson, looking flustered, asked, “Yes? Mr. Osborne is having a birthday party this Saturday?”

Observing Peterson’s bewilderment, Theo inquired, “Yes. That’s the plan, I hear. Do you perhaps have other engagements that day?”

“This is…”

According to John Blake, the butler, Mr. Osborne had never thrown a large birthday party in his life.

He usually just had a meal with his daughter and the household staff to mark the occasion.

So everyone assumed he would do the same this year, but for some reason, he issued instructions to prepare for a large birthday party.

He even created a guest list, inviting factory workers and town residents alike.

Of course, the list included prospective sons-in-law, Alec Parker and Colin Peterson.

Alec Parker was informed directly yesterday, and Theo was to inform Colin Peterson today during their meeting.

It seemed Mr. Osborne wanted to celebrate one last birthday with his daughter before she potentially got married soon.

Theo was secretly pleased when he first heard about the birthday party.

In recent days, Sir Peterson’s relationship with Mr. Osborne had improved significantly.

This was thanks to his diligent adherence to Theo’s advice.

Now, he saw it as a great opportunity to gain even more favor at the birthday party.

However, seeing Sir Peterson’s troubled expression, it seemed he might not be able to seize that opportunity.

“Perhaps… do you have other important engagements that day?”

“…Well.”

“It would be wonderful if you could attend Mr. Osborne’s birthday, if possible.”

At Theo’s words, Sir Peterson, looking somber, shook his head and replied, “I wish I could, but… the Earl of Montague is hosting a Grand House Party on Saturday, and my family has been invited. My father has already confirmed our attendance and submitted the list.”

“Ah… the Grand House Party…”

At this time in England, there were five most influential and wealthy aristocratic families.

The Cavendish family of the Duke of Devonshire, the Percy family of the Duke of Northumberland, the Howard family of the Duke of Norfolk, the Russell family of the Duke of Bedford, and the Kent family of the Earl of Burns.

The Sandwich family of the Earl of Montague was slightly below these five families, but it was recognized as a family with wealth and prestige comparable to any ducal family.

In particular, John Montague, the Earl of Sandwich, had served as a general in the Navy and even as a Secretary of State in the British government, making him a prominent aristocrat in the Manchester area.

There was also an interesting story, though debated, that the origin of the ‘sandwich,’ enjoyed by modern people, came from this aristocratic family.

Usually, these prestigious aristocratic families would host a ‘Grand House Party’ every summer, inviting various families to enjoy dancing, games, hunting, and horseback riding, fostering bonds and exchanges among themselves.

For aristocrats of slightly lower rank, being invited to such an event was considered quite an honor, and they were eager to attend unless there was a death in the family.

The Peterson baronet family had unexpectedly received an invitation from the Earl of Montague and was planning to attend with the whole family, delighted by the opportunity.

It was an unparalleled opportunity for the Peterson baronet family to interact with many prestigious families.

“Since you have already accepted the invitation, you can’t miss such an important event.”

Theo’s voice was filled with regret.

This could be a crucial point in his marriage to Catherine, and Alec Parker had already promised to attend Mr. Osborne’s birthday party.

Moreover, Sir Parker was already busily preparing a gift for Mr. Osborne.

But there was no choice. If they missed the Earl’s party, which was scheduled before Mr. Osborne’s birthday, the Earl of Montague might take it as a slight to his family.

If the fact that they didn’t attend because of Mr. Osborne’s birthday came to his ears later, it could become a bigger problem than expected in the status-conscious aristocratic society.

Also, in some ways, the fact that the Peterson baronet family was invited to a place where even the Earl family like Alec Parker was not invited could give Mr. Osborne a better impression of Colin Peterson’s family.

Theo consoled Peterson, who looked troubled.

“Don’t worry too much. I will explain Sir Peterson’s situation to Mr. Osborne as best as I can. But even if you can’t attend the party, you must carefully consider what Mr. Osborne wants and choose a gift accordingly.”

“Mr. Osborne’s desired gift… you say?”

A ‘gift’ is not just an ‘object.’

The extent to which the giver has thought about and cared for the recipient is reflected in the ‘gift,’ leaving traces of emotion.

A thoughtlessly bought gift to complete the formalities quickly disappears from the recipient’s memory and has no effect other than showing that the obligation has been fulfilled.

“Haven’t you had quite a few conversations with Mr. Osborne over the past few days? There must be hints about gifts in those conversations.”

“······.”

The problem is that most people try to give something that will show off to the other person, rather than a gift that contains their own heart.

Of course, the recipient may be grateful for the expensive gift and pretend to like it out of courtesy.

However, such gifts do not have the power to deeply move or touch the recipient’s heart.

“As you know, Mr. Osborne is quite wealthy. Expensive items don’t mean much to someone like him. So, instead of just looking for something expensive that you and others think is valuable, you should look for a gift that Mr. Osborne can be moved by.”

If you pay attention to and observe the other person, you can find a gift with a story that the other person really wants, regardless of the price.

And a sincere gift found in this way leaves traces of emotion, such as the giver’s consideration and sincerity, regardless of the price, making it a much more meaningful gift.

Peterson nodded, deep in thought.

“Yes. Since I can’t attend the birthday party, I really need to carefully consider and choose a gift over the next few days. I’ve already been thinking about something while having many conversations with Mr. Osborne.”

Indeed, Peterson understood the meaning of Theo’s words well.

Theo was very disappointed that he couldn’t attend Mr. Osborne’s birthday party, but he was secretly hoping that he could make up for it with a gift.

◈ Saturday, Mr. Osborne’s mansion.

As evening approached, many people arrived to celebrate Mr. Osborne’s birthday.

Factory managers and workers, as well as residents living nearby, attended.

In an era with few forms of entertainment, such parties, which also included a ball, were very popular among the residents.

In particular, today’s party was scheduled to feature various attractions such as dancer performances and magic shows, attracting people from distant areas and even nobles to come and watch.

Mr. Osborne specifically instructed that anyone who came to the party without an invitation should be allowed in, and thanks to this, the yard was more crowded than expected.

‘Why isn’t Sir Alec Parker coming?’

Theo had been looking towards the entrance, searching for Alec Parker.

He had boasted that he would be the first to arrive, congratulate Mr. Osborne on his birthday, and help with various tasks, but Theo couldn’t understand why he hadn’t come yet.

‘Hmm… Frankly, it would be much better for Sir Peterson if Sir Parker didn’t attend…’

Miss Catherine, dressed elegantly and greeting guests, also kept glancing towards the entrance, as if waiting for Alec Parker.

It was likely to be the last birthday of her father with the surname ‘Osborne’.

Perhaps because of this, she hoped that even one more person would come to celebrate her father’s birthday, especially hoping that the prospective sons-in-law would be there to please her father with their reassuring presence.

However, as time passed and no more guests arrived, Alec Parker did not show his face.

*

As the time came, the birthday party began in earnest in the mansion’s spacious yard.

Mr. Osborne gave a brief thank-you speech, and congratulatory greetings and gifts were exchanged.

“Happy birthday, Mr. Osborne!”

“You didn’t have to bring anything, haha. Thank you.”

“Congratulations!”

“Congratulations.”

Mr. Osborne, who disliked formalities and considered himself of humble origin, omitted grand events such as gift-giving ceremonies and cake-cutting ceremonies, which were common in wealthy merchant and noble families.

He simply accepted gifts and offered food as a way to express his gratitude.

After the greetings and gift-giving, people took wine glasses and strolled freely around the spacious yard, enjoying various shows, conversations, and card games.

On one side of the yard, beautiful congratulatory pieces were played by an indoor orchestra, and the dancers’ wonderful dances were combined with the music.

Mr. Osborne, who was frugal and endlessly stingy with himself, wanted to celebrate grandly, no less than a party at a noble’s house, perhaps because it was the last birthday he would spend with his daughter before her marriage, even if it cost a lot of money.

Thanks to this, the birthday party continued in a cheerful atmosphere, and the guests’ joyful laughter never ceased to erupt from here and there.

However, Mr. Osborne and Miss Catherine’s expressions did not look very good.

It was because of Alec Parker, who had not shown up in the end.

At that moment, Theo noticed a young man in a servant’s uniform walking in from afar, holding something in his hand.

‘···?’

Looking around, he grabbed a maid from the house and asked her something, then turned his head to confirm Catherine and came straight over.

“Hello, are you Miss Osborne?”

“Yes. And you are?”

“Yes. I am from the Parker Earl’s residence.”

“The Parker Earl’s?”

“Yes. I have come to deliver a gift at the request of the young master.”

The male servant, looking around, subtly put down the item and said, “The Parker Earl has been very ill since yesterday. So the young master couldn’t attend because he was taking care of him and was very sorry, so he asked me to deliver this birthday gift.”

Catherine, surprised by his words, asked, “Oh my! It seems the Earl is very ill? Is he very unwell?”

“Yes? Ah… yes, yes.”

Theo, who was sitting next to her, immediately noticed that the servant was lying, based on the direction of his pupils and his subtle expressions.

At that moment, Mr. Osborne asked the servant with concern, “What exactly is ailing the Earl?”

The servant didn’t know what to do at Mr. Osborne’s words.

“Ah… he’s a little better now… Anyway, I’m in a hurry, so I’ll be going now…”

The young servant from the Parker family vaguely mumbled and quickly left after handing Catherine the gift.

At that time, a group of young noblemen who were watching this scene threw a word each as if to be heard.

-Hmph! What do you mean the Parker Earl is very ill? I saw him perfectly fine on the street yesterday.

-He’s probably not taking care of the Earl, but stuck at the club gambling, haha.

-By the way, when is Sir Parker going to pay me back? He needs to win something to pay me back, but he keeps losing, tsk tsk.

-Who knows? Maybe he can pay it back if he marries well and gets a huge dowry.

-I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up gambling with his meager Earl title, which is all that’s left, kekeke [a mocking laugh].

As expected, the surrounding opinion of Alec Parker was not very good.

Seeing them openly slandering him like that, it seemed he was disliked in many places.

And what they were saying was heard by Osborne and Catherine.

Catherine, with an embarrassed expression, tried to change the awkward atmosphere and untied the ribbon of the gift box that Sir Parker had delivered.

Snap-

Then, a luxurious and ornate silver plate came out from inside.

Judging by the decorated shape and size, it was quite an expensive item.

However, expensive silver plates were just common items that were abundant in Mr. Osborne’s house.

“Hmm, hmm…”

Mr. Osborne, who seemed to be in a bad mood, cleared his throat a few times and repeatedly drank his wine.

Alec Parker’s silver plate was carelessly thrown next to the pile of gifts.

Perhaps because of Mr. Osborne and Catherine’s emotions, Theo’s heart also sank, unlike the bright atmosphere around him.

‘By the way, why isn’t Sir Peterson sending a gift? Hasn’t he found a gift yet? He seemed to be frantically looking for something for the past few days. Well, it wouldn’t be easy to find a gift that can move someone’s heart.’

Theo was absentmindedly watching the dancers’ performance, lost in thought, when he saw someone rushing in from the entrance.

‘···!’

It was Sir Colin Peterson.