He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 12

12. Twist

◈ Richmond Tea Garden

Sir Daniel Burke and Sarah Clarke were spending quite a long time together for a first meeting.

As time passed, they became deeply engrossed in each other’s stories, and by the time they got up from their seats, they had quickly grown comfortable sharing their concerns.

Theo watched them from the side with a pleased expression, quietly listening to their conversation.

“Oh my, is it really this late already?”

Sarah asked, surprised after checking the time.

“Ah… yes. It seems like three hours have already passed.”

“Miss Clarke, you should head home now, shouldn’t you?”

“Yes, I think I should. My father might be worried.”

After sending Sarah home, Theo decided to talk with Sir Burke a little longer.

However, even after more than three hours, a deep sense of longing remained on Sir Burke’s face.

“Mr. Sanderson, I feel very strange today.”

“…?”

“Before, when I talked to women, time seemed to drag on, and it was always boring. And if I even slightly mentioned the mining business I’m trying to start, they would invariably show a dismissive attitude.”

Sir Burke shook his head in disbelief as he continued.

“But the conversation with Miss Clarke was the complete opposite. It was so much fun that I didn’t even realize how time was passing. When Mr. Sanderson said it had been three hours, I thought he was lying. I never knew that talking to a woman who understands you could be so enjoyable.”

A man can’t help but feel empowered and strongly attracted to a woman who acknowledges and shows interest in what he does.

Especially after only seeing aristocratic women who looked down on working men, Sarah’s unexpected reaction was enough to impress Sir Burke.

Meanwhile, Sarah, who had broadened her thinking through much reading and discussion since childhood, seemed able to gauge for herself what value Sir Daniel Burke’s dream would actually have in a rapidly changing world.

Thanks to this, Sarah’s sincere encouragement and support for the work Sir Burke was pursuing were naturally woven into her words, and that feeling was directly conveyed to Sir Burke.

“To be honest, I was quite displeased when Mr. Sanderson said that a woman would be joining us. But… from the moment I first saw Miss Sarah Clarke, my feelings gradually changed.”

It seemed like he had fallen in love at first sight.

From the strong liking he felt at first sight to the wonderful conversation he had with her afterward, Sir Daniel Burke seemed to have fallen completely for her.

In addition, Theo’s skillful guidance quickly bridged the clumsy exchange of emotions between the young man and woman of the 18th century, bringing them to a state of emotional connection as if they had been dating for quite some time.

“And…”

Sir Burke continued, his face slightly flushed.

“This is the first time I’ve felt this way, so I’m a little embarrassed and hesitant to say it, but I don’t know why my heart was so overwhelmed during the conversation. There was something different that came up, something more than just Miss Clarke and I getting along well.”

Theo, as a psychologist, knew very well why Sir Burke was feeling this way.

A person with strong pride also has strong self-esteem. However, Sir Burke had suffered a lot of emotional wounds in a society that ridiculed and dismissed the values he cherished.

Then today, he met Sarah and was able to have an open and in-depth conversation about the flawed values underlying society for the first time.

As she supported and recognized the values he believed in with her sincere words, his wounded heart was greatly healed without him even realizing it.

“Actually, when Miss Clarke first came here, I noticed that Mr. Sanderson had deliberately arranged this meeting.”

Sir Burke lowered his head slightly, gazing at the table as he continued.

“So at first, I didn’t feel good about it. I felt quite upset for some reason. But now I feel completely different. Rather, I’m embarrassed that I might have only said things that Miss Clarke wouldn’t like.”

“No, you spoke very well today. Miss Clarke also seemed quite pleased.”

“Ah… then I’m really glad…”

Sir Daniel Burke’s expression soon darkened.

“But, I don’t have much inheritance to receive, and I don’t have any immediate abilities to show… I don’t know if Miss Clarke will feel any attraction to someone like me.”

“Don’t worry. Miss Clarke is definitely feeling attracted to Sir Burke as well.”

Sir Daniel Burke’s expression brightened at Theo’s words.

“Really? I would be so happy if that were true.”

Men tend to fall in love at first sight when they meet a woman whose appearance matches their preferences. If they also get along well in conversation and feel comfortable, they tend to recognize her as their destined partner and become impatient.

“But don’t rush in with just your burning emotions. You need to calm down a bit and treat Sarah Clarke with respect, as you showed today. As you can see from meeting her, Miss Clarke is a very special woman.”

Sir Burke nodded in agreement with Theo’s advice.

“Yes. I understand what you mean. If Miss Clarke also has feelings for me, I will definitely approach her slowly and not rush things.”

“Yes. If you do that, I am confident that there will be very good results.”

Daniel Burke.

This handsome young aristocrat, sitting in Richmond Tea Garden, poor but with a gleam in his eyes, would later become the head of the world’s largest coal mining company and accumulate immense wealth.

He would also develop a modern business model of directly processing the mined coal and selling it as various products, rising to become a leading figure in the global mining industry.

And beside this Daniel Burke was his lifelong companion, Sarah Burke, who provided advice and support.

◈ Two months later, at the home of Baron Robert Clarke.

“That’s right, Father. If we were to transport that heavy coal by horse-drawn carriage, it would be costly and prone to getting stuck in the muddy roads, which would only slow down the transportation time. That’s when Lord Egerton came up with the idea of building a canal.”

Evening time.

Baron Clarke’s five daughters and Daniel Burke were sitting around the baron’s bed, having a friendly conversation.

Theo was also there with Sir Burke.

Theo leaned against the fireplace, quietly listening to Sir Burke’s story.

Daniel Burke, who had become like family, visited the baron’s house two or three times a week to tell interesting stories related to the mine, and the Clarke baron’s daughters, who loved stories, seemed to be looking forward to this time the most.

“If it’s a canal, that means creating a river, but is that really possible with human power?”

Elizabeth, the second daughter, who was listening with great interest, asked.

“That’s right. It’s not an easy task. So at the time, everyone around him ridiculed Lord Egerton. His actions of investing his entire inheritance to dig a canal from his mine to the Manchester factory district seemed crazy to people.”

“I agree. I think I would have thought so too. Anyway, Lord Egerton is really amazing.”

Baron Clarke, who was leaning on the bed and listening with interest, opened his mouth quietly.

“Daniel?”

“Yes, Father.”

“You said that many people ridicule your dream of developing a mine? Just like Lord Egerton.”

“Yes? Ah… yes. Haha. Well, it’s somewhat like that, Father.”

“I support your idea. I talked to Sarah about it, and I believe that your business judgment and direction are correct.”

“Thank you so much for thinking that way.”

“You said there are some good mines that are being sold cheaply now?”

“Yes. There is a large mine that was put up for sale in Birmingham earlier this year because it is difficult to operate due to constant flooding. The location is very good, but it came out at a low price because of its low productivity.”

“Then why don’t you buy it quickly?”

“That’s…”

“Are you unable to purchase it because of money?”

“I’m working hard to raise investment funds right now. I’ve raised more than half of it though.”

“Really? Then I would like to invest a little as well. Cough- cough-”

“Yes? Father?”

Baron Clarke wiped his mouth after coughing and replied.

“Yes. And invest all of Sarah’s dowry there as well. I have a feeling that a great result will come out as you said.”

“…Father.”

Baron Clarke looked at Theo and asked.

“Mr. Sanderson, what do you think about our future son-in-law’s mine investment?”

“Hehe, it will definitely be successful. So I have already invested in Sir Burke.”

The baron was very pleased with Theo’s words.

“Haha- is that so? I heard from Lord Carrington that Mr. Sanders has great economic insight. This makes me feel even more relieved. There’s nothing more to see. I’ll have to sign the investment contract tomorrow. Hehehe.”

Knock knock-

While they were talking about business, the butler Brown knocked on the door.

“Master? Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Clarke have arrived.”

The faces of the Clarke baron’s family quickly darkened at the news of the unexpected arrival of the heir, Thomas, and his wife.

Sir Daniel Burke’s expression also hardened as he knew about Thomas from Sarah’s stories, and Theo’s impression, who remembered the unpleasant first meeting last time, also soured.

Sensing the atmosphere, Baron Clarke forced a smile and replied.

“Yes, tell them to come in.”

The baron desperately hoped that his young daughters would stay in this house at least until they grew up a little more. To do so, he had to treat Thomas well.

If Thomas and his wife were to harden their hearts, they could all be kicked out of this house as soon as he died.

For now, the baron was in a position where he had no choice but to cling to the kindness of Thomas and his wife.

Creak-

Thomas and his wife entered the room with sly smiles.

“Haha-. Uncle, we’re here.”

“Are you feeling okay? Oh my, everyone’s gathered here?”

Thomas’s wife was busy quickly looking around and examining the people gathered in the room.

The two couples ignored the greetings of the baron’s daughters and glared at Theo and Sir Daniel Burke as if they were thugs.

“Who is this young man?”

Baron Clarke answered Thomas’s question.

“Oh, I’m late to introduce him. This is our future son-in-law who will soon marry Sarah. Let’s all greet each other.”

“Yes? Future son-in-law?”

Sir Burke politely greeted first.

“Hello? My name is Daniel Burke.”

Thomas glanced over his simple attire and asked Sarah, without properly accepting the greeting.

“No, you, your father is so seriously ill, why aren’t you thinking about meeting a decent man and bringing a man like this? What are you going to do with your younger sisters who are following you?”

It was an unbelievably rude tone to say to the person right in front of him. Daniel Burke barely managed to hold back his anger.

Sarah was furious at Thomas, who carelessly spewed out harsh words.

“What are you saying so carelessly in front of Father? And how can you call Sir Burke ‘a man like this’ when he is such a wonderful person? Aren’t you being too rude?”

Thomas Clarke’s wife, who had resented Sarah from the past, quickly stepped forward and snapped.

“Sarah! You’re saying something really funny? What do you mean by being rude? Do you really not understand what this person is saying? When men with good conditions propose, you reject them all, so what are you going to do now? I’m just asking because I’m frustrated!”

Thomas, looking at Sir Daniel Burke and Theo alternately with a disapproving face, sneered.

“Yes, Daniel, was it? Do you have any inheritance to receive? Well, judging by your appearance, it doesn’t seem like it. Don’t tell me you’re trying to make a fortune with that great matchmaker over there? Huh? Hehe-.”

Theo saw Sir Daniel Burke’s chin lift slightly.

‘Anger…’

When humans get angry and enter a state of rage, they generally lift their chins. And soon that change is connected to the eyes, causing the lower eyelids to tense and the upper eyelids to rise.

However, Daniel’s chin lifted slightly and then lowered, showing no other physical reaction.

Daniel was as good at controlling his emotions as Sarah.

“I will build my own business and earn money myself.”

“Business? What business?”

“I plan to develop a mine.”

“Mine?”

At Sir Daniel Burke’s words, Thomas and his wife looked at each other and began to laugh loudly.

“Puhaha, so you’re saying you’re going to work in a mine? Are you talking about the workers who cover their faces with that black coal dust?”

“Hahaha, I know too. White people who are as black as blacks. They say it’s because they cover their faces with that coal dust.”

“Kyahahaha- that’s right, that’s right.”

The baron’s third daughter, who was full of anger, shouted.

“That’s a miner! Sir Burke is talking about a businessman who is trying to run a mine!”

Thomas frowned and yelled.

“How dare you, you little thing, interfere in the conversation of adults! And miners and businessmen who run mines are all doing the same lowly work. What’s the difference?”

Then suddenly, Thomas’s wife began to boast proudly about a story she wasn’t even asked about.

“Oh, our Thomas is scheduled to be appointed as the supervisor of the Earl’s estate soon with the support of Lady Merrien Lendmond. The scale of the Earl’s estate is so large that the house to stay nearby is also very large, and the annual income is so much, hahaha, everyone will faint if they hear it?”

Thomas Clarke wore an arrogant smile at his wife’s boast.

“Hehe-. Why are you talking about that in a place like this?”

Usually, the earls of this era had a lot of land and farms, so they specially appointed a supervisor to manage them.

But that’s when it happened.

Sir Daniel Burke, who had been listening quietly, asked in a slightly surprised voice.

“Excuse me, just a moment?”

“?”

“Did you just say Lady Merrien Lendmond?”

Thomas retorted bluntly.

“So?”

“Are you talking about the wife of Earl Lendmond in the Windsor area?”

“Do you… know Lady Lendmond?”

“Of course, I know her. I visited her a few months ago?”

“What? Lady Lendmond… you visited her? For what reason?”