He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 56

56. An Unexpected Candidate Appears

The following afternoon.

It was almost 2 PM, the time when the third candidate, Sir Colin Peterson, was scheduled to arrive.

However, neither Mr. Osborne nor Miss Catherine showed the same tension as the day before.

Especially after the gloomy and tedious time with Sir John Lauder, their expectations seemed low.

Catherine even went down to the kitchen to check on the cake Mrs. Marie was baking.

‘Sir Lauder must have dampened everyone’s spirits.’

Thanks to their large brains, humans emit more unseen energy compared to other animals.

The reason time flies when you’re with good company, feeling pleasant and cheerful, is because this positive energy influences those around you, creating emotional connections.

In that regard, Sir John Lauder possessed such negative energy that it weighed everyone down, diminishing their expectations for the last candidate.

Knock, knock.

“Sir Colin Peterson has arrived.”

Butler John Blake announced the arrival of the last candidate.

“Alright, show him in.”

Unlike yesterday, Mr. Paul Osborne, much more relaxed, put down his book.

Soon, Sir Colin Peterson entered with a cheerful stride.

‘!’

The moment he entered, Theo’s eyes widened.

Perhaps because of the dark energy he felt from John Lauder, Colin Peterson’s presence seemed relatively bright.

Colin Peterson politely bowed to Mr. Paul Osborne.

Mr. Osborne seemed pleased with his neat appearance and dignified manner.

“This is my acquaintance, Theo Sanderson, who is here on business.”

At Mr. Osborne’s introduction, Colin Peterson turned and greeted Theo with a bright smile.

“Ah, nice to meet you. I am Colin Peterson.”

“Yes, nice to meet you. I am Theo Sanderson.”

His polite attitude and subtle expressions showed his smile was genuine.

‘Goodness, who would have thought such a pleasant person was the last candidate….’

The emotional energy revealed in a person’s expression and voice is one of the criteria Theo uses to judge character.

Theo could often grasp someone’s emotional state within minutes, accurately guessing their disposition and personality.

‘Judging from Sir Peterson’s energy, he’d get along well with Miss Catherine. I need to observe more closely, but… I have a feeling these two will hit it off too well?’

He might seem good in comparison, but objectively, Colin Peterson seemed to have a good personality and a healthy mental state.

And above all, his emotional disposition matched Catherine Osborne’s.

“Is Miss Osborne not at home?”

Colin Peterson asked Mr. Osborne with a smile.

“She’s in the kitchen. She’ll be up soon.”

“Ah, I see.”

Nodding, Colin Peterson showed interest in Theo.

“If you’re here on business, I assume it’s related to the local textile industry?”

“Yes. I’m in a different field, but I’m interested in the textile factory.”

“Ah, I see. I’m also interested in textiles. Previously…”

Colin Peterson was a noble young man who seemed knowledgeable about the textile industry.

At first, Theo thought it was small talk, but he could sense Colin’s sincere interest and deep knowledge about the industry and trade.

Moreover, having studied economics in France, he was well-versed in commercial theory.

‘A progressive mindset that fits Catherine’s personality and the coming era….’

Personality is complex, and harmony is crucial for a lasting partnership.

It’s not just about being generally agreeable.

A well-rounded personality is good for avoiding conflict, but it might lack the spark to maintain a long-term marriage.

After talking with Colin Peterson for ten minutes, Theo was convinced he harmonized well with Catherine’s personality.

Moreover, they looked good together and seemed attractive to each other.

‘This is going to be interesting. It will be clearer when Miss Catherine arrives.’

Unlike typical idle noble sons of the 18th century, Colin Peterson had clear goals and beliefs.

Catherine Osborne often showed similar beliefs.

If a deep conversation took place, it could develop into affection.

Knock, knock.

Clunk-

“Father, try this! Marie made the cake delicious….”

While they were talking, Catherine entered with a freshly baked cake.

Sir Colin Peterson turned at the sound of the door.

He saw Catherine and jumped up from his seat.

“Ah, hello? Nice to meet you. I am Peterson… no, Colin Peterson.”

Catherine was flustered by Colin Peterson’s sudden appearance but greeted him with a bright expression.

“Yes, nice to meet you. I am Catherine Osborne.”

Theo quickly examined Colin Peterson’s expression.

His initial reaction and subsequent appraisal of Catherine revealed distinct emotions.

Colin Peterson clearly liked Catherine’s style.

No, it wasn’t just liking.

The subtle trembling of his pupils, expressions, and gestures signaled something beyond liking – love at first sight.

Fortunately, Catherine’s face was also blushing, showing she was attracted to him.

If only Colin Peterson had felt a strong liking, his flustered appearance might have been a disadvantage.

However, since Catherine was also interested, their flaws were hidden, and emotional exchanges could take place.

‘Matchmakers introduce candidates based on family, but this is a match made in heaven. Unexpected luck for both of them, haha.’

Theo, worried about the third candidate, felt relieved.

Even in modern times, it’s rare for people to fall in love at first sight through matchmaking.

Most people compromise and settle for moderate love.

Not to mention in a society where family is a priority.

Their meeting was a blessing.

“Now that the parties are here, let’s have some tea.”

Mr. Osborne offered tea to Sir Peterson.

“Did you come through the forest path?”

“Yes? Ah… yes.”

“Was the road okay? I heard some paths were submerged due to the rain.”

“Ah… yes. Yes? The road? Well… haha… was it?”

Sir Peterson’s emotional energy seemed too high.

He seemed too excited about meeting his ideal type to focus.

Overly emotional energy leads to mistakes.

Theo decided to ask a rational question to calm him.

“Have you lived in the Manchester area long, Sir Peterson?”

“Ah, yes, yes… I was born and raised here.”

“So you became interested in the textile industry.”

“Yes. That’s right.”

“If it’s about textiles, Mr. Osborne is an expert, haha.”

“Ah! That’s right. I had many questions.”

In the late 18th century, textiles were a future high-tech industry with tremendous value.

Colin Peterson showed an active interest.

Mr. Osborne didn’t seem to dislike Colin Peterson’s questions.

From wool to cotton, Mr. Osborne, who had been in the textile business for a long time, boasted extensive practical knowledge that surprised Theo.

“Ah… so that’s why the textile industry in hydroelectric factories has grown. Haha, a small question resolved.”

Colin Peterson nodded and admired him.

“I’m glad your question was resolved, hehe.”

People get excited when they talk about their knowledge and others listen.

Mr. Osborne didn’t seem to mind Peterson’s attentiveness.

Catherine also participated in the conversation, and a good atmosphere continued.

While talking about textiles and trade, Catherine asked:

“Have you traveled to Europe, Sir Peterson?”

Colin Peterson was embarrassed.

“No. I couldn’t travel for years like my older brother. My younger brother traveled to several European countries for about a year, and I went to Italy for five months to appreciate paintings. I like art.”

The Grand Tour [a traditional trip of Europe undertaken by upper-class young men of means] cost a lot, but it was common for the eldest sons of wealthy families.

However, younger sons traveled for shorter periods or not at all.

“Wow, you went to Italy to appreciate paintings? I’m so jealous. I like looking at paintings too. I want to see the paintings in person.”

“Haha, jealous? No. You can go if you want.”

Theo nodded at his interest in paintings.

‘Hmm, that’s why their emotions were harmonious. Sir Peterson is artistic like Miss Catherine. They have strong commonalities, so they get along better.

Sir Peterson seems to be imagining going to Italy with Miss Catherine. Haha.’

But Mr. Osborne asked with a puzzled expression.

“Younger brother? I heard Sir Peterson was the second son, wasn’t he?”

Colin Peterson shook his head.

“No. I am the third. I have an older brother and a younger brother.”

Instantly, Mr. Osborne’s complexion darkened.

There was a reason his face hardened at ‘third son.’

In 18th-century England, where primogeniture [the right of the firstborn son to inherit the family estate] was maintained, younger sons were not good candidates for husbands.

The eldest son monopolized the title and property.

So the eldest son was popular in the marriage market.

Mr. Osborne wanted an aristocratic eldest son, but it wasn’t easy.

Even the second son sometimes inherited property or the title.

However, the third son received even less unless the family was wealthy.

In the end, Colin Peterson appeared to Mr. Osborne as a useless third son of a poor aristocratic family.

The chilled emotions of Mr. Osborne and the hot emotions of Colin Peterson towards Catherine were noticeably different.

‘Ah, this is a problem. The conversation was going well, but Colin Peterson doesn’t meet Mr. Osborne’s standards because he is the third son.

It won’t be easy to persuade Mr. Osborne just because he matches Catherine’s disposition… If I leave it like this, there might be a problem.’

Even in the 21st century, family opposition is hard to overcome.

Not to mention the 18th century.

Arranged marriages were the trend, and you had to give up even if you liked someone if your parents opposed it.

So Theo felt sorry for Colin Peterson and Catherine.

‘The two people’s dispositions match so well. Even if I chose them, it would be difficult to find a couple that suits each other this much.

Colin Peterson may have come for the dowry, but he is now interested in Catherine. And Catherine is falling for him. Hmm… the longer they meet, the more they will be drawn to each other….’

While looking at their emotions, Theo worried about how to resolve their relationship.

It seemed that Theo had to step in.