He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 7

7. First Meeting with Viscount Monson

◈ The Intelligence Club

Tae-oh spotted Viscount Edward Monson entering the club and quickly signaled for the carriage to stop.

“Could you stop here, please?”

“Woah- woah-.”

Tae-oh hurriedly got out of the carriage and quickly caught up with Viscount Monson.

“Good afternoon, Viscount?”

The Viscount turned around and greeted him warmly.

“Ah, yes. Mr. Sanderson, isn’t it?”

Tae-oh was quite popular within the club. Every member of the Intelligence Club was eager to sit with Tae-oh at least once.

Thanks to this, it wasn’t too difficult to secure a seat with Viscount Monson.

Tae-oh had tea with Viscount Monson and deliberately steered the conversation with various questions.

It was to gauge the Viscount’s inclinations.

‘Fortunately, his views align almost perfectly with what I’ve recorded. He’d be a perfect match with Miss Godwin.’

Viscount Monson was the type to be greatly interested in exploring the philosophical essence of any topic. This was also quite similar to Miss Lydia Godwin.

“When I read Epicurus’s books, I often wonder when ‘happiness’ is truly possible for humans. The condition for happiness that I’ve arrived at is wealth and honor gained after genuine hardship…”

Viscount Monson tried to delve into the essence of happiness and presented his own arguments.

After listening for a while, Tae-oh responded to a question posed by Viscount Monson.

“Those who have worked hard to gain much wealth or honor are prone to two fears.

The first is the fear of not gaining more money and honor in the future, and the second is the fear of their existing money or honor decreasing.

In other words, the feeling of ‘happiness’ can never be obtained by fulfilling these conditions. Happiness gained in that way is not true happiness but only becomes the seed of unhappiness. In the end, what ordinary people think of as ‘conditions for happiness’ turn out to be ‘conditions for unhappiness.'”

The Viscount asked again.

“So, if humans become unhappy because they cling to the ‘conditions’ they pursue and become fearful, does that mean humans are inherently incapable of possessing happiness?”

Tae-oh smiled and replied.

“The answer to ‘happiness’ is in your words right now.”

“Pardon?”

“Because it means that if you can just abandon those ‘conditions,’ you can become happy. If you don’t cling to conditions, you can’t help but get closer to true happiness.”

Viscount Monson pondered Tae-oh’s words for a moment and nodded.

“Indeed… I prided myself on reading books and contemplating a lot, but I’m ashamed. Mr. Sanderson, you truly have a different depth.”

“Ashamed? Isn’t this a place to share our opinions? Moreover, there can be no right answer to such topics. And your logic was also quite substantial. How many people can contemplate as deeply as you, Viscount?”

Viscount Monson asked with envious eyes.

“What kind of books should I read a lot to have a different dimension of thinking like Mr. Sanderson?”

“Reading is important, but I think expanding one’s thinking through intense contemplation and debate is necessary. That’s why this kind of club exists.”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

“Also, to organize your complex thoughts and reduce logical contradictions, it would be good to have someone who can always have such conversations by your side. For example, it would be perfect if your life partner was such a person.”

Viscount Monson smiled wryly and responded.

“Haha, that’s right. In fact, that was once my long-held wish. I often imagined how happy I would be if I could comfortably drink tea with a wife who understands me and deeply discuss such topics. But is there really such a woman? Moreover, one whose appearance and personality are exactly to my liking.”

Viscount Monson shook his head and continued.

“I’ve met many women, but there has never been such a person. Even women who have read many books have mostly read only pulp fiction [light, sensational literature]. I have never met a woman who is interested in philosophy that explores the essence of humanity.

And even if there is such an intellectual woman, if she is not attractive, frankly, that also does not meet my criteria for a wife. I guess I’m too greedy? That’s probably why I haven’t married yet, haha.”

Tae-oh replied as if he had been waiting for it.

“It’s not greed. You just haven’t been able to find her. There is such a woman in London who is perfect for you, Viscount.”

Viscount Monson’s hand, which was about to grab the teacup, stopped abruptly.

“What do you mean? There’s such a woman in London?”

“You know that I’m trying to start a marriage brokerage business, don’t you, Viscount?”

“Well… yes. I heard about it before.”

“Could you be my first client, Viscount?”

Viscount Monson stared at Tae-oh with a bewildered expression.

“Your first client?”

“Yes, that’s right. There is a woman I would like to formally introduce to you. In fact, that’s why I wanted to have this meeting today.”

“Is that a serious offer?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Haha, Mr. Sanderson, you are truly an unpredictable person. It’s already strange that someone with high learning and excellent insight has jumped into the marriage brokerage business, but now you’re suddenly telling me that there’s a woman who’s perfect for me and that I should meet her…”

“The woman requested it, and you, Viscount, were the most suitable person I could find.”

“But how can you be so sure about my ideal type? I can understand the personality, but can you even match my taste in appearance?”

Tae-oh answered emphatically.

“Yes, that’s right. I have my own method of grasping the hidden inclinations within a person through their consistent behavior. And through that, I have my own secret to finding the ideal type that is closest to their personality, as well as their appearance.”

“Really? If that’s true, it’s truly amazing.”

“It just so happened that I realized that the lady I mentioned and the Viscount get along so well, and I was so sure that she was the ideal type you were looking for, so I wanted to connect you two so urgently.”

However, the Viscount was still dubious.

“Are you really saying that the woman I’m thinking of is in London?”

“Yes, Viscount. But you don’t have to think about it so complicatedly. Just meet her once with a light heart.”

The Viscount pondered for a moment and opened his mouth.

“That’s interesting. You have your own secret method to grasp the hidden inclinations within a person through their behavior and connect them. I’m very curious if such an analysis method really exists.

If it were someone else, I would have dismissed it as nonsense, but since Mr. Sanderson is so proactive, I’m curious if I can really find my ideal woman through such an analysis. I want to meet her once.”

“Thank you. You will never be disappointed.”

◈ Godwin Baron’s House

When the date of the meeting with Viscount Edward Monson was announced, the Godwin Baron’s household was in an uproar.

The Godwin Baroness, with a flushed face, was busy praising Tae-oh with great fanfare.

“It seems that this person, Theo Sanderson, is a truly remarkable person. If it were other matchmakers, would they even have thought of connecting you with such a successful Viscount from a Count’s family? No, if it weren’t for Mr. Sanderson’s introduction, Viscount Monson might not have even tried to meet you.

They say he is so respected even in clubs full of intelligent aristocrats. Anyway, he’s a great person. Hohoho.”

The younger sisters, who had rushed to their parents’ house after hearing the news, were also very excited.

“Sister! You must seize this opportunity no matter what! You hear me?”

“That’s right! Edward Monson Viscount… Is this really happening? Other matchmakers have only introduced us to strange old men every time? But Viscount Monson is someone that every woman in high society is eyeing.”

“Anyway, sister, you need to completely change your hairstyle and makeup right away. You still have that old-fashioned style from 20 years ago!”

The Godwin Baroness and her younger sisters were working hard to rid Lydia of her country bumpkin image.

They spent a lot of money to change her from head to toe into the latest fashion style, and they were busy sticking by her side all day, correcting her manner of speaking [말투] and attitude.

◈ A few days later, Tae-oh’s house.

Clatter. Clatter.

“Woah- woah-”

Tae-oh looked down when he heard the sound of a carriage arriving and saw the Godwin Baron’s family carriage.

Viscount Monson and Miss Lydia Godwin were scheduled to meet here today.

Soon, Miss Godwin got out of the carriage and was entering the house under the guidance of the maid.

Tae-oh checked his watch and let out a hollow laugh.

‘There are still 20 minutes left, but she’s already here?’

It seemed that the impatient Godwin Baroness had sent her daughter a little early. Originally, she was going to come with her, but Tae-oh managed to dissuade her.

In contrast, the leisurely Viscount Monson showed no signs of arriving yet.

‘I wonder… what will happen. I’m nervous too.’

When he met Viscount Monson last time, he had meticulously checked his inclinations.

And through that time, he was able to clearly find out what kind of appearance he preferred and what kind of tendencies he was attracted to. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say that he confirmed that his previous assumptions were correct.

The Viscount’s unique personality and consciousness, which was far ahead of the times, meant that a woman in the style of a wise mother and good wife would inevitably be stifling and boring to him.

A person’s face easily reveals their thoughts and aspirations, but most women of this period did not have such progressive thinking as to reveal their will on their faces, so the Viscount felt bored just by looking at their faces.

However, Lydia Godwin was different.

She was smart and assertive enough to be compared to young women of the 21st century. And that confidence was evident on her face.

“Thank you for coming all the way here.”

Tae-oh greeted Lydia as he went down to the reception room, and she bowed with a slightly nervous expression.

But…

Tae-oh’s face hardened at the sight of Lydia’s lavishly decorated appearance.

She certainly looked much more sophisticated and feminine than before, but the unique charm and beauty that Lydia Godwin had were all hidden by her heavy makeup.

The intellectual eyes and unique confidence had disappeared, and she had simply turned into a pretty young lady that could be commonly seen in London society.

‘Oh dear… The Baroness’s extravagance has completely covered up Miss Godwin’s charm.’

Lydia also seemed ashamed of her heavily decorated appearance and kept her head down without making proper eye contact.

That insecure appearance made her look even more withdrawn and 답답해 [stuffy/frustrated].

“Um… Has the Viscount not arrived yet?”

“Ah, yes. He will be here soon.”

Clatter. Clatter.

“Woah- woah-”

As if in response to Lydia’s question, the sound of a carriage was heard outside. It seemed that Viscount Monson had arrived just in time.

It was a great relief that he was not late for the appointment.

“Ah, it seems that the Viscount has arrived now. Would you like to sit down first? I’ll go and get him.”

Lydia nodded and sat down with a nervous face.

‘She’s trying to make every action look deliberately feminine.’

Thump-

Viscount Monson, who had entered the house, joked with a hearty laugh.

“Oh dear, I’m late. I tried to come as early as possible.”

“It’s alright. Miss Godwin has just arrived. Shall we go up?”

“Yes.”

Tae-oh hoped that although she had temporarily lost her unique beauty in appearance, her personality and eloquence would show her unique charm.

However, that expectation was shattered before long.

Lydia, who faced the Viscount, was a completely different person.

She kept her head down and only answered quietly without making proper eye contact.

Tae-oh sat behind and watched Lydia with a heavy heart.

‘It seems that she has been taught to act demurely and is following that.

The thick makeup, the fancy dress that doesn’t fit her, and the pressure to get married have completely taken away her free thinking and charm.’

*

The anticipated meeting ended in a short time.

Viscount Monson saw Miss Lydia Godwin off and gave a formal greeting, saying that he would like to see her again if he had the chance.

He was not rude, but his attitude was clearly unenthusiastic, and Lydia, who noticed it, could not hide her unpleasant expression.

After Lydia Godwin returned, Tae-oh had tea with Viscount Monson and had a short conversation.

“She was a really beautiful woman. Just by looking at her face, I would have believed she was 18 years old. But she’s 28 years old… I was really surprised.”

“It seems that Miss Godwin didn’t appeal to the Viscount very much?”

When Tae-oh hit the nail on the head, Viscount Monson wore a bitter smile.

“Yes. Frankly, she wasn’t my style. She was beautiful, but she was the kind of person you can commonly see in London society.”

“You must be very disappointed.”

“No. That’s not it. I never believed that there was such a woman in London that Mr. Sanderson mentioned in the first place.”

“……..”

“But I was secretly expecting it because Mr. Sanderson was so sure that she was my ideal type. I had a slight expectation that Mr. Sanderson, who is such a special person, might actually introduce me to my ideal type. That’s just what was a little disappointing.”

A moment of silence flowed.

And as the time of silence became awkward, Tae-oh opened his mouth with an earnest expression.

“Um… Viscount. Would you trust me and meet Miss Godwin just one more time, just once?”

“Pardon? Well, I don’t think anything will be particularly different if I see her again.”

“I’m asking you this sincerely. Miss Godwin was not herself today. If you see her next time, you will definitely know why I tried to introduce her to you like that.”

“……..”

“Viscount, I’m really asking you.”

The Viscount, with a troubled expression, pondered for a moment and nodded.

“Well, alright. Then, let’s do this? There will be a small gathering at my house this weekend. We will be having a conversation on the topic of ancient thought and philosophy. Mr. Sanderson, can you come that day? I want to show off your knowledge to my friends. If you do that, I will meet Miss Godwin one more time.”

Tae-oh readily agreed.

“Of course. You granted my request, so I should definitely grant that much.”