After returning to Minsk Street from the Factory Borough, Klein had a simple lunch, then went to sleep and slept until it got dark and evening before waking up naturally.
Even so, he still felt exhausted, genuinely exhausted.
After being lost in thought for a while, Klein went downstairs, lit the gas lamp, and prepared to sit on the sofa to read today's newspaper. But as he glanced around, he saw an invitation on the coffee table.
He was taken aback at first, then realized that this was a dinner invitation that Starling Summer had sent her maid to deliver a few days earlier.
"I almost forgot about this... a disguised blind date party..." Klein put down the invitation, walked to the first-floor restroom, splashed cold water on his face, and made himself look much more refreshed.
Compared to when he first arrived in Backlund, he now had a thicker, shorter black mustache around his lips and on his chin. While this didn't completely eliminate his scholarly air, it did make him appear more mature and rugged.
They're not real acquaintances, they can't recognize me to my face anymore... Klein sighed silently, wiped his face clean, and put his gold-rimmed glasses on his nose.
He rested briefly, changed into a crisp, straight-collared shirt, paired with a black tailcoat, then very formally donned a top silk hat, took his cane and invitation, and went out, turning towards the neighbor's house.
As the doorbell rang, he saw Julian, the maid, Door Opening, and then he saw Starling, with her blonde hair piled high and silver earrings adorning her ears.
Klein removed his hat, bowed, and politely praised:
"Mrs. Summer, you look very beautiful today."
Although his words were largely perfunctory, Starling did look much prettier than usual today, and her skills in the art of dressing up seemed to have seen a breakthrough.
It seems that the incident of catching her in the act of adultery made her and Lady Mary truly become "best friends." Lady Mary is a millionaire with tens of thousands of pounds in assets and has now joined the Kingdom Atmospheric Pollution Investigation Commission, making her acquaintances with many powerful figures. She must have considerable knowledge in matters of makeup, clothing, and accessories... Klein nodded to himself in realization.
Starling's lips curled up uncontrollably:
"These are my new earrings, they cost a full 8 Soli."
"Madam, your style hasn't changed at all..." Klein smiled and handed the hat, cane, and coat to the maid.
The fireplace and pipes inside brought warmth, like early summer. Many of the young ladies and women were dressed less conservatively, some revealing half of their fair arms, others with smooth, glistening chests.
" Luke is discussing business with some friends and asked me to apologize to you on his behalf," Starling said, fulfilling her duties as hostess. "Please continue with your meal; I'll introduce you to some well-mannered young ladies later."
Actually, there's no need for that. Just let me eat in peace... Klein chuckled.
"I can already smell the food."
Because there were more than twenty guests, the dinner was served buffet style. Klein took his plate and walked around, noticing that the food was much more plentiful than before.
Cold salmon, chicken pie, lamb stew with peas, salted brisket, curries, roast beef, cooked turkey, ox tongue pie, ham, salads, and cream cakes...
The drinks were still champagne and red wine.
This suited a carnivore's appetite perfectly. Klein picked up a large plateful, didn't go to chat with anyone, and instead huddled in a corner to slowly savor it.
"Not as good as the chef at the Cragg Club..." he commented to himself from time to time.
As he prepared to go for the second round, he was finally spotted by Starling Summer.
At the same time, he saw an acquaintance beside the woman, the serious-looking Lawyer Jurgen.
Indeed, Jurgen is also still single... Klein smiled and leaned closer, offering his greeting:
How is Doris recovering?
Jurgen awkwardly tugged at his tie and said:
She'll be discharged next week.
"This is wonderful," Klein exclaimed sincerely.
At this moment, Starling had already led several young ladies over and introduced them to her:
"This is Mr. Jurgen Cooper, a senior Lawyer. He earns at least £3 a week, plus a commission from his cases. His annual income certainly exceeds £200, and he is young and promising; he is very likely to become a top Lawyer in the future."
"This is Mr. Sherlock Moriarty, the famous Detective. His income is not stable, but each sum is very generous, such as 10 pounds, 50 pounds."
"Madam, isn't that a bit too direct..." Klein couldn't help but mutter to himself.
Jurgen was standing next to him, visibly frowned.
Starling continued her introduction without any apparent problem:
"Miss Sarah Taylor, both her parents were grammar school teachers..."
" Angina Watson, her father is a civilian employee of the Backlund Police Department..."
Klein smiled blankly and greeted the ladies one by one.
After Starling finished speaking, Jurgen a deep voice:
" Summer. Summer, it's not polite to mention someone's income to their face."
Starling wasn't angry; she responded very seriously:
"No, this is very important."
"If you like each other and want to start a family, income is an essential foundation."
"Think about it, you need meat, vegetables, fruit, milk, white bread, cream, butter, and other food every day, right? You'd spend at least Soli 1.50 a week on that, not even counting alcohol. Then there's renting a decent place, which would cost close to £1 a week. And then there's water, gas, charcoal, soap, and transportation costs. All that adds up to about 10 Soli."
"These are basic expenses. Don't you take your wife to concerts or plays?"
"Don't we buy some new clothes every year? Ladies, I think a family needs to spend at least £30 a year on clothes to be considered decent."
"In addition, there are the maid's salary, the children's education expenses, the planned medical expenses, and the expenditure on some necessary decorations."
"Only with an annual income exceeding £200 can these needs be met, and only then can one have a happy family."
"Therefore, in order not to waste your time and cause any misunderstandings, I think it is necessary to introduce it in advance."
As a Lawyer, Jurgen was momentarily speechless, but fortunately, he only had a serious and solemn expression to begin with.
That's very frank... However, basic etiquette dictates that such information be shared privately beforehand. Of course, I understand why you introduced us in person, Summer. Summer... Klein said with a smile:
"Yes, income is very important."
"Only those with an annual income exceeding £400 can afford to host a dinner party of this caliber, and ensure their wives have beautiful dresses and exquisite earrings."
Starling slightly raised her chin, trying hard to suppress her smile, and said:
"£430, I mean, to save some money each year, either for unexpected events or to invest in stocks and bonds."
This is roughly her husband's annual income.
After helping the two strangers find a topic of conversation, she left to greet other guests. Klein clearly noticed that Sarah, Angina, and the other ladies were more interested in Lawyer Jurgen, after all, he was quite good-looking and had a very stable job and income.
As for private Detective who could end up in the police station at any moment, they weren't a top priority for middle-class women. Besides, Klein now had a full beard and looked rather rugged, which might make the girls a little intimidated.
After chatting with him for a few minutes, he made an excuse to leave, hiding in a corner to eat while watching Jurgen's awkward and helpless performance.
At times like this, his eloquence as Lawyer seems to have vanished.
A few minutes later, the two Summer children ran past Klein, playing around.
They noticed the gentleman hiding in the corner, stopped, and asked curiously with wide eyes:
"Mr. Moriarty, I heard you're Detective?"
"Yes," Klein replied with a smile.
The little girl innocently said:
"Could you tell us about the cases you've solved?"
Her twin brother nodded repeatedly.
The cases I've solved? They either involve Wraith, Marionette, Devil Dog, or catching a cat cheating—none of them are really suitable to tell to children... Klein thought for a few seconds, then chuckled:
"Okay, this is a story about a treasure."
"An officer who had retired from East Balam was suddenly murdered..."
He had almost forgotten all the Detective novels he had read in his past life, and could only make up stories based on his vague memories. The two children, however, didn't care whether the plot was reasonable or not, and listened very attentively, even learning to ask, "What happens next?"
Without realizing it, Klein relaxed considerably.
As the dinner was drawing to a close and he was about to take his leave, he saw that Starling's face was full of joy.
"Has something to celebrate happened?" Klein asked casually.
Starling tilted her head slightly and answered with a reserved smile:
" Mary has been invited by Mr. Hibbert Hall, the chief secretary of the Atmospheric Pollution Investigation Commission, to a luncheon at his home on Monday."
"This gentleman is the eldest son of the Earl Hall, a true nobleman. He invited all members of the committee and allowed them to bring two or three friends."
Starling paused for a moment and then said:
Mary just invited Luke and me.
Monday noon.
Dressed in her finest attire Starling Summer, accompanied by her husband Luke Summer, followed Mrs. Mary to Queens Borough, where they saw a vast building.
Marble statues, pools, fountains, gardens, lawns—all these things came into view, making her feel nervous even before she entered the villa.
" Luke, doesn't this necklace and dress clash?" she asked her husband, turning her head slightly.
Luke shook his head and laughed:
"Honey, you're too nervous."
"You don't need to worry at all. Nobles just live in bigger houses and eat better than us. We're not lacking in anything."
Starling nodded repeatedly as she listened, seemingly regaining her former confidence.
Upon entering the villa, they saw magnificent crystal chandeliers, a large hall large enough for many people to dance in, and plates of delicious food.
Foie gras, pan-fried tilapia, baked lobster... Ormir wine, Misty Champagne... Just like the descriptions in the magazine... Starling looked at the food with curiosity, thinking that if her family saved up a bit, they could also have such a meal during holidays or New Year's.
Besides the Ormir red wine and the Misty Champagne... she added to herself one last time.
Just then, her gaze suddenly sharpened as she saw a young girl in a beige court dress slowly walking towards her.
The girl had blonde hair and blue eyes, and was exceptionally beautiful. She wore white silk gloves and a pair of small, pretty emerald earrings, and had a pure and elegant demeanor.
She looks just like an Angel... Even though she's always been proud of her appearance, Starling couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, feeling inexplicably a little inferior.
"Hello," she awkwardly greeted him with the etiquette she had just learned.
"Hello," the young woman returned the greeting gracefully.
After the two passed each other by, Starling accompanied her husband and Mary to meet a series of distinguished guests, including the esteemed Mr. Hibbert Hall.
After a while, she went out onto the balcony alone, intending to calm herself down, but unexpectedly saw the Angel girl from before.
She was gazing at the scenery outside, a large golden retriever sitting obediently beside her shoes adorned with ribbon roses.
"It's so cute," Starling, trying to find a topic to talk about.
The young woman smiled and replied:
"I thank you for your praise on Susie's behalf."
Seeing the beautiful young woman and the golden retriever, Starling suddenly felt that she should also get a similar pet.
Only in this way can the dignity of the Summer family be displayed! She asked carefully:
"I've heard that nobles keep many hunting dogs. Is this one?"
"Yes," the girl with blue eyes, more captivating than the gemstone earrings, nodded lightly.
"How many gold pounds would it cost to buy one?" Starling asked with a smile.
The pure and elegant young girl looked down at the golden retriever and replied with a smile, seemingly unconcerned:
450 pounds.
P. S.: Because I have to leave for a meeting again, there won't be a third update tomorrow. I can only update early to make ends meet. Yeah, I'll update early at midnight. After the 25th, when this month's travels are over, there will be extra updates.