HOMA18CL 12
Chapter 12: The Twist
◈ Richmond Tea Garden
Sir Daniel Burke and Sarah Clarke had spent a considerably long time together for a first meeting. As time went on, the two became deeply engrossed in each other’s conversation, rapidly progressing to the point where they were sharing their minor personal worries by the time they stood up to leave. Tae-oh listened quietly to their conversation, a pleased smile on his face.
“Oh dear, is that the time already?” Sarah asked, startled as she checked the time.
“Ah… yes. Now that you mention it, three hours have already passed.”
“Miss Clarke, you should be heading home now, shouldn’t you?”
“Yes, I think I must. I’m concerned about Father.”
After seeing Sarah off, Tae-oh decided to talk with Sir Burke a little longer. Despite the three-hour meeting, a deep sense of regret lingered on Sir Burke’s face.
“Mr. Sanderson. I feel very strange today.”
“…?”
“Before, when I talked to women, time just dragged on, and I was bored. Furthermore, if I even slightly mentioned the coal mining business I intend to pursue, they would, without exception, show undisguised contempt for me.”
Sir Burke shook his head in disbelief and continued.
“But the conversation with Miss Clarke was the complete opposite. It was so enjoyable that I lost all track of time. When you said three hours had passed, Mr. Sanderson, I thought you were lying. I truly had no idea that talking with a woman who can understand what I say could be so delightful.”
A man is naturally energized and strongly drawn to a woman who acknowledges his work and shows interest in it. Having only met aristocratic women who regarded a working man with contempt, Sarah’s unexpected reaction was more than enough to deeply impress Sir Burke.
Meanwhile, Sarah, whose breadth of thought had expanded through extensive reading and discussion since childhood, seemed to be able to gauge the true value that Sir Daniel Burke’s dream business would hold in the coming era of great change. Consequently, Sarah’s heartfelt encouragement and support for Sir Burke’s pursuit were naturally embedded in her words, and that emotion was fully conveyed to Sir Burke.
“To be honest, I was quite displeased when you told me a woman would be joining us, Mr. Sanderson. But… from the moment I first saw Miss Sarah Clarke, my feelings began to change.”
It seemed he had fallen in love at first sight. Sir Daniel Burke appeared completely smitten with her, captivated by the strong attraction from her first impression and the wonderful conversation that followed. Furthermore, Tae-oh’s skillful guidance had rapidly connected the awkward emotional exchanges of the two 18th-century young people, making them feel as though they had been dating for a long time.
“And…” Sir Burke continued, his face flushing slightly. “This feeling is new to me, so it’s a little embarrassing and awkward to say, but I don’t know why my heart kept swelling up during the conversation. It was something more than just Miss Clarke and I getting along well.”
As a psychologist, Tae-oh understood exactly why Sir Burke was feeling this way. A person with strong self-respect is also strong in pride. However, in a society that scorned and ridiculed the values he held dear, Sir Burke had accumulated much emotional hurt. Meeting Sarah today, he was able to openly share his deepest thoughts about the flawed values embedded in society for the first time. The genuine words of a woman who supported and recognized his values unconsciously brought great healing to his wounded heart.
“To be honest, when Miss Clarke first arrived, I guessed that you had deliberately arranged this meeting, Mr. Sanderson.” Sir Burke continued, his head slightly bowed, gazing at the table. “So, I didn’t feel good about it at first. I was quite offended, somehow. But now I feel completely different. I am actually embarrassed that I might have said only things that Miss Clarke wouldn’t like.”
“No, you spoke very well today. Miss Clarke also seemed quite delighted.”
“Ah… if that’s true, I’d be very happy…”
Sir Daniel Burke’s expression soon darkened.
“However, I don’t have much wealth to inherit, nor do I have any immediate abilities to showcase… I don’t know if Miss Clarke could possibly feel attracted to someone like me.”
“Don’t worry. Miss Clarke is quite attracted to you, Sir Burke.”
Sir Daniel Burke’s expression immediately brightened at Tae-oh’s words.
“Do you think so? I would be so happy if that were true.”
A man easily falls for a woman whose appearance matches his preference at first sight. If conversation flows well and she feels comfortable, he naturally sees her as his destiny and becomes impatient.
“But please don’t rush in based only on your own burning feelings. A style like Miss Sarah Clarke requires you to calm your heart a little and approach her with the respect you showed today. As you’ve seen, Miss Clarke is a very special woman.”
Sir Burke nodded, making a promise to heed Tae-oh’s advice.
“Yes. I understand what you mean. If Miss Clarke also has feelings for me, I will definitely approach her slowly, without rushing.”
“Yes. I am sure that if you do that, you will have a very good outcome.”
Sir Daniel Burke.
This handsome young noble, who was poor but had a spark in his eyes, sitting in the Richmond Tea Garden, would later become the head of the world’s largest coal mining company and accumulate vast wealth. He would also develop a modern business model for processing and selling the mined coal as various products, rising to the forefront of the global mining industry. And next to Sir Daniel Burke throughout his life was his partner, Lady Sarah Burke, who offered him advice and support.
◈ Two Months Later, Baron Robert Clarke’s House.
“That’s right, Father. Transporting that heavy coal by horse-drawn carriage would have been costly and slow, often getting stuck in the muddy roads. That’s when Lord Egerton decided to build a canal.”
It was evening.
Baron Clarke’s five daughters and Sir Daniel Burke were sitting cozily around the Baron’s bed, chatting pleasantly. Tae-oh was also accompanying Sir Burke today. Tae-oh leaned against the fireplace, quietly listening to Sir Burke’s story.
Sir Daniel Burke, who was now virtually part of the family, visited the Baron’s house two or three times a week, telling interesting stories related to mining. Baron Clarke’s daughters, who loved stories, seemed to look forward to this time the most.
“A canal means creating a river, but is that really possible with human effort?” asked Elizabeth, the second daughter, who was listening intently.
“Exactly. It wasn’t easy. That’s why everyone around Lord Egerton laughed at him then. His decision to invest his entire inherited fortune to dig a canal from his mine to the Manchester factory area seemed like madness to people.”
“I agree. I think I would have thought the same. Lord Egerton is truly amazing, though.”
Baron Clarke, who was leaning back in bed and listening with interest, spoke softly.
“Daniel?”
“Yes, Father.”
“You said that many people laugh at your dream of developing a mine, just like they did Lord Egerton?”
“Pardon? Ah… yes. Haha. They do a little, Father.”
“I support your idea. I’ve talked to Sarah, and I believe your business judgment and direction are sound.”
“Thank you so much for thinking that.”
“You mentioned that there are good mines available for a bargain right now?”
“Yes. There is a large mine put up for sale in Birmingham early this year because the constant water flooding made it difficult to operate. The location is excellent, but because the productivity is low, it’s available at a low price.”
“Then, why aren’t you buying it quickly?”
“Well…”
“Is it because you don’t have enough money to purchase it?”
“I am diligently trying to raise investment funds. I have collected more than half of what is needed.”
“Is that so? Then I, too, would like to invest a little. Cough—Cough—“
“Pardon? You, Father?”
Baron Clarke wiped his mouth after coughing and replied.
“Yes. And Sarah’s dowry will also be fully invested there. I somehow feel that the result will be extraordinary, just as you say.”
“…Father.”
Baron Clarke looked at Tae-oh and asked.
“Mr. Sanderson, what do you think of our future son-in-law’s mine investment?”
“Haha, it will definitely succeed. That’s why I’ve already invested in Sir Burke myself.”
The Baron was greatly pleased by Tae-oh’s words.
“Haha—is that so? Lord Carrington told me that your economic insight is also tremendous. This puts my mind even more at ease. There’s no need to look any further. I must contract the investment tomorrow. Ha ha ha.”
Knock, knock—
The conversation about business was in full swing when Butler Brown knocked on the door.
“Master? Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Clarke have arrived.”
The faces of the Clarke family quickly darkened at the unexpected arrival of the heir, Thomas, and his wife. Sir Daniel Burke’s expression also hardened, as he knew about Thomas from Sarah. Tae-oh’s face, remembering their unpleasant first encounter, also involuntarily frowned.
Sensing the atmosphere, Baron Clarke forced a smile and replied.
“Yes, ask them to come in immediately.”
The Baron desperately wished for his still-young daughters to remain in this house for a little longer, at least until they grew up. To do so, he had to treat Thomas well. If Thomas and his wife were to be heartless, they could all be thrown out of the house as soon as he died. At this moment, the Baron was in a position where he could only appeal to the kindness of Thomas and his wife.
Clunk—
Thomas and his wife entered the room, grinning slightly.
“Haha—Uncle, we’re here.”
“Are you feeling a bit better? Oh my, everyone is gathered here?”
Thomas’s wife quickly rolled her eyes, busy observing the people gathered in the room. The couple completely ignored the Baron’s daughters’ greetings, not even bothering to respond, and glared at Tae-oh and Sir Daniel Burke as if they were ruffians.
“Who is this young man?”
Baron Clarke answered Thomas’s question.
“Ah, my introduction is late. This is our future son-in-law, who will soon marry Sarah. Why don’t you exchange greetings?”
“What? Future son-in-law?”
Sir Burke politely offered a greeting first.
“Hello. My name is Daniel Burke.”
Thomas quickly scrutinized his modest attire, ignored his greeting, and challenged Sarah.
“Sarah, how can you bring a man like this here when your father is so critically ill? Don’t you care about your younger sisters who are dependent on you?”
It was unbelievably rude language, spoken directly in front of the person concerned. Daniel Burke barely managed to suppress his boiling anger.
Sarah, furious at Thomas for uttering such harsh words, snapped back.
“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 unrestrained with your words?”
Mrs. Thomas Clarke, who had always resented Sarah, quickly stepped in and retorted.
“Sarah! You speak such funny things! What do you mean by ‘careless’? Don’t you really understand what my husband is saying? You refused all the good proposals from eligible men, and now we are worried and asking what you intend to do?”
Thomas sneered, looking alternately at Sir Daniel Burke and Tae-oh with a disdainful face.
“So, you said your name was Daniel? Do you even have an inheritance to receive? Well, judging by your appearance, I doubt it. You’re not, perhaps, trying to make a quick profit by involving that ‘great’ male matchmaker there, are you? Huh? Ha ha—.”
Tae-oh noticed Sir Daniel Burke’s jaw clench slightly.
‘Anger…’
When a person is consumed by anger, they typically jut out their jaw. This change is quickly followed by tension in the lower eyelids and the raising of the upper eyelids. However, Daniel’s jaw only subtly rose before returning to normal, showing no other physical reaction. Daniel controlled his emotions as well as Sarah did.
“I will build my own business and earn my own money.”
“Business? What business?”
“I plan to develop a mine.”
“A mine?”
At Sir Daniel Burke’s words, Thomas and his wife looked at each other and burst out laughing.
“Puhaha, so you’re going to work in a mine? You mean those laborers whose faces are covered in black coal dust?”
“Ho ho ho, I know. Black people like chimney sweeps. They say it’s because their faces are covered in that coal dust.”
“Khahaha—that’s right, that’s right.”
The Baron’s third daughter, who was greatly enraged, shouted.
“That’s a miner! Sir Burke is talking about a businessman who operates a mine!”
Thomas frowned and snapped.
“You little thing, how dare you interrupt when adults are talking! And a miner and a mine businessman are all the same, doing vulgar work. What’s the difference?”
Then, Mrs. Thomas Clarke began to proudly boast about something no one had asked about.
“Oh, my husband is soon to be appointed as the Superintendent of the Earl of Rendmond’s estate, with the sponsorship of Lady Rendmond. The Earl’s estate is so vast that the house they will stay in nearby is huge, and the annual income is so high, ho ho ho, you’d all faint if you heard!”
Thomas Clarke put on an arrogant smile at his wife’s boasting.
“Hmph—Why would you talk about such things here?”
Usually, an Earl at this time owned vast lands and farms, so a special superintendent would be appointed to manage them.
But then, Sir Daniel Burke, who had been listening silently, asked in a slightly surprised voice.
“Wait a moment, please?”
“?”
“Did you just say Lady Rendmond?”
Thomas retorted with a sneer.
“So what?”
“Are you referring to the wife of the Earl of Rendmond in the Windsor area?”
“Do you… know Lady Rendmond?”
“Of course, I do. I visited her just a few months ago.”
“What? You visited Lady Rendmond? For what reason?”
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