Scarlet Rose

The mansion is not big, of course if it is compared with the castle.At least it's a lot bigger than our family's tiny apartment in Paris.The count provided me with a butler, a cook, and a maid.I am a little dumbfounded, I have to take care of three people in my daily life alone, I don't think I am much nobler than them.

I checked in with my own luggage.Mr. Morin, the housekeeper, is about 45 years old, and he will arrange everything, and also works part-time as my valet.He carefully understood my hobbies from the very beginning, and hoped to serve me better in the future, which made me both admire and grateful.

I didn't go to the clinic because I had to get acquainted with my new residence.In the afternoon, my mansion welcomed its first guest—Alice.

"Roman, this is a nice place, do you like it?" She said to me, looking at the high ceiling in the lobby and the beautiful paintings and decorations on the walls.

"It's not bad. I just moved here. There's nothing I like or don't like." I took her to the living room, and Mr. Morin brought us tea and desserts before leaving tactfully.

"Hey, take a look." Alice lowered her voice, quickly took out a stack of manuscripts from her handbag and stuffed them into my hand, "My novel."

I was amused by her attitude and it wasn't a big deal.But even with that in mind, I looked at it seriously.Soon I was through the manuscripts.

"No more?" I was a little unsure.

"There are still at home. How is it?" Alice leaned forward slightly, quite nervous.

"Very good. Although I feel that the description of Tom (the actor's name) is not enough, his character is not well written, and the psychological description is a little too little, but the overall framework and story rhythm are very good." I evaluated objectively.

"Oh really! Do you think it will be published?" she asked me eagerly.

"I think it's okay. I'll go to London to pick up a custom-made dress in a few days, and I can go to the publishing house for you." I said with a smile.

"Great! Thank you!"

"I'm your cousin, I should. But when can I see the follow-up, my great writer?"

"Soon." She took the manuscript and stood up, "I should go, I'll show you the rest tomorrow."

I went to the clinic to report for a few more days. Obviously, Mr. Jonah didn’t think much of my ability. In his view, I had no theory but no practice, so he only allowed me to do simple bandages for the injured——Nurse Also able to work.I am happy to be free, anyway, with my parents’ inheritance, I don’t have any problem even if I don’t work; staying here is also because I don’t want to part with my uncle’s family, and this job is what I use to pass the time.

The gown was ready, and I went to London to fetch it, taking Alice's manuscript with me.In fact, besides picking up the dress and helping Alice publish the novel, I have one more thing to do-choose a birthday present for Alice.The day can be a bit tight, so I have to buy presents within an hour.

On the train, I began to think about what to send.When I was in Paris, I would send the girls some flowers, or cheap trinkets, hairpin earrings, things like that.But I really don't know what to give Alice - we've only known each other for a few days.But in order to please her-this is not for any purpose, I just want her to be happy, I want to give her a crystal necklace.Girls like shiny and beautiful things, and they like things that can make themselves more beautiful.The price of the crystal necklace is within my range, and it is suitable for a young girl like her.

After making up my mind, I quickly went to the biggest jewelry store after getting off the train.As soon as I entered the store, the beautiful shopping guide lady eagerly stepped forward to inquire.To be honest, I don't look very rich in my clothes, I think she is coming for my face.

"I want to pick a crystal necklace." I honestly stated my purpose, after all, I wanted a quick fix.

"For girlfriend?" she asked nervously.

"No, it's my cousin, she's going to be an adult soon." I said, if I were in Paris, I would have said something to tease her on purpose, but now...forget it.

"If that's the case, this pink necklace will suit her." She quickly picked out a necklace for me, I looked at it, it was really beautiful, and it would probably suit Alice.

"Then this one, wrap it up for me." I paid the money readily, which was within my expectation.

"Sir, do you want to leave a contact information?" She winked at me, "There will be new products in the future, we will contact you."

I'm considering whether to leave my contact information or not. This beautiful lady looks quite to my liking, but she seems a little frivolous...

"Roman?" At this moment, a familiar gentle voice sounded from behind.

"Mr. Eric!" I turned my head, a little surprised.I didn't expect to meet him here, and of course I didn't expect him to remember me, but he helped me out.

"Are you buying Alice a birthday present?" he asked me.

"Yes, maybe you too..." I hurriedly asked, if I bought a similar gift, I don't know what Alice will think, this gentleman will definitely buy a necklace that is more expensive than mine.

"No, I'm just here to take a look, because the owner is willing to sell the store, so I'll make an assessment to see if it's worth buying." He said lightly, "Can I invite you to lunch?"

I didn't refuse, and I couldn't think of a reason to refuse such a nearly perfect gentleman.

But when I sat down at the table, I belatedly thought, why did he invite me?Is it because I am Lord Smedley's nephew?Or just out of politeness?If it's the latter, doesn't my willingness to agree look ridiculous?I can't really guess the real intentions of the British, and my relationship with French classmates is much more casual than that with the British.

"Is the food not to your liking?" Mr. Eric, who was sitting across from me, seemed to realize my discomfort, and asked me softly.

"No, it tastes good." Mr. Eric probably chose this French restaurant to cater to my taste. There are exquisite murals painted on the high dome, and there are detailed carvings on the top of the marble pillars. There are different carvings on the corners and corners of the tables, and a beautiful ceramic vase with delicate roses is placed in the middle of each table.Great place for a date, I think.The food was delicious, with the familiar French taste, which made me look forward to the dessert at the end all the more.

"Are you getting along with the Smedleys?" he asked me.

"Not bad, they are all my relatives." I answered him.

"That's good." He smiled slightly.I can't help but stay.I was still wondering why he invited me to lunch and asked me if I fit in with the family here, but I couldn’t think about it when he smiled. With such a beauty, why do I think so much!

After regaining my senses, I was secretly annoyed that I would be attracted by a man's beauty, should I find a girlfriend?

"What are you thinking?" He asked me aloud.

"Nothing." I quickly replied, "This dessert is too delicious."

"Then do you want another serving?" He asked me with a smile—although the corners of his mouth did not turn up too much, his eyes were full of smiles.

"Ah, no need." I was a little embarrassed.

"If you're in trouble in the UK, you can come to me and I'll be happy to help," he said.

I don't know if it's a courtesy or a promise. After all, his tone and eyes are too serious, and we have no relatives and reasons, and we only met for the second time.

"Thank you, then don't deny it when I find you." I winked at him, and he chuckled happily.Well, even his laugh is very sexy. Fortunately, he is low-key, otherwise, maybe all the men in the UK will lose their love.

"By the way, can you keep the gift I gave Alice a secret?" I said.

"Of course. Would you put so much effort into preparing presents for everyone?" he asked.

"I only prepare gifts for people I recognize." I answered him.

"Really? Then I wonder if I have the honor to receive the gift you prepared?"

"If you have expectations for this." I guessed and answered. It seems that Mr. Eric has a good impression of me, so he wants to get my approval?

"Then you'll have to prepare something special," he joked.

"Special? Like, a bouquet of roses?" I joked with him too.

"If it was from you, I'd be happy to take it—I like blue roses," he said with a smile.Just kidding.

After lunch, I said goodbye to him and went to a fairly famous newspaper.I asked to see the editor in charge of the serial fiction section, but unfortunately there was no appointment—well, I never expected to have an appointment.Fortunately, the editor and the previous writer ended the conversation early, and he was willing to give me half an hour.

I showed him the first three chapters of Alice's manuscript.He browsed very quickly, and there was an expression of appreciation on his face after reading.

"You wrote this?" Mr. William, the editor, asked me.

"No, it's the work of a female relative of mine," I replied honestly. "She doesn't wish to be identified."

"Oh, no wonder it's so delicate. It also looks like it was written by a woman. Did she decide to publish it? Under a pseudonym?" Mr. Editor seemed to value this novel very much.

"Yes, do you have a requirement for the number of words in each issue?"

We coordinated various issues and decided that in the future, I will be the editor and Alice's contact person, and I will send him new chapters every week.We chatted for a while on the issue of royalties. Although Alice is not short of the money, I still hope to get more benefits for her.

When I left the publishing house, I realized that an hour had passed.It's getting late now, I hurried to the tailor.

"Oh my god, sir, you've finally come, we've been waiting for you for a day!" The young clerk deliberately exaggerated.

"Sorry." I tried them on as requested, just to try on the size, and when they seemed to fit, I let them fit them up, and I had to catch a train.

I didn't feel tired until I got back to the mansion. Today was a day of running around.Mr. Morin said he would change my clothes. With his help, I put on the whole tuxedo. After he helped me tie my bow tie, he looked at me carefully and nodded with satisfaction.I turned around and looked in the mirror, and I looked a little strange in my evening dress, as if I was no longer the passionate French youth.But it didn't take long for me to go out to the manor - the earl invited me to dinner.

"Your new dress is beautiful!" the countess praised me as soon as she saw me.

"Thank you." I said with some embarrassment.

We sat at a long table and ate.I said I met Mr. Eric today.

"Do you get on well?" asked the countess.

"Not bad, he invited me to lunch." I said.

"That's very good. He's a fine young man, and you'll do well to get along," said the Count.

After dinner, we chatted in the study.Alice took me to the small lounge next to the study on the pretext that she had something to say to me.

Before she could ask, I told her what the publisher and the editor had discussed.

Alice's cheeks were flushed with excitement: "I didn't expect that my work could also be published in newspapers!"

"You are a famous writer in the future," I teased her. "Many readers will write to you in the future, so you have to hold your breath now."

"Then do I need to reply?" She grabbed my hand excitedly, "What if there are too many letters."

I smiled: "I haven't published it yet, so I think so much? You should hurry up and write the next part, I can't wait to know the new plot."

Alice smiled sheepishly.