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Chapter 08
New Plan
Grace thought the man she met and spent time with—Aiden Turner—was more normal and kind than expected. Of course, his carefree and indulgent nature could not be completely hidden… but aside from that lightness in his spirit, he was a good man.
It might be too hasty to judge him after only one meeting, but he gave off a relaxed and gentle impression. He was the kind of man who did not lose his smile even when his foot was stepped on several times.
To the point where she could imagine a peaceful and comfortable married life with him. He was that good of a person—so good that she could get lost in such sweet imagination.
And that was exactly why Grace could not go through with this marriage.
Even if she got married, she knew she would not be able to be a faithful wife.
Someone like Aiden deserved a woman who could focus entirely on him. Someone who could give back what she received.
She was not that kind of person.
More than anything, she did not love Aiden enough to sacrifice herself for marriage. Love—the most basic foundation of marriage—was not something she had.
So what should she do?
This morning, Grace had heard from Filson that the wedding date had been set. There were less than ten days left.
How can I avoid this marriage?
What should I do?!
“Grace, are you listening?”
A low voice suddenly broke her thoughts. Grace turned her head. At the end of her gaze, Jones with a thick beard was watching her expression.
“Oh… sorry. I was lost in thought.”
The two of them were gathered at The Sound of Peace again today, discussing their work. Jones, sitting across from her, looked at her with sympathetic eyes.
“Busy with wedding preparations?”
“Well… it’s not even my wedding preparations. I’m not really sure.”
“I understand, I understand. Even so, you must be busy.”
“No, really, I’m not doing anything.”
“Yes, yes. I know you’re struggling, but we still need to prepare for Rose’s escape now.”
It was about the heroine in Grace’s serialized novel.
Grace nodded.
“Oh, right. We need to prepare for the escape.”
“Yes. The male lead will find her again anyway, but the escape itself must be perfectly planned and executed!”
“Right… a perfectly planned escape…”
Suddenly, the word “escape” flashed in Grace’s mind.
Escape! Why hadn’t she thought of that before?!
Her heart began to race with a new plan. It felt like blood was rushing through her body faster.
Yes! I’ll run away!
Writers aren’t tied to location anyway. I can go to a quiet countryside and live while writing alone!
A new determination ignited in Grace’s eyes. Sensing the change in atmosphere, Jones cautiously shook her.
“Hey, Grace? You’re not lost in thought again, are you?”
“Jones! Let’s stop here for today!”
“What? But Rose is about to escape?”
“I’ll escape before Rose does!”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“I’ll go first!”
With a bright smile, Grace left The Sound of Peace, having found a new path. Her steps toward home were lighter and more energetic than ever.
When Grace arrived home with a light heart, she found a letter from Aiden waiting for her.
Lisa handed it to her, and Grace went into the study, removed her gloves, and opened it.
“To the beautiful Miss Grace Broughton.
After that dreamlike night, a new day has begun. Grace, did you return home safely after the ball? I was worried about leaving you when you were tired. May the goddess of beauty, Adelina, keep you safe.
Last night, meeting you, dancing with you, and sharing deep conversation was a truly joyful and grateful time.
It made me even more hopeful about our married life. I hope you felt the same.
Grace, I will keep the promise I made to you. I will not let you regret it. I will keep my word no matter what happens.
Now our wedding is drawing near. It is already so close that we don’t even need all ten fingers to count the days. Soon we will be standing before the priest, declaring our union.
I look forward to that day. And I look forward to you, who will be more beautiful than ever. I will be the happiest man in the world that day.
Sincerely, from Aiden.”
After finishing the letter, Grace closed it with a faint smile. Her chest ached slightly with guilt.
I’m sorry, Aiden.
You are too good for me, so I will send you to someone more suitable. Find your true love. I’m sure you can.
I will find my own love too.
The words she could not write lingered in her mind.
From now on, she would have to become a liar.
Grace took out a blank sheet of paper, picked up her fountain pen, and dipped it in ink.
“To the kind Mr. Aiden Turner.
Aiden, I still remember deeply the kindness and gentleness you showed me last evening. Thank you sincerely for smiling even when I stepped on your feet several times while dancing and caused you trouble.
However, please refrain from those expressions that are too embarrassing for me to even mention. ‘Goddess Adelina’ is far too much.
The last Roland Lady’s ball was also a grateful time for me. Through our conversation, I felt deep trust in you.
I remember every single word you said. It was a conversation that allowed me to look forward to our married life as well.
I will look forward to you keeping your promises. I like black coffee. I look forward to the coffee you will make for me every morning.
Sincerely, from Grace.”
After finishing the letter, Grace sealed it with wax and took out another sheet of paper.
“The marriage between Miss Grace Broughton and Mr. Aiden Turner is canceled. Both parties will live their own lives. We apologize for not being able to accept the congratulations of our relatives and friends.”
After thinking about the date, she wrote it as the day before the wedding, one week later.
After letting the ink dry, she folded it and placed it in a drawer along with the letter.
Then she opened the lower drawer and pulled out a stack of papers.
A map.
Grace spread the large map across the desk. She rolled a coin across it.
The coin spun for a while, then stopped at one point.
Grace circled it.
When she removed the coin, the name of the region was visible: Erhill, a southern coastal city.
Erhill was a place she had long wanted to visit.
A warm climate year-round, beautiful scenery, and a famous seaside resort town.
There was also a Turner family resort there. That was a slight concern, but Grace had already made up her mind.
Besides, there was no place in this country where Turner family trains did not pass.
She decided not to worry about it.
After choosing the city, Grace put on her gloves and hat again. She tidied the map and placed it deep in the drawer, then left the study and met May, the head maid.
“Miss, where are you going?”
“To the library to borrow a book.”
“Shall I prepare a carriage?”
“No, I’ll walk. I’ll be back soon.”
“Yes, please be careful.”
After greeting May, Grace quickly crossed the garden.
She usually did not take carriages, but today she absolutely could not.
Because her destination was the train station.
After walking for a while, she saw the stained-glass front of Kingsclome Station in the distance.
The massive iron building had a beautifully decorated stained-glass facade. The grand station was a local landmark and one of Turner’s masterpieces.
A symbol of modern technology and scientific advancement.
The station was crowded with people, with barely any empty space.
Carefully avoiding collisions, Grace made her way to the ticket booth and waited in line.
“Where are you going?”
“To Erhill. One first-class ticket, please.”
“When will you depart?”
“One week later. The earliest time available.”
The earliest Erhill train departed at 6:30 in the morning.
It was the perfect time for Grace to leave.
A week later, after a half-day train ride, she would arrive in Erhill.
And there, she would begin a new life.
Just thinking about it made her heart race with excitement.
She planned to stay in a hotel for a few days, avoiding the Turner resort, while looking for a small cottage.
She had saved enough money from writing. There would be no problem buying a house.
She also remembered visiting Erhill as a child for vacations.
Warm weather, bright sunlight, blue skies, and an even deeper blue sea. The scenery was unforgettable.
People there were bright and lively. Just thinking of Erhill filled her with hope for a new future.
“Madam, please buy a flower.”
A small girl blocked her path as she left the ticket counter.
She was poorly dressed and selling cheap flowers.
“Yes, I’ll take one.”
“Here you go.”
“You don’t need to give me change.”
The girl’s eyes widened.
“Thank you so much! Thank you! I hope only good things happen to you! May God bless you!”
Holding the small flower, Grace left the station.
The train ticket to Erhill and the girl’s blessing became signs for her new life.
On her way home, she stopped by the library and borrowed a book on purpose—to create an alibi.
After returning home, she immediately went to the study and placed the train ticket and flower in a drawer.
From now on, the important thing was to act normal for one week without being discovered.
As she quietly closed the drawer, a knock sounded.
“Yes.”
When Grace answered, her mother entered the study.
Her heart jumped like a child caught doing something wrong.
“Mother, you’re here.”
“Yes. I heard you went to the library.”
“Yes.”
“Tomorrow, no outings. We’re going to fit your wedding dress.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Grace answered obediently, and her mother looked at her with a sharp gaze.
Feeling guilty, Grace fiddled with the drawer handle.
Meeting her mother’s gaze, she rolled her eyes. Her mother let out a faint laugh.
“You’ve been unusually obedient lately. You even attended the ball recently.”
“Because the wedding can’t be avoided.”
“Yes. Happiness is something you find yourself, Grace. I’m glad you’ve realized that.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Her mother left the study with elegant steps.
Watching her back disappear, Grace strengthened her resolve once again.
I will find my happiness myself.
