The Fashionable Aunt, the Wounds of Lowood...
The sound of leather boots tapping briskly against the floor echoed through the room.
Following closely behind, a young lady of remarkable poise and delicate features, who appeared to be in her mid-twenties, stepped into the drawing room. She wore a fitted, waist-cinching gown with long sleeves that tapered into pearl-colored silk gloves. With her brisk stride, she lightly steadied the floral bonnet atop her head to prevent it from slipping.
Eleanor’s face lit up with delight. “Aunt!” she exclaimed, her voice bright and cheerful as she rose and hurried toward the outstretched arms.
“Lino, the little seagull of the Harrison family, you look even happier than before,” Miss Constance said, embracing Eleanor tightly. “Don’t let those sighs of longing linger too long in your heart. The wind carried them to me, and they nearly broke my heart.”
As she spoke, she glanced toward the two other girls who had risen from the sofa, her enchanting, lake-like emerald eyes sparkling.
“Are these young ladies your friends? Do introduce them to me.”
Jane felt as though she were being scorched by the radiance emanating from Miss Constance. She blinked and discreetly glanced at her other friend, trying to divert her attention—Beatrice’s cheeks had never been so flushed before. Her eyes were wide open, barely blinking.
Jane suspected Beatrice had forgotten to breathe, for her expression remained frozen until Eleanor began to speak their names.
“This is Jane, and this is Beatrice. They are both wonderful people, Aunt. I think you’ll like them,” Eleanor said, leading Constance toward them with a beaming smile. “Jane, Betty, this is my Aunt Constance. You’ll surely like her too!”
“Good day, Miss,” Beatrice snapped back to reality, curtsying politely. “Beatrice of the Knox family sends her greetings.”
Jane also curtsied, though her greeting was more concise: “Good day, Miss Constance.”
After speaking, she realized that Beatrice had made a rare slip in her greeting: she hadn’t added the name before “Miss.”
Another presence, noticing this unusual behavior, chuckled softly. “How rare. She seems utterly enchanted by Miss Constance.”
Lin Zhao had missed the conversation between Jane and Beatrice outside the woods earlier and naturally didn’t know about the latter’s high standards for appearances. Jane, however, was reminded by this comment and couldn’t help but smile. As the corners of her lips lifted, her earlier nervousness completely dissipated.
After all, Miss Constance didn’t seem like someone to be wary of.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Miss Constance said with a smile, waving her hand to signal everyone to take their seats, seemingly unbothered by formalities despite her lengthy greeting with Eleanor.
“Aunt, how have you been in London?” Eleanor asked as soon as she sat down, her concern evident. “Father and Julian have been so busy with business lately, always running about. Even Mother went with them today. Did you slow your pace because of that?”
"I was just wondering where Cecilia had gone off to. Thank you for telling me." Miss Constance smiled as well, reaching out to ruffle Eleanor's hair. "But I wasn't late because of the shop. On the way, I passed by a school and stopped to help out."
"A school?"
"Yes." Her smile faded. "A severe infectious disease is spreading there. I took some time to bring medicine and food."
Lin Zhao's ears perked up almost instantly.
At this time—May, when Jane was eleven—the book only described one school affected by typhoid.
The girls' expressions also grew serious at Miss Constance's solemn tone.
The quiet didn't last long, as the sound of a carriage echoed from outside once more. It was Mr. and Mrs. Harrison returning with Julian.
"Cecilia!" Miss Constance brightened again the moment she saw Mrs. Harrison walk in, rising to embrace her.
The Harrison family exchanged warm greetings once more before everyone settled down.
The conversation returned to the school, as Mrs. Harrison had gone out today precisely for that reason.
"I recently invested a sum in that school. I never expected something like this to happen." Mrs. Harrison's usually gentle tone shifted, her fine brows furrowed.
"But if the infectious disease is so severe, how can you and Father go there now? It's far too dangerous!" Eleanor, having listened, grew anxious, beads of sweat forming at her temples.
Julian gently patted his sister's shoulder, incidentally confirming Lin Zhao's thoughts.
"Don't worry, Lina. Mother and Father went to contact the school's headmaster, not to visit the school itself."
This allowed Eleanor to breathe a sigh of relief, and she quickly followed up with another question.
"What school is it, Jay?"
"If I remember correctly, it's a boarding school called Lowood."
Just as expected. Just as she had guessed.
Lin Zhao felt the presence of "the plot" once again, a faint unease stirring within her.
Jane wasn't at Lowood, yet the typhoid had arrived as scheduled.
What about the rest of the arrangements, the so-called fate? Though it had brushed past them for now, would it one day come chasing after them again?
Unfortunately, this was destined to be a question without an answer for the time being. She could only refocus her attention on the current conversation, trying to gather more information.
Miss Constance's arrival somewhat alleviated the weariness of daily toil, which meant the Madeira vacation was now on the agenda. Mr. Harrison's expression was also less stern than usual.
He comfortingly squeezed his wife's hand resting on her knee, then stated that he would handle these matters, suggesting the ladies discuss topics related to the upcoming vacation. With that, he called for Julian and headed back to the study.
Once the Harrison men left, Mrs. Harrison also rose to arrange refreshments for their guest. For valued visitors, she always preferred to handle things personally.
The drawing room was once again left with only the girls and Miss Constance. The latter shrugged, breaking the silence first.
"Edward is still like that, always thinking men and women should concern themselves with different matters. In my opinion, he'll pay dearly for that attitude sooner or later."
This "Edward" likely referred to Mr. Harrison, and the latter part of the statement carried a sharp, critical tone. But Miss Constance's frankness made her listeners care more about the words themselves than any concerns over so-called propriety.
"Auntie, I think Father has already toned it down a bit. This time when he saw you, the first thing he said wasn’t 'hurry up and get married'." Eleanor, unfazed, teased her aunt.
Hearing this, Beatrice couldn’t help but speak up: "Miss Constance is still unmarried?"
"I’m still young, and the world is so vast. I don’t want to marry someone so soon," Miss Constance replied, shaking her head. Only then did she remember she hadn’t taken off her hat, so she removed it and placed it on her lap.
"Is it because Mr. Harrison..." Beatrice’s gaze followed the hat, and she instinctively continued, "...is unwilling to support you?"
The moment the words left her mouth, even Eleanor was taken aback. This was truly an overstep—something Beatrice would never have said under normal circumstances, let alone with such curious persistence.
Eleanor exchanged a glance with Jane, who looked equally puzzled.
However, Miss Constance showed no sign of being offended. On the contrary, she laughed even more heartily.
"Quite the opposite. I run a small shop in London. I wouldn’t call myself wealthy, but it’s enough to support myself." Miss Constance winked at the girls. "That way, Edward can only complain about my unmarried status—he can’t actually do anything about it."
"After all, I don’t need anyone else to support me."
Not just the girls, but even Lin Zhao couldn’t help but marvel at her words.
In England at this time, unmarried women faced far more criticism than she had read about in books. Miss Constance was truly a remarkably forward-thinking and independent woman.
After this exchange, it was Jane—who had been quietly listening—who spoke up first.
"Miss Constance, is running a business very difficult?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Miss Constance was momentarily taken aback by the question, then her smile took on a deeper meaning.
"I’m glad you’re interested, Jane. In my opinion, when you have the determination to take responsibility for your own life, all difficulties are only temporary."
She winked at her. "Take me, for example. I’d rather endure hardship for ten or twenty years and become a wealthy old woman in thirty years than marry a gentleman I’ve only met a few times just for a moment of ease."
Mrs. Harrison returned with tea and snacks, shaking her head as she overheard the conversation.
"Connie, dear, forgive me for interrupting. Perhaps this isn’t the kind of talk for eleven- or twelve-year-olds." She sat down, clearly unsurprised by Miss Constance’s words but interjecting with a tone of resignation.
Miss Constance smiled at her sister-in-law and apologized quickly. "Alright, alright, Cecy, if you don’t like it, I won’t say any more."
Though she agreed, as she reached for a biscuit on the table, she gave Jane another quick wink.
The conversation at the tea table then truly shifted to topics related to the holiday.
Amid the laughter, Jane remained as quiet as ever, though her thoughts were not on amusement.
The ghostly lady sat beside her, continuing their earlier chat.
"In a way, I think both Mrs. Harrison and Miss Constance make valid points," Lin Zhao said, still mindful of a major concern for the future. Seizing the opportunity, she quickly advised Jane, "Those matters don’t need to be thought about for now. Focus on studying, constantly improving yourself, and then use your knowledge to earn a living."
"If you ever settle down and wish to experience intimacy with another person—I hope you will follow your heart—but before fully committing, I want you to think carefully. Or rather, before you've seen enough of the world, don't let yourself be easily tied down."
"...Especially if there's a significant age gap. It can be very dangerous."
Her words were so pointed that they seemed to go back and forth, lacking any clear logic. Anyone unaware of the specifics would be left utterly confused.
Jane tilted her head in puzzlement, but seeing the earnest look in Lin Zhao's eyes, she eventually nodded.
Well, if Miss Ghost said so, there must be a reason. Since she couldn't ask for details right now, agreeing was the best course of action.
Having received Jane's "assurance," Lin Zhao fell silent. Their attention shifted back to the others, focusing on the upcoming arrangements.
Miss Constance's decisiveness was beyond question. Upon learning that the ship bound for Madeira was only waiting for her arrival to set sail, she wasted no time in pulling Mrs. Harrison along to arrange their tickets.
The girls were instructed to pack their belongings immediately, preparing to depart as soon as they woke the next morning.
Back in their room, Jane couldn't help but strike up a conversation with Lin Zhao.
"We're really leaving. For Madeira, where my uncle is," she said, a smile curling at the corners of her lips, her tone brimming with excitement. "Lin, what do you think he'll be like?"
"I don't know, but I hope he's a good person." Lin Zhao helped her pack, her gaze drifting to the copy of Jane Eyre resting nearby. "I believe he will be. From what I know, he was very eager to find you and raise you as his heir."
"I'm also eager to meet him! But it has nothing to do with business or inheritance—he's one of the few relatives I have left. Do you know his name?"
"Yes, I do. His name is John Eyre."
"'Eyre'! See, we share the same surname, which means we share a part of the same bloodline. How I long to feel once again that there is someone in this world connected to me."
"I feel the same. If you two meet, I'll be the third happiest... ghost in the world."
"Thank you, Lin. Truly," Jane paused in her packing and looked up, studying the ghostly lady intently. "While you were away, I kept wanting to tell you this. Thank you for supporting me, and forgive me for doubting you at first."
Lin Zhao was moved by her sincerity and stood quietly, carefully observing her own face reflected in Jane's presence.
In these past days, the changes in Jane were undeniable. The unwavering light in her eyes had grown brighter, her cheeks were rosy, and she radiated a vitality as vibrant as the rising sun.
Most importantly, the melancholy that once clouded Jane's brow had vanished. She still often retreated into her thoughts, but she was no longer consumed by sorrow or despair. She had begun to smile frequently.
This was a reward as precious as Jane's gratitude.
Lin Zhao's smile faded as she felt an inexplicable pang of sorrow well up inside her. She gazed at Jane in silence for a long moment before reaching out to gently pat her head, replying with heartfelt sincerity.
"Having the chance to accompany you has also brought me great joy."
She hoped she could fulfill the promise she had made—to ensure Jane's happiness.
"But for now, what I can do is far from enough," Lin Zhao thought to herself. "I should try to do more. After all, it's unwise to place all my hopes on people I don't even know."
Her gaze fell on the nearly packed suitcase Jane had prepared. Inside was something she had acquired only after arriving here.
Narrowing her eyes, an idea began to form in Lin Zhao's mind.
"Perhaps, during the time Jane and I are temporarily apart in Madeira, I can do this."
Author's Note: The novel will be going VIP tomorrow, with chapters from Chapter 23 onward being retroactively locked. If you've already read those, please be careful not to purchase them again!
The next chapter will be updated tomorrow morning—it's a 10,000-word chapter! [Dog head holding a rose]
If Jian Zhen were to become a great merchant in the future, she wouldn’t even be lying—at most, she was just boasting a few years ahead of schedule.
With William’s earlier probing paving the way, the merchant before her skipped the step of suspicion. He asked Lin Zhao for paper and a pen and began conversing with her in a way that others couldn’t overhear.
Lin Zhao was growing increasingly adept at playing the mysterious intelligence broker, and more and more people were drawn to her.
[Sir, mind your words. William Bentley has his value, but what about you? Enthusiasm alone isn’t enough.]
Lin Zhao took the initiative, sliding a note to the merchant who had first approached her. She could hear the urgency in his words and a hint of disdain for William.
“Sir, please don’t misunderstand! My name is Thomas. My father is the largest cotton merchant at the docks. I’ve been wanting to strike out on my own recently, start a new business—like rum—but I lack the startup capital and… a reliable source of goods. My abilities are definitely no worse than William’s!”
The merchant was momentarily taken aback and quickly wrote down his situation on the paper, his tone softening considerably. He wanted to prove himself but inadvertently revealed his ambition and predicament.
Lin Zhao glanced at it and understood immediately. This was another name she had heard on the ship. She picked up her pen and wrote a sentence that made the other man’s pupils contract sharply.
[Rum? You mean the shipment arriving on the Sea Serpent next Tuesday? Unfortunately, I heard the captain has his own private buyer, and it seems your father doesn’t support this venture of yours.]
“What? You even know about that? Sir, with your information network, you hardly need to rely on locals.”
Lin Zhao neither confirmed nor denied it, but Thomas had already convinced himself in the silence. He immediately offered to be the first messenger, to attract qualified agents for the mysterious wealthy merchant, Mr. Gianetti.
Once word spread that she was beginning to screen agents, even more people came to Lin Zhao.
Socializing alone like this felt like a long-lost routine for Lin Zhao. However, she had no leisure now to compare how this differed from before.
She was busy dealing with the various merchants coming and going. When no one was around, she hurried off to gather other intelligence to maintain the credibility of her identity.
To avoid collapsing from exhaustion, she still managed to carve out a little time here and there to rest her head on the desk at the trading house and catch a short nap.
Thanks to her relentless efforts, by the third day, the reputations of the “mysterious and wealthy merchant Mr. Gianetti” and the “intelligence broker Mr. Lint seeking agents” had largely spread.
The downside was that people sought her out almost constantly. Occasionally, she even had to dodge overly persistent followers to find a safe place to rest for a while.
Just like now.
Author’s Note: Note 1: In 19th-century Britain, those earning £3,500 per year belonged to the social elite. Their income level was 50 times that of skilled workers (who earned about £70 annually) and significantly higher than that of middle-class professionals like ordinary doctors or lawyers. This level of income could support purchasing a home in London’s prime locations, employing multiple servants, maintaining a private carriage, and sustaining a high-consumption lifestyle.
Simplified version: It’s the kind of nouveau riche income that’s quite attractive in the marriage market.
———
Plot accelerating [sparkling eyes]