Operation Red Book

The lawn was soft and elastic. The servants had just finished mowing and watering it. The lawn was filled with the fragrance of a mixture of grass and soil.

Ivy took a deep breath of fresh air. The familiar smell reminded her of the flat grass on campus.

"At noon, many people would take a nap, read or have a small gathering on the lawn of our school..."

Recalling the good times of the 21st century, her tone was slightly disappointed.

"Such a good lawn is enough for playing football, or playing rugby, baseball, cricket, polo or badminton..."

"That's a good idea. This lawn has just been built and has not been put into use yet. The sports you mentioned are very popular in British middle schools. Brother Andrew often sees them when he does charity work at school. He often talks about them at dinner and seems to like them very much."

Dorian rubbed his chin, considering it carefully.

"Is this what he does every day when he hangs out with the middle class? How reckless..."

"These are strenuous exercises. His internal organs are seriously injured. We have to be careful." Ivy said.

"Mother often advises me in this way. She hopes that Brother Andrew can play billiards and golf with the upper class nobles more often."

"Of course, the main purpose is to integrate him into the aristocratic society. Brother Andrew is not well-known enough, and the one who has the best impression on him among the noble ladies is, of course, me..."

Ivy ignored Dorian's boasting and pursed her lips slightly in thought.

Dorian had just told her that the reception would be held after afternoon tea, and that the lady would not be leaving the house all day, except to chat with her family in the small garden behind the mansion about recent events.

This lawn has been maintained for such a long time, it would be a pity to use it only as a resting place for guests.

In Ivy's impression, many activities seemed to have been held on the lawn of Sigma School, including sports meets, music festivals, polo matches, charity sales, beer carnivals... Perhaps this was a good inspiration.

"My mother told me that banquets are not just about dancing, drinking and having fun. They are also about family exchanges, commodity transactions, matchmaking, engagement and status display. In short, they are all about interactions of interest. The first step in interactions of interest is to leave the impression of being an Emerson family on the other party."

Dorian had changed the subject at some point. He spoke slowly, watching the workers working in the flower beds from a distance.

“So we have to prepare in advance, especially the decoration and design of the manor, which is the first impression of the guests when they arrive. It took half a month just to transplant the rose bed.”

"It's already spectacular, for someone like me who lives in the city of London."

Ivy looked at the huge McMillan Manor again, her eyes full of admiration.

But then she muttered, "Compared with the Florence Orphanage, it's really different. I really hope Henry and the others can come and see it."

"Maybe it's possible. Mother seemed to have mentioned those poor homeless orphans during dinner a few days ago..."

"Master Dorian!"

A hurried shout was heard in the distance. Ivy looked up and saw the head butler dragging his fat body running towards them.

The butler held several brown paper envelopes in his hands and waved them in the air anxiously, attracting the attention of the two men.

"I sent invitations to all my relatives two weeks ago, and today is the deadline for RSVPs." Dorian stepped forward and explained to Ivy.

Yes, so far, Ivy still doesn’t know how many people will show up. There were so many guests at the last ball that the huge ballroom in the mansion could hardly accommodate them.

But after the events of Ghost Rider, both McMillan Manor and Mrs. Emerson were severely damaged, not only in terms of their physical health, but also in terms of their social status.

Sure enough, when the butler handed Dorian the few replies, he said nothing with a complicated expression.

"Thank you, Mr. Smith."

Dorian shook out the letters and read them one by one.

There were not many letters and the papers inside were only a thin piece, so he quickly read through all the replies.

Dorian's expression was a little solemn, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

"I am terribly sorry, Master Dorian, but these are the only people who have accepted the invitation."

The head butler dropped his eyes, and his sagging cheeks drooped limply on both sides, making him look like a sad-looking Russian tumbler.

"First of all, congratulations, Miss Ivy. An important figure from Consfuning County is coming to visit us." Dorian curved his lips, but there was no smile in his eyes.

"Lord Vincent Waite and his butler Sean Armstrong will be here on time...Please make a note of this for me, Mr. Smith."

Hearing that familiar name, Ivy was caught off guard. Her heart seemed to skip a beat and even her breathing became disordered.

She hadn't seen Count Waite for a long time. Just thinking of those green eyes made her feel ethereal.

"There is also Earl Goodwin's family. Apart from the eldest son who is fighting outside, there are seven people in total, including servants." Dorian continued.

"Oh, the Goodwin family... I haven't seen Miss Goodwin for a long time, Master. The last time I saw her was at a charity auction half a year ago."

"Yes, Miss Goodwin is beautiful and virtuous. She is the focus of everyone's attention. She is worthy of being Count Waite's fiancée..."

"Fiancée?" Ivy's body suddenly became heavy.

Dorian deliberately pronounced that word very slowly and emphasized it, and glanced sideways at Ivy's expression.

But there was no expression on his face, as if it was unintentional. He was still diligently discussing the matters of guest reception with the head butler.

Ivy's consciousness was isolated from the two of them, and she was completely immersed in the word "fiancée".

The word was truly harsh, like a thousand-pound hammer hitting her soft heart hard, nailing her constantly surging heart tightly so that it could not make even a single wave.

Ivy forced herself to open her mouth and patiently listened to the guest list, but the English words were like ancient characters, and she could only hear a few conjunctions over and over again.

She was like a beginner, feeling confused and panicked when faced with an unfamiliar language.

"Ms. Ivy, are you okay? You look a little pale. Would you like to sit down and rest for a while?"

The head butler looked at Ivy who seemed a little drowsy and asked kindly.

"Excuse me, could you please prepare a carriage to take me back? The work at the Chinese dock is a bit tiring, and I really need to rest for a while."

Ivy said with a forced smile, she felt dizzy and just wanted to fall asleep on the bed immediately.

"You've only been here for a few hours. Are you going back so soon?" Dorian asked, putting away the envelope.

He really has no tact at all, just like Joshua No. 2, Ivy thought with a frown, but she was in no mood to argue with him. She just wanted to close her eyes and go to bed to sleep.

What about the banquet preparations, Count Waite, and the fiancée... these things that can't be thrown away, just forget about them and sleep. She just wants to sleep...

"I'm sorry, Dorian, I have a general understanding of your situation. Don't worry, I will definitely do what I promised you, at least give Mrs. Emerson a happy birthday party."

Ivy held the hand of the butler and got into the simple carriage.

"Please write down the specific procedures and precautions and send them to 221-B Baker Street. I will make a detailed plan to discuss with you."

Ivy tried to keep her heavy eyelids open and spoke out her final request.

"Are you angry about Count Waite's fiancée?"

"Please, Dorian, please let me breathe."

Ivy said with her last bit of strength, and then fell into a deep sleep in the carriage.