Operation Red Book

In May 1881, it rained a little in London during the day, but fortunately the rain gradually stopped in the evening.

Then the sky turned from dark to black, and the moon peeked out, casting its soft moonlight on McMillan Manor.

But the moon's brightness was not enough for the opening of a grand ball, so the servants lit up all the lights, big and small, in the manor.

From a distance, the entire McMillan Manor lit up, especially the gorgeous beige mansion.

It stands on the hilltop, as if guiding the carriage drivers who come to visit.

The servants inside and outside the manor were busy, and the servants outside the manor were sweeping up the residue on the ground and laying the burgundy carpet.

Several butlers in tuxedos stood in a row on both sides, with their chests puffed out in preparation for the arrival of guests.

The manor was also bustling with activity. Maids were sweeping the floor and kneeling on the large staircase in the middle of the first floor of the mansion.

Several maids were adding fuel to the charcoal fire in the fireplace and placing candlesticks and champagne on the table.

The kitchen downstairs in the manor was extremely busy. Although there would be no banquet at today's dance, cakes and food for the dance still needed to be prepared in advance, especially the three-layer cake that Mrs. Emerson was preparing to open the dance.

Amid the busy footsteps of the cook and the servants, a pair of black boots quietly broke into the kitchen.

"Hey, why are you here? Are you hungry? Here are some freshly baked cheesecakes, which are your favorite."

A maid spotted him, quickly cut a piece of cheesecake from the plate, put it on the plate and handed it to him.

"Please eat first, Master Dorian."

Dorian took the cheesecake handed to him by the maid and smiled brightly at her. His olive green hair was combed up with hairspray, revealing his smooth forehead.

"Thank you, Jessica."

Dorian tilted his head and smiled even more brightly, his clear voice like cooling caramel.

"Also, I want to bring some cherry pie to Mother. Could you cut me a piece?"

"of course can!"

Jessica cut some more cherry pie, put it on a white china plate, and gave the plate to Dorian.

"Master Dorian, do you need a servant to bring it up to Madam?"

"No need! Mother works hard day and night, I want to comfort her in person. Thank you, Jessica!"

Dorian took the plate and bowed slightly to Jessica, then turned and walked out of the kitchen.

"Master Dorian is extremely filial." Jessica said to the maid beside her.

"Yes, compared to the silent and aloof Lord Andrew and Master Edward who is often away at war, I like the young master more!"

"The young master is polite and cultured, eloquent, lively and cheerful. Everyone from the lady to the gardener likes Master Dorian..."

Dorian, who was eavesdropping outside the kitchen, raised the corners of his lips, a smug look flashed in his eyes, and he slowly walked up the stairs to Mrs. Emerson's room.

Mrs. Emerson was alone in the room at the moment. She sat in front of her dressing table, her hands resting on her knees on the dark green lace satin, and the feather hat on her head trembled slightly with her exposed sloping shoulders.

Tears flowed from Mrs. Emerson's eyes, leaving tear marks on her powdered face and wetting the backs of her hands and the satin on her legs.

"Mother." Dorian's immature voice came from the door.

Mrs. Emerson wiped the tears from her face in panic, and after calming herself down, she smiled demurely.

"Come in, Dorian," said Mrs. Emerson gently.

"Mother, I brought you cherry pie and cheesecake... Did you cry?"

Dorian's smile froze on his face, and he lowered his head and twitched his shoulders silently.

"Oh, my child, come here."

Mrs. Emerson looked at Dorian, who was sobbing and crying, and hugged him in her arms with heartache.