Chapter 144 Banquet Information

After returning to Minsk Street from the factory area, Klein had a brief lunch and fell asleep. He slept until the sky darkened and he woke up naturally when evening came.

But even so, he still felt tired, tired from the bottom of his heart.

After being in a daze for a while, Klein went down to the first floor, lit the gas lamp, and was about to sit on the sofa and read today's newspaper, but when he glanced around, he saw an invitation on the coffee table.

He was taken aback for a moment, and then he realized that this was a dinner invitation letter sent by Mrs. Starling Summer to make up a maid a few days ago.

"I almost forgot about this...a disguised blind date..." Klein put down the invitation, walked to the bathroom on the first floor, cleaned his face with cold water, and made himself look more refreshed.

Compared with when he first arrived in Backlund, he had thicker short black beards around his lips and on his chin. Although this didn't completely eliminate his bookish temperament, it made him look a lot more mature and rough. Some.

I'm not a real acquaintance, so I can no longer recognize me face to face... Klein breathed out silently, wiped his face clean, and put his gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose.

He took a short rest, put on a shirt with a straight neckline, matched it with a black tuxedo, and then put on a half-height silk top hat very formally. Holding a cane and an invitation, he went out and turned to the next door.

In the tinkling of the doorbell, he saw Julian, the maid who opened the door, and Starling, who had blond hair coiled up high and silver ornaments on her earlobes.

Klein took off his hat, saluted, and praised politely:

"Mrs. Summer, you look very beautiful today."

Although his words were perfunctory, today's Starling is indeed much prettier than usual. In the field of grooming, her ability seems to have made a breakthrough.

It seems that the incident of catching rape made her and Mrs. Mary really become "best friends", and the other party is a rich man with a net worth of tens of thousands of pounds. He must have enough knowledge in terms of accessories, jewelry, etc... Klein nodded inwardly in a daze.

The corners of Starling's mouth turned up uncontrollably:

"This is my new earring, which costs 8 soli."

Ma'am, your style still hasn't changed... Klein smiled and handed the hat, cane and coat to the maid.

The fireplace and pipes in the house bring warmth like the feeling of early summer,

The dresses of many ladies and ladies are relatively not so tight, some reveal half of their white and tender arms, and some have a slippery chest.

"Luke is talking about business with some friends, let me say sorry to you on his behalf." Starling said as a hostess, "You have dinner first, and I will introduce you to some well-educated ladies later. .”

In fact, there is no need for this, just let me eat quietly... Klein smiled and said:

"I can already smell the aroma of food."

Because there were many guests, more than 20, the dinner was held as a buffet. Klein took the plate and turned around, and found that the food this time was much richer than before:

Cold salmon, chicken pie, lamb stew with peas, brisket in brine, curries, roast beef, cooked turkey, ox tongue pie, ham, salads and brioche...

The wine is still champagne and red wine.

This is very suitable for the appetite of carnivorous animals. Klein picked up a large plate, and instead of chatting with anyone, he shrank into a corner and tasted it slowly.

"Not as good as the chef at the Kragg Club..." He made comments in his heart from time to time.

When he was about to go for the second round, he was finally discovered by Starling Summer.

At the same time, beside the lady, he saw an acquaintance, lawyer Jurgen with a serious expression.

That's right, Jurgen is still a bachelor... Klein approached him with a smile, and greeted him proactively:

"How is Mrs. Doris recovering?"

Jurgen tugged on his tie uncomfortably and said:

"She'll be out of the hospital next week."

"This is really great." Klein said with emotion sincerely.

At this time, Starling had already attracted several ladies over, and introduced to them:

"This is Mr. Jurgen Cooper, a senior solicitor, with a salary of at least 3 pounds a week, and there are often commissions for cases. His annual income must exceed 200 pounds, and he is young and promising. Possibly a barrister."

"This is Mr. Sherlock Moriarty, a well-known detective. His income is not stable, but each sum is very generous, such as 10 pounds, 50 pounds."

Ma'am, this introduction is too straightforward... Klein couldn't help but slander.

And Jurgen next to him frowned visibly.

Starling didn't think there was any problem at all and continued to introduce:

"Miss Sarah Taylor, her parents were grammar school teachers..."

"Angelina Watson, her father is a civilian employee of the Backlund Police Department..."

...

Klein smiled numbly and greeted the ladies.

After Starling finished speaking, Jurgen said in a deep voice:

"Mrs. Summer, it's not polite to mention someone's income in person."

Starling was not angry, and responded very seriously:

"No, it's very important."

"If you're going to like each other and start a family, income is an essential foundation."

"Think about it, there must be meat, vegetables, fruits, milk, white bread, cream, butter and other food every day, right? At least 1 pound 5 soli is spent on this every week, and this does not include wine. In addition, You have to rent a better house, and you have to spend close to 1 pound a week, well, you have to buy water, gas, charcoal, soap and other things, and you have to consider the cost of travel, which adds up to about 10 soli."

"This is the most basic expense. Don't you take your wife to concerts and plays?"

"Don't you get some new clothes every year? I think, ladies, a family has to spend at least £30 a year on them to be considered respectable."

"In addition, there are maid's salary, children's education expenses, medical expenses for preparation, and expenditures for some necessary decorations."

"Only if the annual income exceeds 200 pounds, can these needs be met and a happy family be established."

"So, in order not to delay your time and cause misunderstandings, I think it is necessary to introduce in advance."

As a lawyer, Jurgen couldn't find a language to refute for a while. Fortunately, he only had serious and serious expressions.

It's really frank... But the basic etiquette is to tell both parties this kind of information in private first. Of course, I understand Mrs. Summer's reason for introducing you in person... Klein smiled and said:

"Yeah, income is important."

"Only with an annual income of more than 400 pounds, can you afford a dinner party of this level and allow your wife to have beautiful dresses and exquisite earrings."

Starling immediately raised her chin slightly, trying to suppress a smile and said:

"430 pounds, I mean, some savings every year, in case of accidents or investing in stocks and bonds."

This is the approximate annual income of her husband.

After helping the strangers find a topic, she left here and greeted other guests, and Klein obviously noticed that Miss Sarah, Angela and others were more interested in Lawyer Ergen. After all, the other party was not bad, and his job and income were very good Stablize.

As for the private investigators who might enter the police station at any time, they are not the priority of middle-class women. Moreover, Klein has a round beard and looks a little rough. The girls are inevitably a little afraid.

After chatting with him for a few words, he found an excuse to leave, hid in a corner, and enjoyed Jurgen's embarrassing and helpless performance while eating.

At this time, his eloquence as a lawyer did not know where it went.

After a few minutes, the two children of the Summer family ran past Klein playing around.

They noticed the gentleman hiding in the corner, stopped, opened their eyes wide, and asked curiously:

"Mr. Moriarty, I heard you are a detective?"

"Yes." Klein responded with a smile.

The little girl innocently said:

"Can you tell us about the case you solved?"

Her twin brother nodded repeatedly.

The case I solved? Whether it involves resentful souls, marionettes, demon dogs, or hunting cats to catch rape, there is really nothing suitable for children... Klein thought for a few seconds, then laughed:

"Okay, this is a story about a treasure."

"An officer who retired from East Balam was suddenly murdered..."

In fact, he almost forgot all the detective novels he had read in his previous life, so he could only make up casually based on his vague impressions. The two children didn't care whether the plot was reasonable or not, they listened quite seriously, and even learned to ask "What's next?" Woolen cloth".

Unknowingly, Klein relaxed a lot.

When the dinner was coming to an end, he was about to leave, but he saw Starling's face was full of joy.

"Did something worth celebrating happen?" Klein asked casually.

Starling raised her head slightly, and replied with a reserved smile:

"Mary has been invited by Mr. Hibbert Hall, chief secretary of the Air Pollution Investigation Board, to attend a lunch meeting at his home on Monday."

"This gentleman is the eldest son of Earl Hall, a true nobleman. He invited all members of the committee and allowed them to bring two or three friends."

Starling paused and said:

"Mary just invited me and Luke."

…………

Monday noon.

The well-dressed Starling Summer, accompanied by her husband Luke Summer, followed Mrs. Mary to Queens, and saw a building that occupied a huge area.

Marble statues, pools, fountains, gardens, lawns and other things caught her eyes one by one, which made her feel nervous before entering the villa.

"Luke, does this necklace of mine match the skirt?" She turned her head and asked her husband.

Luke shook his head and smiled:

"Honey, you're so nervous."

"You don't need to worry at all. The nobles just live a little bigger than us and eat better. We are not bad."

Starling nodded continuously, as if she had regained her former self-confidence.

Entering the villa, they saw gorgeous crystal chandeliers, a hall where many people could dance, and plates of delicacies.

Foie gras, fried keel fish, baked lobster... Almir wine, misty champagne... It's the same as the description in the magazine... Starling looked at the food curiously, thinking that if she saves money at home, she can also eat it during festivals or During the New Year, come to such a meal.

Except for Almir red wine and misty champagne... She finally added in her mind.

At this moment, her eyes suddenly became straight, and she saw a girl in a beige court dress slowly walking towards her.

The girl was blond, blue-eyed, and extremely beautiful. She wore a pair of white silk gloves and a pair of small and beautiful emerald earrings, with a pure and elegant temperament.

She really looks like an angel... Even though she has always been proud of her appearance, Starling couldn't help admiring at this time, feeling a little inferior for some reason.

"Hello," she greeted awkwardly with her newly learned etiquette.

"Hello." The girl returned the salute gracefully.

After the two passed by, Starling accompanied her husband and Mary to meet distinguished guests, including the noble Mr. Hibbert Hall.

After a while, she walked up to the balcony alone, intending to relax, but unexpectedly saw the angelic girl just now.

She was looking at the scenery outside, and a big golden retriever dog was squatting obediently beside her shoes with roses inlaid with ribbons.

"It's so cute." Starling looked for a topic.

The girl responded with a slight smile:

"I thank you for Susie's compliment."

Looking at the combination of the beautiful girl and the golden retriever, Starling suddenly felt that she should have a similar pet.

Only in this way can the decency of the Samer family be displayed! She considered it and asked:

"I heard that nobles will domesticate many hounds, is it?"

"Yes." The girl with blue eyes more charming than gemstone earrings nodded lightly.

"I don't know how much gold pounds it takes to buy one?" Starling asked with a smile.

The pure and elegant girl looked down at the golden retriever dog, smiled and replied indifferently:

"450 pounds."

PS: Because I have to go to a meeting again, there will be no three shifts tomorrow, so I can only update in advance to maintain my life. Well, it will be updated in advance in the early morning. After the 25th, this month's rush is over, and there will be more updates.