[Pride and Prejudice] Professional female supporting role

The next morning, Caroline opened her eyes. It shouldn't be too late. The morning light fell on her quilt through the curtain, which was very soft, but there was still a shadow of the sense of loss in her heart.After all, yesterday was so thrilling, and because of her cowardice, when Mr. Darcy found her, she said such unreserved words, and she even kissed him on her own initiative!

Although it's just the chin...

Caroline covered her head and face with the fluffy quilt, and whimpered like annoyed—she said so, but after returning last night, the gentleman didn't say anything!He also said that he had always been willing to marry her, but he didn't take the initiative to propose, it was simply too bad!

Don't mention their union in a few years, and become the one who took the initiative, but it's too embarrassing...

"Knock, knock, knock." There was an orderly knock on the door.

This is the maid, and Caroline immediately regained her dignified appearance. She rubbed her eyes, smoothed her hair, and said slowly, "Please come in!"

The maid came in with a hot water bottle and smiled brightly at her: "Good morning, Miss Bingley, I hope you had a good rest last night."

"I slept well." She replied kindly, too.

The maid moved swiftly, first mixed a glass of warm water for her, and then went to the bathroom to prepare the washing utensils. Caroline sipped the water lightly, and the other party was already waiting to help her dress up.

Caroline was sitting in front of the dressing table, just about to ask the maid to tie a simple hairstyle for herself, when she heard her say: "The sun is very sunny today, let me tie a bun for you that can match your rose hair ornament ?”

Caroline looked at the gradually brightening sky, but nodded in agreement.The maid was skillful, and quickly finished dressing her, and then introduced her to the dishes for breakfast today.

"I suggest you dine in the back garden. It will be very pleasant, Miss Bingley."

Caroline thanked her for her kindness, and the maid said that she would inform the kitchen for her and deliver the breakfast to the rest area under the flower arbor in the back garden.

Caroline walked out of the house alone. In fact, most of the back garden was shrouded in the shadow of Rosings mansion in the morning, but it was also because of this that the dew on the flowers and trees in the garden had not yet evaporated in the sun. , Caroline walked by, and the corners of her skirt were wet.

It can be seen that Mrs. De Boer takes good care of her home, and this small garden is said to be Miss Anne's favorite place, so everything is exquisite and admirable.

Caroline was a little distracted as she walked, until she realized that she had actually been decorating Pemberley's garden with reference to Rosings in her mind, when she had already reached the rest area.The rest area is an area covered by vines. The emerald green vines are dotted with delicate light red flowers like stars, which is very cute.In the middle was a table and chairs for ten people with complicated decorations. At this time, there was a bouquet of flowers on the table that should have been empty.

Caroline couldn't name the pale blue flower, but was so captivated by its astonishing beauty that she even had the impudent urge to claim it for herself.

"This kind of flower is called Ajani. It was born on the steepest cliff, and it only blooms in the middle of the night. Whenever the sun shines on her, it will wither."

This gentle and deep voice tells the story.

"That's why this kind of flower is also called the flower of trying love, because only men who are fearless for love can pick her."

'Ajani' lay quietly and docilely on the long table, the petals gradually fading from the inside to the outside were as beautiful as a dream, but Caroline instantly looked away from her.

"You picked this last night? Mr. Darcy, how can you be so bold as to play with your own safety!" Her urgent voice was trembling with sternness, so Darcy could only hear her admiration for it. own worries.

He approached and quickly explained: "It's just a legend, Caroline. Although this kind of flower is indeed rare, it's not that rare... No, she is still very rare, because of her meaning."

Darcy exhaled slowly, then knelt down on one knee in front of her.

"Of course I wouldn't climb a cliff in the middle of the night for a bouquet of flowers, it's too dangerous and too stupid... and my love for you should be long-lasting, mature and trustworthy, but I still want to give her You, Caroline, would you take her?"

Caroline's eyes fixed on his eyebrows, as if she was in deep thought.

Darcy, who has always been calm and steady in his affairs, couldn't help having hot palms and blank head at this time, and then he forced himself to calm down, thinking about the guidance Mr. Richard gave him, he took another deep breath, and continued: "This This is my formal proposal, Caroline, and I beg you to marry me and be my only beloved legal wife! From now on, my property will be shared with you, and I will be loyal to you only in body and mind, until death."

Caroline said nothing.

Darcy's speech speed became faster and faster, even a little incoherent: "Of course, this will not be the only time I propose—but you are the only person I want to propose, of course! If you still want to continue thinking about it, then I would also like to propose a second time, a third time."

She still didn't speak.

"..." Darcy was really nervous. He didn't forget that Caroline didn't seem to be very keen on getting married. Indeed, she was still very young, especially compared to himself, she was really too young some.And her brother is not married yet... Oh damn, he can think of so many excuses for her to refuse his marriage proposal!

In just one day, Darcy experienced so many times, deep worries, fears, and tensions, almost more than the past 20 years combined!

After Richard debunked the fake 'Cynthia's hand letter' yesterday, he fell into a palpitating panic. Although his mood at this time is different from that time, the feeling is still memorable ...

"Caroline!" Darcy's voice was a little dry, and the feeling of being hung up was really bad.

Fortunately, this call finally made Caroline respond. She was almost awakened, as if she had been in a daze before... This guess made Darcy's feelings suddenly more subtle and difficult to discern.

"Yes, yes..." Caroline didn't seem to know what she was talking about. She turned her eyes dumbly, and it took a long time to regain focus. Then she suddenly raised her hand and patted the shoulder of the husband in front of her with a loud voice. , unprecedented.

Darcy froze for a moment.

"So you didn't say anything last night just to prepare this bouquet?" Caroline didn't have the shyness or even tears of joy on her face as he expected, but looked like a little tiger grinding its teeth.

Darcy nodded blankly.

His rare dull expression made Caroline dumbfounded. She looked at the sky discouraged, and murmured: "Why do you propose and send flowers? You can't eat or use them, and they are so delicate. They will wither in the sun. What kind of meaning is that?" Ah... isn't there a custom in Derbyshire to give an engagement ring?"

Her voice was very low, but it did not prevent Darcy, who had sensitive ears and eyes, from hearing clearly.

He felt more amused and more relieved.

For the first time, Darcy began to doubt that Mr. Richard, the well-informed consultant who claimed to know Caroline very well, how many bad ideas did he give himself?After this 'business' is completely settled, I must make a general account.

So Mr. Darcy, haven't you even considered it?If Richard is really a master of the field of love, with his conditions, how could he come to Rosings without even a man who is in love with each other...

Of course there are rings, but Richard said that jewelry is too vulgar and ordinary... Caroline should like more thoughtful ones.

Darcy took out the velvet box from his pocket, and opened it lightly, a pink diamond ring was supported by black velvet.

"If you don't like flowers... I mean, of course I have an engagement ring. It's called a lover's heart. It's kind of tacky...but I think it's beautiful, don't I?"

Darcy took out the ring awkwardly, and then paused. Caroline looked at the pigeon egg held by his fingertips, and for the second time today, she felt captivated by it—it was really beautiful. Flowers and jewelry have always been very lethal to women. If Mr. Darcy knew this, he would have succeeded in proposing marriage when she was knocked unconscious by sugar-coated shells...

"I want it!" Caroline blurted out...cough cough cough.

Darcy raised her eyes in surprise, the honest and joyful gaze of a loyal dog made her feel ashamed and guilty, and she added: "I like the flowers, and the ring very much! Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Darcy. "

Evidently, I would be what I would mean in Mr. Darcy's eyes.

With some excitement, he put the ring into Caroline's left hand, the size was just right, as if it should fall on her hand naturally.

"I'll talk to my aunt and Roy today, and then I'll start preparing for the wedding, okay? Before the end of the year...is that okay?"

He stood up and approached her, easily hugging her completely in his arms. The strong movements and pressure finally made Caroline a little more ashamed. She looked up at him and then quickly looked away.

"Yes, you should discuss it with Charles, right?" She said breathlessly.

Charles... I really don't know when my best friend became a stumbling block. Thinking of him, Darcy has some unpleasant imaginations: "Okay... just discuss it with him!"

Hearing his complex tone, Caroline raised her eyes amusedly and explained: "Just tell Charles Luisa and the others, this is a big deal after all, and Georgiana, you should tell her as soon as possible. The rest...Of course It’s up to the two of us to decide.”

Hearing her last soft words that faded away, Darcy finally felt at ease.

"Okay, all... I'll listen to you!" He was obviously smart.

Caroline didn't notice these small details. She was immersed in the shyness of being proposed belatedly, and changed the subject without saying anything: "How are those two people yesterday?"

Speaking of this, Darcy's complexion became a little solemn.

Darcy remembered that White. At the ball at the Duke's Mansion in Houston, he had his eye on Caroline. They could even imitate Cynthia's handwriting. I'm afraid the two had planned it for a long time.So that's weird, isn't it?

If you do evil for money, you can choose a method with a higher success rate, such as robbing a businessman who is alone, which is not difficult.The radius of dozens of miles here is Rosings' territory, and Caroline is a guest of the De Boer family. With only two accomplices, such a big effort to kidnap a person will be accompanied by attendants. Miss, it is really unreasonable.

Darcy didn't want to tell Caroline too much about it, because things were still unclear, and he didn't want Caroline to worry or be afraid.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Darcy, but the lady wishes Miss Bingley to see her now."

Fortunately, before he could answer, the old housekeeper who walked lightly suddenly appeared on the path, and found that Caroline was a little nervous—although she was in awe of Mrs. De Boer, she had never been as close as she is now. archenemy.

Darcy comforted: "Don't worry, she should just want to ask you about yesterday. Of course, if you don't want to talk, we can tell her that you are frightened."

"No, no!" Caroline hurriedly explained: "I'm not worried about this, besides, my complexion is rosy and shiny. I don't look like a frightened person? I'm just afraid that Mrs. De Boer will ask me How did you beat that man unconscious with a stick..."

She lowered her head, stroked the ring with her fingers, and asked meaningfully: "Does Mrs. De Boer know about this?"

Of course I know it, but Darcy understands her aunt's stubbornness, even if her attitude has loosened during this period, she may not fully agree with it.People are selfish, not to mention, it involves her daughter, even if Anne likes Richard now, Richard is still a good object, but after all, he still owes some - he cannot inherit the family business.

Caroline just wanted to take off the ring, but Darcy felt empty when he saw her action, and squeezed her hand without thinking.

"...It's just that you keep it for me first. After all, it's better for you to tell Mrs. De Boer directly about this matter."

Hearing what she said, Darcy let go of his hand, but the expression on his face was always a bit disappointed.

—I really don't want to see her take off the ring.

Caroline refused Mr. Darcy's offer to accompany her to see Mrs. De Boer, and the two separated outside the lounge. This was the first time the lady had an appointment with herself alone. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

Soon there were light footsteps, and the person who opened the door was Miss Anne, with apologetic expression on her face, she whispered: "I'm sorry...Miss Caroline, when I was talking to Mr. Richard, I was accidentally caught by my mother." heard it."

What she said made Caroline a little confused. At this moment, Mrs. De Boer's voice came from the terrace: "Annie, why haven't you left yet? You're going to be late for painting class!"

"Good mother!" Miss Anne agreed, and apologized to Caroline again, and then comforted: "But don't worry too much, my mother is just used to being unforgiving, she didn't very much against it.”

This matter... Caroline touched Kong Kong's ring finger.

Madame de Boer coughed again.

Miss Anne could only nod helplessly, then closed the door and left.Caroline realized belatedly that it seemed that Mrs. De Boer's purpose of looking for her was a little different from what she thought...

"I'm on the terrace, Miss Bingley, if you'd like to talk to me, you can come over now."

There was some arrogance in the other party's voice when they first met, which made her inexplicably nervous.Caroline sorted out her clothes unconsciously, then walked over with concentration and breathlessness.

Mrs. De Boer still dresses meticulously, her high bun looks a little arrogant, and the expression lines on her face seem to be strict, but these are not as good as her eyes, which are not very sharp, but the scrutiny in them is even more impressive. People are like facing an enemy.

Mrs. De Boer put down the exquisite bone china teacup in her hand, and said first: "Miss Bingley, I think you must know what I want to tell you."

Yes, she guessed it now...

At this moment, Caroline suddenly recalled that there seemed to be a similar scene in the plot, but at that time, Miss Elizabeth had not agreed to Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal, and she was a person with strong self-esteem. Said it was like humiliation, and then they confronted each other and broke up unhappy.

Miss Elizabeth is indeed sharp-tongued, and I am afraid that Mrs. de Boer will never mention her name, and it is impossible to recognize her.

This is not the result Caroline wants. Mrs. De Boer is Mr. Darcy's closest elder. She doesn't want to be a quarrel between the two of them. Whenever she thinks about it, she feels a pain in her throat and a hard heart.She is willing to use all means to get Mrs. De Boer's approval-although she doesn't have a mother-in-law, it seems that this 'pseudo-mother-in-law' is just as difficult to deal with.

"It doesn't matter if you keep silent or try to deny it. I heard that Darcy has decided to propose to you, perhaps he has? I am very shocked by the news, although when I remember your name, I thought that this day might exist, but I still want to get confirmation from you!" Mrs. De Boer stared at Caroline with sullen brows and asked, "You, Miss Bingley, are going to be engaged to my nephew Darcy. Is that so?"

Caroline opened her mouth, and Mrs. De Boer's stern tone made her scalp tense, and cold sweat overflowed.

"Although I take this matter seriously and it can't affect the relationship between me and Darcy, I still want to give you a chance to make corrections." Mrs. De Boer continued, a little bit pressing The attitude made Caroline feel a little breathless.

"You're really going to be engaged to my nephew, aren't you?"

Her words sounded a bit inconsistent, but Caroline didn't have time to think about it, and it was important to express her opinion at this time.

"How can this matter not affect the relationship between you and Mr. Darcy?" Caroline tried her best to look serious, and she might be calmer when her face was expressionless. "You are his very important family member. If his marriage is not approved by you, even if his marriage is happy in the future, he will have regrets!"

"I know you are not very satisfied with me, but I very much hope to get your approval, and before that, neither Mr. Darcy nor I will make any claim on the marriage."

Mrs. De Boer looked at her like a judgment, her eyes did not loosen in the slightest. Caroline also knew that her few words could not have much effect, but her attitude must be correct. After all, it is what every junior should do to make the elders happy. of.

"I heard that you knocked out a villain yesterday?"

When Caroline heard this question, she instinctively thumped. After all, Mrs. De Boer was still expressing her dissatisfaction with herself before, but now she suddenly changed the subject, as if she wanted to pick a thorn in her.And Caroline had to admit it, after all, she couldn't deny the fact that she knocked someone unconscious with a stick yesterday.

She nodded heavily, and Mrs. de Boer looked at her very intriguingly.

"You are really a duplicity girl, Miss Bingley! You look weak and have no idea, but you are really a cunning and bold person, and you are powerful and good at deceiving people. Not only did Darcy get dizzy, but even Luo I and my daughter Annie are willing to speak for you." Mrs. De Boer's voice was cold, and such an evaluation made Caroline, who had always been calm, feel humiliated.

Sure enough, it was not without reason that Miss Elizabeth would confront her tit-for-tat and even appear very rude. This lady spoke too harshly.

Caroline really wanted to refute her, don't think of Mr. Darcy, Mr. Roy and Miss Anne as fools, they are all adults, and they have their own judgment in speaking and doing things, and they are willing to replace Caroline Speaking good words must not be the result of her demagoguery——Caroline asked herself that she didn't have such a skill.

But she held back.She was different from Elizabeth's situation at that time. Now she and Mr. Darcy are in love with each other, and they are both sincerely looking forward to their married life.

However, what she didn't expect was that her showing weakness or even tacit inaction made Mrs. De Boer show her first expression, which was not a smile, but even more frightening than a smile—she nodded in satisfaction.

"Actually, you are very good, Miss Bingley. You have a good family education. You are not a stupid girl who is obviously worthless but ignorant of the sky and the earth. You are also very brave and bold. You know, being the mistress of Pemberley is not just continuing to be dewy in the greenhouse. Flowers are about to buckle when the wind blows, but they should be a woman who can take up arms at any time to protect her family and children."

Mrs. De Boer personally picked up the teapot and poured her a glass of water: "I think you haven't eaten breakfast, so you shouldn't drink too strong drinks. You still have a lot to learn about these small details in life. Of course, I Saying this does not mean that I have approved your marriage, as Darcy's close relative, I will still be very cautious about this matter."

"Yes... I will learn with humility." Caroline was stunned by her sudden approval. It seemed that Mrs. De Boer not only didn't think it was inappropriate for her to hit someone with a stick, she even encouraged her bravery...

Caroline raised her hand to take the cup cautiously, not even daring to raise her eyebrows when she was scalded.Mrs. De Boer glanced at the little girl who was sipping from the cup, finally twitched the corners of her mouth, and then sighed unconsciously: "Why is the water still so hot!"

Caroline: "..."

With the tip of her numb tongue curled up, she slowly put the cup on the table.

When Mrs. De Boer mercifully let her go, Caroline was about to get up when the lady across from her suddenly had a stroke of genius and said to herself: "But speaking of it, I'm really worried for Darcy, It would be pathetic if he was addressed as 'Mr Darcy' even after he had proposed."

The other party's voice was not too loud, and there was no intention of dialogue. Caroline had already said goodbye, but she was very sure that Mrs. De Boer said this sentence to herself on purpose.So what about the initial question?What about the good fight with mandarin ducks?Obviously still protecting his shortcomings... Now he is here to find a place for his nephew.

Caroline backed away heartbroken.