[Pride and Prejudice] Rich Lady

The ignorant Mrs. King was indeed the only failure of the party at the Bennet family.However, her behavior was not very decent, and the housewives of various families didn't take it seriously in their hearts, thinking that she was not a good friend, and deliberately saying such things in the host's house to stab the hostess was not a popular move.

The ensuing dinner was rich in dishes, and Mrs. Bennet even put a cucumber in the vegetable salad. Although each person's plate could only be divided into one or two slices, it was enough to make the guests happy.Everyone felt the solemnity of the Bennet family's hospitality, and was very honored.

But after the happy party was over and the guests had left, Mrs. Bennet couldn't help but say, "Lucky for him! If it weren't for the kindness of the others, I would never have agreed to serve that salad to Mrs. King!" "

It was only late April at this time, and there were still more than two months before the cucumber season. Spring crop cucumbers are quite rare at this time, and they can only be encountered by chance in the vegetable store in Meryton.The Bennet family's root cost 12 shillings, and it was the most expensive dish for entertaining guests. Mrs. Bennet was very distressed.

Mr. Bennet was very happy. He spent most of the day showing off without a trace, first the astonishing Mary, then the whole set of "Encyclopedia Britannica", and then the gentlemen asked about his well-tailored suit. Flack is the work of that skilled tailor... When the neighbors saw the "cane order form" on his writing table, Mr. Bennet was very pleased with the envy.

The gentleman said reservedly: "A decent gentleman must have a matching cane, otherwise it would be a waste of our cane license. My ash wood cane is too outdated compared with you , but the old cane shop in the city is always hard to find. Fortunately, Lizzie made a few friends at school. The teacher's craftsmanship can almost be called art, even if I have to wait for a long time, I am satisfied."

Mr. Bennet is really clever, far more powerful than his wife's straightforward display.He seemed calm, but in just a few words he pointed out that the cane order came from Savile Row, the most famous handicraft street in London, and justified his daughter's name: Neighbors rumored that Elizabeth did not go to a decent girls' school at all, but Charity boarding school.With Mr. Bennet's words and the cane order, others can no longer distort the facts. You can't make such useful friends in boarding schools. The gentlemen guessed that Elizabeth of the Bennet family might have made some good friends in school. people.

The father still didn't reveal anything. In the ridicule of Sir Lucas's "You're rich", Mr. Bennet then said lightly: "It's true that I made a small fortune. You know, the children's uncle, plus Mr. Dana is a decent gentleman, and his business with those gentlemen is in his mind, and I have had some return on an investment I made earlier."

So the Bennet family's oriental incense, the family's exquisite costumes, and Mr. Bennet's cane, everyone present gave their own reasonable explanations.In view of the fact that Mr. Bennet did not intend to share this good investment, even if Mr. Jazz and Mr. Jin were extremely envious, it was difficult to express it.

Even when it was later reported that the Bennet family bought a store to collect rent, everyone attributed it to the fact that the investment brought a lot of money, and no other suspicions arose.Of course, this made several gentlemen, including Mr. Jazz, very embarrassed. Who wouldn't want to get involved in such a good investment?

But these things, such as encyclopedias and return on investment, are far from overpowering "Mary Bennet is a beauty" as the focus of people.For a time Mary's reputation was greater than that of her eldest sister, and everyone in the neighborhood had heard of a beautiful and talented lady at Longbourne, and Aunt Phillips of Meryton was also honored, and her friends all Ask her when the lady will enter society.

As a result, Mary gained many friends, and the ladies were very willing to visit her, learn her dress, learn her bookish language.

Elizabeth, Jane and their father were overjoyed. They encouraged Mary, and Elizabeth taught her sisters many ways to braid their hair.Jane and the others had more whimsical ideas, and they began to be keen on modifying and decorating clothes—Elizabeth persuaded them not to make new ones for the time being, because the workload of hand-sewing was too much, it would be better to make old ones Do some touch-ups on the clothes, and you'll get a beautiful long dress in no time.

She wrote another letter to Mr. Jared, and was waiting for a reply: She hoped that these planned things could be done during the vacation, otherwise it would be too inconvenient for her to return to Taurice.

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A few days later, Mr. Jared's reply letter was not yet forthcoming, but there was news from several shops inquired by Mr. Topannet.

On this day, after Mr. Bennet came back from going out, he rang the bell again and asked the maid to ask Elizabeth to come to his study to talk.

The wives and ladies in the mansion have become accustomed to this, and they began to believe in Elizabeth's suggestions and practices, and did not feel that it was a strange thing for her to sit in the study of the head of the family; they did not realize Elizabeth's status for a while , already comparable to the eldest son of someone else's family who inherited the family business.

"Dad, is there any news?"

Mr. Bennet nodded and said, "The owner of the store you're looking at is indeed willing to sell it, and the price is cheaper than what we asked before."

This is really good news!Elizabeth laughed: "Then what are we waiting for? Dad, although the bakery is not big, but the location is very good. If you don't make an agreement with the owner as soon as possible, I'm afraid someone else will be tempted. Good things have to be put in the pocket to rest assured."

She also made a wisecrack.

Mr. Bennet pondered for a while. He was reluctant to spoil the fun, but he still made up his mind to persuade his daughter to give up the idea: "Lizzie, I suggest you wait for a while. I don't think it is a good idea to buy that shop."

Elizabeth was very surprised, and hurriedly said: "Dad, the owner of that house is still cherished, and it is well maintained. Although it is small, we don't need a big space for the time being. Mr. Baker is also a reputable and honest person. There's nothing wrong with doing deals. Why should we give up?"

"There are not many shops in Meryton. Most of them have been passed down from generation to generation, and few are willing to sell. If we miss this opportunity, we may have to wait for a long time." Next to the bakery is a millinery shop and a fabric shop, which is the most popular in Meryton. good location.

Mr. Bennet shook his head, "It's not about the shop or the baker itself, Lizzie. Do you remember the thing Mrs. King said that upset your mother? The family who moved out of Meryton in disgrace did indeed If you want to come back, not only come back, but also buy back the original store.”

"Mrs. Hannah's Umbrella Shop?" Elizabeth said, "But I remember that Umbrella Shop is very big. It is not Mr. Baker's shop, and it seems to have nothing to do with us."

Mrs. Hannah's Umbrella Shop could not be opened when she was a child because of the scandal. Elizabeth actually has no memory, and her memory is very vague after searching.

"But the old umbrella shop is next door to the bakery," said his father. "Lizzie, you probably don't realize that Atwood, the original owner of Mrs. Hannah's Umbrella Shop, was a really bad guy. Not only was he mean, he killed three Niece died of illness at boarding school, and after moving away from Meryton, it became even more despicable. Originally his relative's property did not fall to him, and several gentlemen who were equally close in blood were entitled to inheritance, but he managed to let his son seduce relatives. For the sake of his only granddaughter, the old gentleman had no choice but to make a will for him to inherit the property.”

"The umbrella store has long been turned into a fabric store, and Mrs. Brown has no intention of selling it. But Atwood is really contemptible. He thinks Mrs. Brown's business is good, and he intends to buy the store back. It is said that he still intends to sell it. I also run a cloth business, and that shop is big enough to be divided into half as an umbrella shop. There are constant harassments, and the female customers are afraid to patronize. The business has been hindered, and Mrs. Brown is almost unable to support it."

Elizabeth couldn't believe it: "Don't you care about the mayor and Mr. Sheriff? Those are officials jointly elected by the public in Meryton."

Mr. Bennet looked heavy, and said: "The mayor is too old, and he has been ill since last year, and the deputy mayor, Mr. Atwood, has accepted benefits. As for our sheriff, he wants to go to the big town next door. , I don’t know what Atwood promised him, and he didn’t say a word about Mrs. Brown’s help.”

After a pause, my father said: "The gentlemen of the town have made up their minds to re-elect the good officers, but it will take time. And I must say, I'm afraid Atwood will get his way. Mrs. Brown has spent a large sum of money on Ordering goods, she doesn't have much money to stand against Atwood. That way, even if we elect a competent officer, it won't stop him from returning to Meryton."

"Besides, I also signed the joint letter. The villain is a villain, and he must have revenge. Of course we are not afraid at Longbourn, but if it is Meryton... This property belongs to your sisters again, Lizzie, I can't take any chances. Between your sister's reputation and this property, I have to choose the former, and I can't leave any gaps."

What Mr. Bennet didn't say is: Atwood has more than one son, and his sons are completely like their father, with despicable conduct. Recently, the good reputation of the Bennet daughters is spreading, and fathers have to guard against it.For the Atwood family, buying the store was only the first thing. The best way to gain a firm foothold in Meryton was undoubtedly to marry a famous person.Longbourne was a delicious piece of meat in the eyes of the family, and Mr. Bennet would give them no excuse for climbing it.

Elizabeth understands the truth, although she is a little regretful, she has no choice but to do so.

But the day after the father and daughter talked, Mr. Jin's family sent someone to send an invitation.

It turned out that a public ball was going to be held at this time, and Mr. Jin's family called it in the name of the mayor of Meryton.The Atwood family, the original umbrella shop owner whom Mrs. King despises, are "visited guests".

This kind of dance is very common. If a decent family moves in, the neighbors will hold such a dance to introduce the new neighbors to everyone. It is a friendly way to promote the integration of the newcomers into the local area. .

But the 24 families around Longbourne have little contempt for the Atwoods.I don't know why Mr. Jin changed his mind and took the initiative to call it.

For this reason, Mrs. King even paid a special visit, and Mrs. Bennet let out a sigh of relief. The sarcastic Mrs. Jin almost couldn't get off the stage.In the end, he did not say whether he would accept the invitation.

It seems that seeing the resistance of the neighbors, this public dance has changed its form.

I don't know whose idea it was to imitate the masquerade ball in the French court, and make this ball into a grand masquerade ball.

Such a fresh ball immediately moved the ladies and ladies.

Not only that, but it was rumored that some respectable people would be brought to the town for the ball.This will be the largest and most novel event in the local area in recent years.

Such a masquerade ball can be entertained without worrying about social status and relationship.In an instant, it caused a huge discussion in the neighborhood, and everyone was in high spirits.Those ladies who have not officially entered the social world are especially excited. They can also participate in such activities. As long as the masks do not fall off, no one will deliberately reveal their identities.If someone is willing to take the risk, others will not pay attention to such a rude and unruly person.

The author has something to say: still the old rules: send 100 small red envelopes for comments in this chapter~

In order to tighten up for myself: Yu decided to update at 100 o'clock every day, and send 200 small red envelopes within two hours of the evening; [-] for more than two hours and less than four hours; and increase in order.

Of course, if there are special circumstances (three-dimensional major events), if you really can’t code for more than two days, Yu will write a leave note, and double the time when you return.

Note: The little angels don't seem to remember this new family. This "Mrs. Hannah's Umbrella Shop" appeared in Chapter 3. The owner inherited his brother's shop, but treated his nieces harshly and sent all three of them to boarding houses. The school, the boarding school, left the nieces to fend for themselves when there was a cholera outbreak in the local area, and all three girls died of illness.Because of this incident, he was despised by others and moved away from Meryton.