[Pride and Prejudice] Rich Lady

Mr. Darcy is not very good. The first day of the journey was a torture. This Mr. Collins is good at talking to himself. He praised everything in Rosings manor over and over again. The beautiful mantelpiece in the lounge has been praised Been several times.He thanked Lady Catherine for her support, so he must repay her nephew with his nagging.

Mr. Darcy found it a great mistake to travel with Mr. Collins, and this knowledge was confirmed when his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, came to visit.They boarded in a private house that night, which is the habit of gentlemen when they go out. For them, the conditions of the stagecoach hotel are really bad, so everyone usually borrows a friend's house to live.

Mr. Darcy's houses in various places are often lent to friends, and the occasional guest does not need to ask the owner. Owner.

Coincidentally, the house where he stayed was the one built by his uncle Earl Henry in his early years. The servants in the house were extremely attentive, and the host's nephew was much more honorable to them than other guests.The housekeeper also specifically told Mr. Darcy that his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, was currently on vacation in a small manor just outside the city, and asked if he could send a letter to Master Fitzwilliam.

Darcy was about to refuse, but Mr. Collins stood up excitedly. He knew that Mrs. Catherine had an extraordinary background and had long admired her earl's relatives.Mr. Collins said that he had to thank the host for the boarding house.

Mr. Darcy had a terrible headache, and he began to consider whether he would ride tomorrow, which would at least be better than being forced to listen to the most tasteless flattery in the carriage.

The young master of the house soon arrived, a personable and well-bred gentleman, accustomed to dealing with all kinds of people.With a few words, Mr. Collins, satisfied and thankful, went upstairs to rest.Leaving the two gentlemen, the colonel insisted that his cousin have a glass of wine with him.

Colonel Fitzwilliam was going to be thirty soon, he had just ended a love affair, and the rich lady wanted to marry the eldest son like his brother, not the youngest son who couldn't inherit the property like him.Even though Henry's family was very generous to their son, his elder brother was willing to take care of his life all the time, but the lady with a dowry of 30 insisted on a title, and she only wanted to be a lady.

"You see, it's not all good, at least I became a colonel." Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed at himself.

He was only a major the year before last, and the marriage failed this time. Mr. Earl was eager to compensate his youngest son, so he hurriedly spent money to promote his youngest son's rank.The colonel can have a salary of about 500 pounds a year, which is only a season's expenses for the youngest son of Earl Henry's family.

Colonel Fitzwilliam lifted his chin toward a lighted room upstairs, and said: "What's the matter with you? That Mr. Collins is not your friend."

The colonel knew very well the character of his only cousin, and Darcy despised people like Collins.

Tomorrow afternoon, he will arrive at Netherfield Manor. Mr. Darcy is full of anticipation and uneasiness, sweet and sour, and he needs someone to give him some advice.But it seems like he wants to show off when his cousin is sad.

Seeing his rare hesitancy to speak, Colonel Fitzwilliam put down his wine glass, approached his cousin, and said with a smirk, "Aunt Catherine's complaint is actually true. I wonder which lady can melt the ice?"

Although she had decided to send her nephew to another place to separate him from the young lady who had seduced him, Lady Catherine was still extremely annoyed.She wrote a letter to complain to her brother, hoping that Mr. Earl could help take care of his only nephew, so that Darcy would not be confused.But Earl Henry has always been tolerant. He only surprised his three young men (he included Mr. Darcy), and finally one of them was getting married.Mr. Earl specially wrote a long letter to comfort his sister, don't worry too much about young people's love, saying that as long as the other lady is a decent woman, then he will support this marriage very much - the five juniors with Henry's blood, finally One has to take on family responsibilities.Obviously, His Excellency's letter offended his sister, and Lady Catherine angrily refused to reply to his letter.

Mr. Darcy was a little embarrassed, he coughed seriously, and told his cousin briefly about him and the lady.Before he finished speaking, Colonel Fitzwilliam collapsed into the armchair laughing, trying to hold back, he choked out again: "So, you have been in love for a year, and you still dare not tell Miss about your friendship? "

"Georgianna wrote to me, asking me to help you. I asked her, but she still didn't tell me. I was very surprised: With your looks and the wealth of the Darcy family, which lady can resist living in Fitzwilliam?" Darcy's love?" The colonel barely suppressed his laughter, "I can't imagine the capable Darcy being so clumsy in love!"

"Your wealth, appearance, manor and status...all these advantages have not been shown to the lady. How do you expect a lady to fall in love with you?"

Darcy said in a low voice: "She is not such a superficial person. In fact, Fitzwilliam Darcy once had a relationship with her, but the lady is obviously not at all interested."

"It's not surprising at all. Few people like you when they see you, because you are always unwilling to deal with those who flatter you, and you are a little timid." His cousin said, "But no one will treat you Indifference to indifference."

"Besides, even if your young lady doesn't like it, her parents will definitely like it." The colonel made a pertinent comment.

Mr. Darcy wanted to say that he was not shy, but that he didn't like to pay attention to strangers who posted up when they heard about his annuity.But an unspeakable depression took over his heart, and the gentleman couldn't even get up to justify his name.

"Romance! Darcy, romance!" said Colonel Fitzwilliam.

"Misses yearn for love, and hope that their lover can satisfy their romantic feelings. Darcy, when you are silent, you are like the prince in the girls' dream stories." The colonel emphasized: "No lady can afford you Romance. When you look dignified, look at her affectionately, and send your romance."

"Georgiana suggested that I build a garden and name it after Miss. Pemberley has already added a large garden, but I haven't waited for its owner yet." Mr. Darcy said dryly.

Colonel Fitzwilliam stretched out his thumb and taught him, "That's right, but after all, it's in Pemberley, and you can't move in front of Miss. Now you have to bring a decent and romantic gift to visit..."

The colonel paused, then smiled and asked: "If I guess right, the only reason you are willing to go out with the gentleman upstairs is because the lady—Aunt Catherine is completely wrong, the person who made you fall in love is not in Derbyshire , but Hertfordshire?"

Mr. Darcy nodded, and Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed like a child who has stolen sweets.

He was indeed a broad-minded man, Mr. Darcy was relieved, and it seemed that the failed marriage of the previous period had not done him much harm.

"May I ask who this charming young lady is?" said Colonel Fitzwilliam. "She must be a charming lady."

The colonel's cousin was silent for a moment, and suddenly remembered his first meeting with Miss Lizzie. Cousin Fitzwilliam was also there, and he praised Miss Lizzie very much. marry.

——Mr. Darcy knows that Miss Lizzie can be called a rich person now, and her property is not like other ladies who can only increase by annual interest. The annuity brought by Miss Lizzie's property can More than most gentlemen earn.

"You are always so cautious. Our little Georgiana has also learned old-fashioned bad habits from her brother. Are you afraid that I will tell others?" My cousin muttered dissatisfied.

Of course Mr. Darcy believed him, otherwise he would not have told him anything that might damage Miss Lizzie's reputation, but thinking that Cousin Fitzwilliam once had a crush on Miss Lizzie, Mr. Darcy was stingy and unwilling to let him know The lady's name is gone.

After a while, the quiet gentleman said: "Besides the gift, I also need some useful suggestions." For example, how to get the lady's forgiveness after confessing; After visiting with relatives who will hate it.

During the day, Mr. Darcy only asked one question, and Mr. Collins brought out the quarrel between his father and Mr. Bennet. He pretended to sigh to his benefactor's nephew: "my late father never liked Mr. Bennet's As a human being, I haven't contacted him for many years, but as the person who will inherit Mr. Bennet's property in the future, I should try my best to repair the relationship. Especially now that the news from Mr. Bennet's house makes me uneasy, lest this gentleman will be deceived and lead to mistake."

After hearing this sentence, Mr. Darcy regretted so much that he wanted to jump out of the carriage and take back his stupid decision to visit with him.Mr. Darcy also understands very well that as long as Mr. Collins comes to the Bennet house, he will definitely use Rosings as a show off and talk about Mrs. Catherine, and then his aunt's nephew will not be spared. Mr. Darcy thought over and over again, Amid the bee-like buzzing of Mr. Collins, it was more reassuring to be there in person.

Mr. Fitzwilliam felt that his cousin's worries were completely unnecessary. Which husband and wife would refuse a Darcy to become a son-in-law?The colonel decided to help his cousin get a gift that could not only reflect his status and wealth, but also please the ladies.

Mr. Fitzwilliam had a bright idea.

……

On the second day, Mr. Darcy was holding a box, and he was uneasy, always feeling that Cousin Henry's suggestion was not reliable.

Because of thinking about this matter, he became more silent all the way. His serious and serious expression made Mr. Collins not dare to offend him, but he found some peace.

Mr. Darcy pressed his brows together. He felt that since the beginning of his determination, the people around him were always giving him a disservice to his pursuit: from his friends, the Bentley family, to the road construction manager in Hatfield, every time he did a good deed, he gave back to him. He added another difficulty.

The more the gentleman thought about it, the more he felt that he could not obey Cousin Fitzwilliam. When the carriage arrived in Meryton, Mr. Darcy decided to leave the gift in the carriage for the time being.

A new building is being built next to the old house at the Longbourne mansion, and Mr. Collins has learned from the workman of the new address of the Bennet family, and that Mrs. Bennet has given birth to a boy safely.Ever since hearing these words, the face of Mr. Clerk serving God was not very good, but when the carriage drove up the hill and saw the huge and luxurious manor, Mr. Collins's expression miraculously returned to normal.

However, Mr. Councilor still muttered: "Could it be that Mr. Bennet made a fortune?"

Mr. Bennet has been waiting at home for a long time. Although he doesn't like this young man from a distant relative's family, he still has to give him an explanation, since Mr. Collins has indeed been the future heir of Longbourn Farm for more than ten years.

In addition to Mrs. Bennet, the five ladies were also waiting politely in the drawing room.Especially Elizabeth, she has not received Mr. William's reply for a long time, and she is inevitably a little upset. She needs something to divert her attention.

"When will Mr. George arrive?" asked Lydia, the little sister. After she saw the letter written by Cousin Collins from her father, she didn't like this gentleman who was flamboyant, servile and righteous between the lines.

Jane replied generously: "About tomorrow morning, he has some business in Hatfield."

"What business?" Even little Mary couldn't help asking, what was more important than visiting Papa and asking for permission.During the Christmas holiday, Mr. George was stopped in Scotland by a heavy snowstorm. This was an accident, and everyone could understand it.But now that the official visit has been postponed, why didn't he hurry over?

Mr. Bennet knew about this, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he asked the blushing eldest daughter to explain.

"Mr. George bought a villa in the town of Hatfield. This is a rare opportunity. After he heard that someone was selling it, he rushed to do it. He had to delay his visit to Netherfield."

Mr. George's ancestor was the Earl's Knight, and he himself inherited a manor in the East Anglia region, and he also had a residence in London. He was a seed merchant and often had to go out, so he didn't need to buy a house at all.Now he went to Hatfield to buy real estate, it must be for Jane.

In front of her father and sister, Miss Bennet restrained her shyness and said her decision: "After Dad agreed to Mr. George's marriage proposal, I don't want to go to the church too early to publish the marriage announcement—Mr. George also agreed."

Her smile is very beautiful: "We all think that we spend too little time with each other, and we are willing to continue to enhance our friendship after the engagement is made, and then at the right time...Mr. George has asked his father's consent to Renovate the family manor. The old Mr. George has been living with the earl, and completely handed over the family manor to Mr. George, asking him to seek my advice."

"Yi——" the sisters all had gritty expressions.

Mr. Bennet raised one eyebrow: "I will not easily agree to his request, no matter what the request is."

While they were talking and laughing, a servant came in to announce, "Mr. Collins and his friend have arrived."

The husband and the daughters put away their relaxed and happy expressions, and they stood up, ready to receive this distant relative politely.

After Mr. Darcy got off the carriage, he put the box in his hand into the salute carriage at the back, and signaled his manservant to carry the gift he had prepared earlier.

Mr. John, the butler, invited the guests into the drawing room.

The tall and clumsy Cousin Collins did not arouse much reaction, but the polite and handsome Mr. Darcy beside him aroused the surprise of the Bennets.

Everyone except Elizabeth was very puzzled why Mr. Darcy would visit with Mr. Collins.Elizabeth knew that Darcy's aunt, Lady Catherine, was the benefactor of Collins's cousin. It was not surprising that they knew each other, but it was a strange thing that Mr. Darcy condescended to socialize with Collins.

Mr. Collins was obviously very happy to be welcomed with such politeness and respect. He behaved stiffly, but he was able to compliment the beauty of his cousins ​​in a serious way.

Mr. Darcy was very embarrassed. After he sat down, he looked at Elizabeth except for talking to Mr. Bennet.

But Cousin Fitzwilliam's little trick didn't work at all. Miss Elizabeth not only didn't feel the friendship in his eyes, but when he looked at her again, she gave him a hard look in return.

Mr. Collins had already praised his cousins ​​twice, as well as the furniture, decorations, and rugs of the drawing room, some of which sounded rather harsh.Mr. Bennet had only talked back and forth with him twice, and it was already too boring to say anything.

But the more Mr. Collins talked, the more excited he was. He talked endlessly about how much his benefactor, Mrs. Catherine, valued him, what a respectable lady he was, and praised his benefactor's nephew.

Mr. Darcy just wanted to interrupt him, when Mr. Collins said: "Mr. Darcy is very polite. He came here as a guest and even prepared a gift. I have never seen a more polite and dignified gentleman." !"

Poor Mr. Darcy, had to watch the gift his manservant had just handed to the manor steward was moved to this drawing room, opened in front of the master, and there were some books inside.

There are "Perot's Mother Goose Story Collection", "Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes" prepared for the newborn little gentleman, and "Robinson Crusoe" and "Tom Jones" for the ladies are worth reading. Yes, there are also two 32-volume atlases of animals and plants and classic works of philosophy. This large, luxuriously bound book can be seen as a collection for Mr. Bennet to decorate his study.

This gift was very popular, and even Elizabeth's eyes softened when she saw the children's books.Little Alexander is the baby of their family, and he is naturally happy to see others think of him.Besides, the knowledgeable young lady knows that this kind of children's book is very rare nowadays, like Perrault's storybook, which was compiled by Charles Perrault for collecting folk tales specially for the French royal family. The complete version of this book can be found at It was hard to find after the revolution in France.

Mr. Darcy looked at his miraculous lady, and his mood lightened up. He let out a sigh of relief, and felt that he had to confess to the lady as soon as possible—only when the letter did not meet, Mr. Darcy could restrain his thoughts and love But once he saw this beautiful face, all Mr. Darcy's calmness and restraint went to God. He just wanted to make her happy and tell her his heart.

Mr. Darcy hoped very much that he could see Miss Lizzie every day, talk to her, make her laugh, and be by her side, after begging Miss Lizzie's pardon.

Just when the gentleman was imagining the scene of the proposal, Mr. Collins jumped out and said loudly: "Mr. Darcy, didn't you prepare a gift to open everyone's eyes?"

There is a kind of person who has always taken it as his responsibility to destroy the atmosphere, and is still complacent without self-knowledge.

Mr. Collins, as he was now, felt it his duty to make Mr. Bennet and his cousins ​​know how honorable he was to have brought with him!Especially when they have been here for so long and the hostess of the manor has not yet shown up, Mr. Collins is always a little unhappy that Mrs. Bennet did not greet him personally. He feels that she is not polite enough to respect him, and he can't help deepening Doubt in my heart.

Of course, he doesn't doubt that the newborn boy is not Bennet anymore, because Mr. Bennet looks majestic and calm, and he can buy such a large manor - such a talented and prestigious gentleman has spent ten years. In the few years without an heir, he would never tolerate his wife's infidelity for the sake of Longbourn Farm.

On the contrary, the sanctimonious deacon now suspected that the newborn was Mr. Bennet's illegitimate son.In his opinion, except for the clergy who have escaped from the secular world, gentlemen with rich family wealth and high status usually keep a concubine mistress, and Mr. Collins has reason to believe that this child is a dishonorable illegitimate child.

But it is a pity that as long as Mrs. Bennet says that the child was born by her, there is no law in England that can help him get back the property that should belong to him-gentleman's house is different from the rules of the royal family. illegitimate children, and illegitimate children cannot pretend to be legitimate children, and they will not get inheritance rights.The royal family has court doctors and princes and ministers to testify about illegitimate children, but the Bennet family does not.

Mr. Collins had many thoughts in his mind, but this did not prevent him from ordering his servants to fetch Colonel Fitzwilliam's present for Mr. Darcy.

A box resembling a pirate's treasure chest was offered.

Elizabeth and the others looked at the gift curiously. She thought to herself, this box is really exaggerated. The craftsmen inlaid almost all kinds of gems on it. Fortunately, the gems are very small, otherwise everyone would think this box is a gift.

The small wooden box was opened, and a pineapple stood quietly on the brocade.

Mr. Darcy covered his eyes.

The English have a pineapple plot. Since two centuries ago, pineapples have been touted as a noble item by the royal family and nobles.Just a few decades ago, when gentlemen held a banquet, they would rent a pineapple from the pineapple company and put it in the center of the table. The pineapples were returned... After the trade between England and the Ming Dynasty gradually deepened, because of the fast speed of their lucky boats, pineapples gradually became less expensive and even the nobles could not afford them, but their status in Britain was still special.

Pineapple is regarded as a symbol of wealth and status. Gentlemen in England have always advocated a low-key manner. Now they will add a meal with pineapple pieces on the banquet table to imply dignity to the guests.Most Britons are enamored of this rare fruit that looks like a pine cone, smells sweet and tastes like wine, rosewater and sugar mixed together. (Note)

But holding a pineapple as a gift, what a flamboyant act of a libertine is that?All five pairs of eyes of the ladies looked over, unable to believe that this was the work of the proud and serious Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Darcy had no choice but to explain dryly: "My cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, he gave me..."

Miss Elizabeth smiled at him for the first time that day, but Mr. Darcy was not at all pleased.

In fact, all the ladies smiled at him politely, telling him that they believed his explanation, that he must not be a frivolous show-off.

Mr. Darcy felt as if he was standing on a pineapple leaf, unable to get up or down, and his feet were full of burrs and jagged teeth.

It was also on this day, January [-]th, that the person responsible for delivering the letter to "Miss William" lost track of his master and had to deliver the letter to Miss Georgiana.Georgiana knew that her brother had gone to see Miss Lizzie, and besides, Miss Lizzie seldom wrote to her brother when she was not in Tauris. Georgiana thought about it for a while, fearing that she would miss important information, she opened her brother’s letter privately with shaking hands——read Immediately after the letter, Miss Georgiana took leave of her aunt, who was going to London...

The author has something to say: Shura Field, hold on, Mr. Darcy, you will be safe through this wave~

Note: Quoted from "Eat the 30th Box of Pineapple, Love Expires": "At first glance it looks like an artichoke, but more like a pine cone...it smells sweet and tastes like wine, rose water and sugar mixed together".

In addition, the British do have a pineapple plot. One of the most expensive fruits in the world is the British Lost Garden pineapple. The British are obviously not suitable for planting this tropical fruit, but they would rather spend huge sums of money to grow it.

Pineapples also contributed to the invention of Victorian greenhouses in England.

In addition, even now, the Queen of England has to put whole, unpeeled pineapples at the state banquet at Buckingham Palace, like a totem.