[Pride and Prejudice] Stupid life in the 18th century

A few days after the ball, on Wednesday afternoon, the Bennett family received Bentley Darcy and his party.The three gentlemen entered the study with Mr. Bennet, accompanied by Westminster.As the son-in-law-to-be, he obviously regards this as his own home. There are not only his lovely little fiancée, but also Mr. Bennett like his father and Mrs. Bennett like his mother.His words and deeds also let the guests confirm that he has an unusual relationship with the Bennett family. Although it is not true after some introductions, this prospective son-in-law really does not treat himself as an outsider.

For the three guests, the greatest benefit from this visit is Mr. Bennett's information and opinions.Mr. Bennett also attaches great importance to information, and the newspapers in the study and living room are all the same day.

After the end of the Indian War and the redistribution of interests, Britain intensified its efforts to develop industry. As the landlord class, these three guests never thought deeply about it, and still held the idea that land is wealth. The investment is still in a relatively conservative range.

Obviously, there is a gap between Mr. Bennett and their class. He was also a small landlord before, but now he is a new capitalist and a new nobleman.Mr. Bennett can understand the ideas of the landlords, and at the same time, he can clearly talk to them about the reasons and inner meaning of the policy.

The gentlemen chatted happily, and Caroline and Mrs. Hurst were a little taken aback when they entered the Bennett's drawing room.Because the villa has been remodeled and expanded, although it looks good from the outside at first glance, there are still some differences when you look closely.The interior is different, the pillow tablecloth that can be seen at hand, the exquisite embroidery on it is very valuable at first glance, the material of the fabric is vague and has luster and flow patterns, and the tentacles are also soft and comfortable, more delicate than the best cotton cloth.

Because it was just a casual reception, the girls in the Bennett family only wore half-new skirts, but there was nothing wrong with their style and material even if they were worn on the street.The room was lit with essential oil aromatherapy, filled with the smell of sweet orange, which made people feel unnaturally relaxed and happy. Caroline's back was no longer so stiff, and she sat down in a good manner, leaning on the beautiful and soft pillow, I couldn't have been more comfortable.

"Every time Dad has a visitor, he can't come out of the study for an hour. Do you have anything to play?" Elizabeth took the tray that Mrs. Aphra brought in. On it was a large fruit salad and a jug lemonade.

"Eat some fruit first, and go to the greenhouse later, Dad and the others are almost finished talking."

The Bentley sisters were even more surprised when they saw that the tea sets, cups and plates were all made of high-grade ceramics.Porcelain cups are not uncommon, but this kind of oriental ceramics is used in such a big way, which shows the financial resources.

Lydia took out the chessboard and arranged the pieces one by one, her face full of expectations and invitations. "Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, can you play checkers?"

Mrs. Hurst looked at the cute and sparkling little glass balls, and her interest immediately came up. "This little bead is so beautiful. What kind of chess is checkers? Is it difficult?"

"It's just made for us when my uncle went to Venice. Checkers is very simple, I'll teach you." Lydia happily sat down with Mrs. Hesto on the small table by the bed, Catherine Also followed the past for fun.

Although she was also quite concerned about the crystal beads, Caroline still carried them a little more than her sister, that is, she couldn't help but take a few glances.

Elizabeth saw in her eyes that this girl was still a little cute.In order not to let Caroline feel left out, Jane and Elizabeth sat on either side of her, one with the latest dress pattern album on her knees, and the other holding a lace pattern album; they discussed with her softly with.

Caroline is dazzled now, judging from the date on the cover, it is the latest album of Afternoon Salon.This issue incorporates oriental elements. The shawls are all long silk, which can be used as a scarf and tied with a big knot on the neck; it can also be directly draped over the bare shoulders and arms to block the wind and sun, and it is more of a decoration. , adding an ethereal lightness.

Because of Caroline's somewhat reserved temperament, she has never been to a salon so far, even though her heart is itchy. "These are the best things in the afternoon salon. I don't know if it's the work of that lady. What an ingenuity. It's a pity that these dresses are not directly made to order."

"The cost of custom-made is high, and the quantity is not large. If you really like Caroline, you can go to the salon and ask the store manager to make an appointment with other ladies and wives."

"Actually, I want to go too, but the female workers who come and go on the first floor are really vulgar." Although Caroline complained, she really couldn't put it down for these two booklets.

I turned my head and looked at the lace brochure, which contained detailed diagrams of weaving techniques, which were much more accessible than skirts.The eyes are even more busy, but I also know that such fresh things are not often found in ordinary people, and it took a little effort to get them.

After the ladies went to the conservatory for a while, the gentlemen finally came out of the study.The three gentlemen treated Mr. Bennet with noticeably more respect.

The guests of honor sat in the living room and gathered together. Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Aphra brought delicious snacks. For the Bingley group who did not regard lunch as a serious meal, this sumptuousness was comparable to lunch .At this point in time, I was really hungry.Sweet apple pie and berry biscuits, as well as salty shrimp balls and potato cakes; drinks include coffee and hot cocoa.

This delicacy is estimated to make the Bingley brothers and sisters and Darcy think about it for a while.Westminster naturally served his fiancée and her sisters attentively, but he didn't want his actions to be completely like the master's.Seeing the sparkling rings on his and Catherine's hands, Caroline felt envious and jealous. The handsome man in front of her was not only a nobleman, but also well-off.

It was an extremely pleasant afternoon to eat delicious food and chat with each other occasionally.At this moment, Darcy strengthened his determination to pursue Jane. She was not only gentle and charming, but also had such a wise parent, and she was considered a good match. Perhaps it should be said that he was a bit high-flying.And Bingley also has a good impression of the ladies of the Bennett family. They are plump and not obese, have natural and amiable expressions, fair skin, and bright eyes. Moreover, they grew up with these delicacies, and they will definitely be good wives in the future!

For Bentley, this place is quite special, and it must be the second lady of the Bennett family.Although they sat together and communicated with each other, she did not pretend to be self-righteous and wanted to attract attention like his family, Caroline, and made pretentious and out-of-the-ordinary actions.

There is really a comparison to discover.

Occasionally, Westminster asked Elizabeth, even if it was some news and current events, she could always say something, really worthy of Mr. Bennett's daughter.Moreover, she is very friendly to her sisters. Seeing that everyone's topic was gradually ending, she suggested that the little sister who was sitting on the side, who was a little bored, read the newspaper to everyone.

But if you want to say that this young lady is too mature, she is not. Elizabeth's expression is focused when she talks, and her smile is even more charming and lovely.If Jane is the best listener, then Elizabeth must really understand the occasional men's talk about politics and industry.

The youngest, Lydia, read a novel serialized in a newspaper, and everyone discussed it.Caroline played the piano for everyone, thinking it would attract the attention of Darcy and Westminster.As a result, both Westminster and his brother directly invited the Bennett sisters to dance.And Darcy sat beside Jane and talked in a low voice, completely ignoring her.In vain, Caroline's enthusiasm created a beautiful background music for everyone.

As time was getting late, Mr. Bennett invited the guests to go for a walk outdoors. Darcy naturally put his arms in front of Jane, and Elizabeth and Lydia stayed to prepare dinner with Mrs. Aphra.

Outdoors at three or four o'clock, the sun is warm but not scorching.

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It was a day for the guests and the host to have a good time. Afterwards, these guests will never forget the delicious food of Bennett's house, but the invitations cannot be too frequent.

"Darcy, you and Miss Jane are so close." Bingley was obviously in a good mood and spoke actively.

There was no need for Darcy to answer, and Bingley happily continued. "Miss Jane is indeed beautiful and generous, but I would say that Miss Elizabeth is more charming. I thought she was very special at the ball last time, but the daughters of the Bennett family are very lovely."

Caroline couldn't be more unhappy when she heard that, and hummed softly, unladylike. "That's useless. The Bennett family has no sons. Afterwards, the girls will be separated when they marry far away." That's right, so what if you have the title of baronet.

"Caroline, you are thinking wrong. The young son of the Bennett family is in Stratford Town, which is close to Oxford Town. I heard that it is the request of the governess."

Darcy also nodded, "The Bennett family really attaches great importance to the education of their heirs, and he must be a young man worth looking forward to."

Caroline immediately felt bored, pouted and took Louisa to talk about their topic.

"The Miss Bennetts are all good ladies, but Miss Elizabeth, I don't think they might be suitable for you." Darcy frowned, but didn't reveal anything about the topic between himself and Miss Jane.He also didn't feel at all that he was pursuing Miss Jian, but it was immoral to speak ill of her sister behind her back.

"No, I think Miss Elizabeth is not only beautiful but also talkative."

"It's just too talkative, right? Ordinary ladies don't understand this, and these political and industrial issues, how can ladies understand?"

"Darcy, are you thinking too much? Maybe it's just the extensive knowledge caused by the family environment."

"Then you should pay attention to the difference between this girl and her sisters." Darcy no longer entangled with this topic, and if he continued to entangle, it would be to speak ill of her. He is just stating the facts now, and let Bentley himself Go find out!That strong lady was really unflattering, and he didn't want Bentley to suffer from her for the rest of his life.