[Pride and Prejudice] Becoming Katherine Bennett

Not long after sending Mr. Gordon away, a third incident happened in the Bennett family.

This matter seems to be more important than the previous two.

At that time, Jane, Elizabeth and Catherine were chatting, and the maid knocked on the door of the house and delivered a letter, saying that it was sent by Nedelfield Manor.

Jian Wenyan was very happy, and there was a trace of tenderness and love in her eyes.Seeing her obvious happiness, Elizabeth and Catherine were also happy, smiling at each other.

But soon, they found that Jane's smile disappeared, and even her face changed drastically.Although she quickly controlled her expression, Elizabeth and Catherine, who had been watching her, would not think that they were dazzled at the same time.

They waited patiently until Jane put down the letter, and then asked, "Jane, what's the matter?"

There was a trace of worry on Jane's face. She held the letter and said hesitantly: "Caroline wrote to tell me that they have left Nedelfil and are now on their way to London."

Elizabeth didn't think much, thought it was "them", and didn't care much: "Oh, they're gone. Speaking of which, Jane, although you will have to become relatives with these two ladies in the future, I really think it's a good thing for them to leave." Good thing."

Catherine observed Jane's expression and felt that the key to the matter was not Miss Bingley's whereabouts: "Where is Mr. Bingley, has he gone too?"

"Gone, they're all gone," said Jane, "and Caroline said they wouldn't come back in the winter."

The news surprised Elizabeth.She took the letter, and as soon as she read the first few lines, she was very annoyed: Miss Bingley took the yin and yang of her speech to the extreme in the letter, the whole letter was showing off and mocking secretly, and she knew that Bennett The family's social status and economic situation, but they just say something that seems regretful, but actually mocking in disguise, such as it's a pity that Jane can't go to London to spend the winter.

What's more, Miss Bingley also spent a lot of time praising Mr. Darcy's sister Georgiana, saying that Mr. Bingley fell in love with her deeply. 2

Both of Mr. Darcy's parents have passed away, and Mr. Darcy has not yet married a wife. According to the current rules, Miss Darcy lives alone in London accompanied by her close servants and tutors.

Jane didn't want to show that she was disturbed by this letter and was disturbed, but she really couldn't do it. There was a rare displeasure on the innocent and kind face that was never sad.

Elizabeth comforted: "Jane, you should believe in Mr. Bingley's sincerity, and you should not be shaken just because of Miss Bingley's words. On the contrary, I think it is because she found that Mr. Bingley loves you very much, and she has nothing to do to stop her brother's love, so she will I deliberately used such words to misunderstand you." 3

"But why would she do that?" Jane was puzzled.She thought for the better of everyone and everything, but she couldn't quite figure out why Miss Bingley had.

Catherine said: "Maybe it's because she wants Mr. Bingley to find a noble family to increase her social status. From her attitude towards Mr. Darcy, it can be seen that Mr. Darcy is so indifferent and perfunctory to her. Come on, I've never seen a true love like this, and I can't think of any other reason than Mr Darcy's ten thousand pounds."

Jane didn't want to think badly of her friend: "Maybe Caroline really likes Mr. Darcy."

"Perhaps," Catherine said, "Anyway, I still hold the same opinion just now. Mr. Bingley's family is also a businessman, and the social status can be changed only because Mr. Bingley has received a gentleman's education and has just been accepted by the gentleman class. Their family doesn't even have their own manor. , letting her elder brother marry a noble lady will definitely be of great benefit to her."

Elizabeth was surprised: "Kitty, how do you know so much about Mr. Bingley's family? Where did you hear the news?"

"This is all my inference. In fact, I can tell from the behavior of Sister Bingley. She even said that Mr. Hurst lived on Grosvenor Street. If she had a distinguished status or noble relatives, she would have already Everyone knows about it. And she has always been proud of having received a private training class, but according to the conclusion I found out when I went to London to chat about the manuscript last time, the lady training class is for the daughters of wealthy businessmen. I have never heard of any noble lady participating."

Of course, Catherine asked these questions not to mock Miss Bingley for being so boring.After she realized that she was shouldering the burden of two people, she was eager to find a new way to make money, and see if she could use the knowledge and experience of later generations to make a fortune.

She didn't dare to do ordinary business, so she turned her brains to business specifically for women. Everyone knew that women made the best money, and doing women's business might not have too much impact on her reputation.

Unfortunately, the result disappointed her.The society still looks down on businessmen, and even this type is still in the category of "showing their faces". Women from the gentleman class will only make such bad decisions when they are really desperate and helpless.

If she doesn't show up and ask others to manage it, many things will be involved.Let alone whether she has the ability to control others so that she will not be deceived, and at the same time protect her reputation, she does not have the simple starting capital.Her small amount of money is only enough to solve the food and clothing problems, and the first pot of gold she wants to use for business is far from enough.

Catherine had no choice but to go home and continue to write down-to-earth, struggling from morning to night every day, and the candles in her room were used up faster than the sum of several sisters.

Catherine's analysis convinced Elizabeth.Since reading what she wrote, Catherine's image in Elizabeth's heart has grown a lot, and even her words have become more authoritative.

Elizabeth couldn't help thinking that when she and Catherine talked about Mr. Darcy before, Catherine's attitude was very negative every time.At that time, she still thought that Catherine was too pessimistic, but now she couldn't help feeling a little shaken, suspecting that Mr. Bingley might really be the city's swinger, just playing with Jane.

no, I can not.Elizabeth quickly denied this idea, saying to the two sisters: "In any case, Miss Bingley's thoughts cannot determine her brother's actions. We have all seen with our own eyes how Mr. Bingley treats Jane, and his feelings are not false."

Although Catherine wanted to refute "then why did he leave without saying goodbye", she saw Jane's sad and hopeful expression, and immediately echoed: "Yes, we don't have to believe in Miss Bingley's character, but We must trust Mr. Bingley's sincerity."

When Catherine spoke, although she felt a little uneasy inside, she still prayed secretly, hoping that she was just too pessimistic.In fact, sometimes she also hates her thorough calmness, and really hopes that she can become a confused silly white sweet, don't they say it's rare to be confused?As for those real thoughts that will hurt Jane, it's better not to mention them.

News of Mr. Bingley's departure spread quickly around the town of Meriton.Mrs. Bennet was very restless, and she communicated her anxiety to the whole family every day, asking Jane over and over if she had any news from Bingley when she would be back.

Jane can only shake her head every time.Mrs. Bennet sighed and complained even more plaintively, until the next time she asked Jane if she had any news, she would stop for a short moment.

When the Bennet family members left without saying goodbye because of Mr. Bingley, and their hearts were clouded, Charlotte and Mr. Collins suddenly announced their marriage, which completely ignited the anger in Mrs. Bennet's heart.

Compared with his previous proposal, Mr. Collins's success this time was surprisingly smooth.Just two days after he was rejected by Elizabeth, he finalized Charlotte as his lifelong love.

At Charlotte's request, he left the Bennett home without announcing the good news, but with a smug, "I have a big secret" expression waiting for someone to ask him.

It's a pity Mrs. Bennet didn't see it, and those who did didn't care.

The morning after his departure, Charlotte found Elizabeth alone, and told her that she had accepted Mr. Collins' marriage proposal.In the afternoon, Sir Lucas personally came to the door and publicly announced the good news.

Mrs. Bennet was very rude at the time, and almost immediately began to accuse the old Sir of lying.Fortunately, this gentleman is as amazing in tolerance as his future son-in-law.He listened to all Mrs. Bennet's insults without changing his face, and then took his leave politely. 4

After he left, Mrs. Bennet's words became even more unscrupulous, and every sentence was full of resentment and anger.She blamed Charlotte at first, but later blamed Elizabeth entirely, thinking that it was her mistake that caused the result.

Catherine saw that Elizabeth was being scolded every day, so she could only show her their gold after she finished the training, or give her a few more manuscripts.

"Mom is just worried that you will have a difficult life in the future," Catherine said on a positive note, "but she doesn't know that I have made a lot of money and will make more. The worst result is that neither of us Get married, find a small house to live together, face each other day and night. I figured out, with [-] pounds, I should be able to buy a small apartment with a good location in London. If I continue to write books, if I can save [-] pounds to buy national debt , the annual interest is enough for us to live on. To tell you the truth, Lizzie, I'm so socially apathetic right now, preferring to be alone, but I find that if you're the one I see every day, I look forward to it Yes. Of course, I sincerely hope that you can find a handsome and wealthy gentleman, and then I will add makeup to you."

"Kitty," Elizabeth was particularly moved, and her heart that had just been hit by Charlotte was instantly soothed. She couldn't help but take Catherine's hand, "I really want to apologize to you. I secretly thought you were stupid and frivolous before. , and claim to be smarter and wiser than you. In fact, you are the best of us sisters. I will not let you raise me, but you can say that, it makes me feel very happy."

"You're so nasty, let go, I'm going to get something." Catherine pulled her hand out uncomfortably, turned around and pretended to get a comb.

In fact, she felt very, very shy, and she couldn't bear it.

Regarding Charlotte's choice, Elizabeth really couldn't figure it out. She couldn't understand why the other party looked down on Collins when they were chatting, so she agreed to his marriage proposal instead.

Catherine persuaded: "Charlotte is not young. Considering her situation, Mr. Collins may not be the best choice, but she is the least bad choice. Although this is a bit sad, it is very practical."

For Charlotte, if she has been unable to marry, her brothers may not be able to support her much in the future based on the financial situation of Sir Lucas's family. Her best way out is to become a governess and educate her A lady from another family receives a salary of about twenty pounds a year.

"But is marriage just for having a room to live in and a meal to eat? With Charlotte's intelligence, she will not feel truly happy." Elizabeth said.

"But the choice is her own, Lizzie, how stupid Collins is, the whole of Meridon has seen it, and I think she's ready for it. We're not in her position and don't know what she's been through How can we judge her arbitrarily? The few of us have servants to serve and take care of us, and we still have more than ten pounds of pocket money every year, but Charlotte not only does housework at home, but several younger brothers will also dislike her. Mr Collins didn't rescue her from the abyss, but at least the pit will be shallower."

"You're right, but I still can't get over it," Elizabeth was devastated. "I don't think I can be friends with her anymore."

Catherine could understand her feelings.The development of this matter was just like the gossip she had read, fully confirming that fire prevention, theft and girlfriends should be prevented in any era.But this was a little different: Fortunately, Elizabeth did not like Mr. Collins at all.

"That's why I worked hard to write," Catherine tried to use this positive example to inspire her sister, "so that my marriage can be decided by my heart instead of being wronged for money."

After listening to these words, Elizabeth thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

As soon as Willard entered the gate of the mansion, he saw his brother, Earl Tracy Gordon, sitting in a velvet chair in the living room, reading a newspaper.

The butler came up to meet him, and Willard opened his arms, allowing him to take off his coat. When he wanted to help him with his hat, Willard raised his hand and refused.

"I happened to be passing by, so I came to see you. Weier said that you went out in the middle of the night, and I have nothing important to do today, so I will wait for you here." Earl Gordon said.

Tracy Gordon is a spirited middle-aged aristocrat.He is Willard's elder brother, 11 years older than his younger brother, and the two spent a period of time dependent on each other. To him, he is a real elder brother like a father.

However, although they are brothers with the same father and mother, their appearances are not alike. Tracy looks like the old Earl Gordon, with rough features and a stocky figure. Imposing, but far from pretty.

Willard was like their mother, with handsome facial features, and combined the most beautiful parts of his father's facial features—blue eyes, slender figure, and romantic temperament, so he was much more handsome than his brother.

The relationship between the two brothers is very good. In England, where the relationship between brothers and family is extremely indifferent because of property rights, they can be regarded as a model of brotherhood.

"Are you going...Willard, what are you taking, flowers?" Tracy was about to ask his brother why he went out in the middle of the night, but when he saw Willard gently take out a flower from the hat When you spend time, you immediately forget the previous topic.

"I picked it up when I saw it on the side of the road." Willard said in a nonchalant tone.

"Really? Didn't some lady give it to you?" Tracy didn't believe it.

"Of course not," Willard held out his hand to him with flowers, and said indifferently, "If you like it, I will give it to you."

"Then I'm sorry, it just so happens that Tina is currently researching how to use flowers to make desserts," Tracy ordered the servant, "Go and get the flowers."

The servant stepped forward obediently, and Willard shrugged without blinking.The servant walked up to him and raised his hand, but Willard still didn't take it seriously.

Seeing that the servant's fingers were about to touch the rose, Willard suddenly retracted his hand and held the rose tightly in his hand.

Tracy looked at him and let out a chuckle.

Willard said: "I think you must have something to do here, not a special trip to laugh at your poor brother."

"Oh, I wanted to tell you that Tina is going to hold a banquet for you, so you must attend."

"Another me and a dozen young ladies?"

Tina is Tracy's wife. She is warm, generous and kind-hearted. The main focus of her life in the past two years is to find a suitable wife for the 32-year-old Willard who has not yet married.

She held many banquets, salons and other activities for this purpose, and invited many unmarried ladies every time. The most exaggerated time was when Willard was called by her to say that she had something to run errands for him. The reason made him and the young ladies look at each other, and there were twelve young ladies at that time.

"Tina must be very happy that you remember this," Tracy said with a smile, "but I don't think she needs to hold a banquet, and if she does, she doesn't need to invite so many ladies."

Willard didn't answer his words, he called the manager and handed him the flowers: "I heard that the gypsies have a way to keep the flowers from fading."

Will bowed: "Please rest assured, sir."

He was about to take the flowers Willard took, but the other party didn't hand them to him directly, but pinched the top of the flower branch and motioned him to take the flowers: "Don't touch the petals."

After Will carefully squeezed the flowers and left, Willard walked to the sofa and lay down casually without manners: "It should have been like this a long time ago, I am dizzy from the mixed perfume smell every time."

"Which family is she from?" Tracy was delighted.

"Miss from which family?"

"Willard."

"Oh, okay, but I have to say that she is not a lady from someone's family, she is just an ordinary lady. I can understand your wish for me to get married and have children right away, but you really think too much."

Tracy was in high spirits: "You bring her to the next dance."

"Please give me a reason."

"Tina said she was bored and needed new friends. Maybe you want her to come and talk to you in person?" Tracy said calmly.

Thinking of that sister-in-law who was kind and passionate to him, Willard confirmed once again that only one person knows how to strike accurately if he is too familiar with you.

Facing Tracy, Willard showed another side that no one else would ever see. Like a big boy, he frowned slightly, and was rarely puzzled: "I'm not sure if she will come."

This statement made Earl Gordon very surprised. He never thought that there would be any young lady in the world who would not like his brother: "So you are unrequited love?"

Willard: "...No, I don't like her yet, and she doesn't like me either."

"Now?" Tracy felt that he had found the point, "Is that possible in the future?"

Willard refuses to speak to Tracy again.

However, when he fell asleep at night, Willard had a dream. In the dream, he was holding the hand of a lady, standing in the center of a resplendent banquet hall, with a dazzling crystal lamp above his head, surrounded by noisy crowds and eyes full of people. magnificent.

"Do you like this dance?"

Willard heard himself ask softly.

"I like it very much."

He heard her answer in a pretty voice.