[Sense and Sensibility] Fascinated by you

The next day Elena discovered the abnormality of the two brothers and sisters. Although they neither quarreled nor ignored each other, there was always a kind of tacit and inexplicable fit that Elena envied when they stood together on weekdays. Knowing that they were brother and sister made her jealous, which was something she and Philip had always lacked.

The awkward atmosphere between the two of them during the breakfast made little Hannah aware of it and became obedient. After the meal, Philip announced to Elena and the housekeeper that Hathaway was feeling unwell on the way here, and she was not allowed to go out recently, even if she went out, she would definitely Someone has to follow.The atmosphere became even weirder now, everyone looked at Hathaway overtly or secretly, while she wrote the menu as if nothing had happened.

As soon as Philip left the room, Elena chased after him to ask the reason for this incident. She was smart and quickly thought of Colonel Brandon who came to visit yesterday. After all, Philip's rude behavior yesterday was still called the She was surprised, and she asked sharply: "Could it be Colonel Brandon? He and you...?"

It would be much happier if Hathaway couldn't see her probing eyes, but it's a pity that she couldn't turn a blind eye to it, and the awkwardness with Philip early in the morning made her unwilling to deal with Elena's questioning, "No, it has nothing to do with him , I really don't feel well, I think I need to go back to my room to rest." She smiled apologetically at Elena and went back to her room.

The next two weeks were extremely sad, during which Colonel Brandon paid a visit once, but Hathaway failed to see him, because Elena said that it was inconvenient to receive guests because of the preparations for the banquet. He sent him out, and even the bunch of blue cornflowers he brought couldn't enter Hathaway's room.

Hathaway stood melancholy at the window on the third floor and watched the colonel's tall and straight figure slowly walk out of the garden of Butler's house. He stood at the door for a long time before boarding the carriage in disappointment.

Hathaway was under the control of an anxious mood, and this feeling became more obvious after the colonel came.She could neither see him nor send him a note to tell him how she was, she had never found it so uncomfortable to be at home, and even being able to keep busy with the dance seemed to her It has become a kind of pastime, she almost wants to deal with those affairs 24 hours a day.

Elena is also happy to have help with these matters. She has become more and more sure that something happened between Hathaway and Colonel Brandon. She can be sure because of Colonel Brandon's inadvertent words when he came. Sitting silently in the reception room, Eileen certainly wanted to find something to talk about, but unfortunately the guest didn't seem to be in the mood at all, even though he was sitting on the chair, he was always ready She would never mistake the way she got up, until she saw that she meant to see off the guests, the gentleman asked about Hathaway's recent situation, and she immediately realized that this was the reason why Philip told her not to entertain guests before the ball.

She resolutely sent the colonel out in person, and after thinking about it carefully after returning, she understood Philip's thoughts. He had always doted on Hathaway, so how could he be willing to marry her to a person of his age?Although she didn't say it, she felt jealous. Hathaway's dowry was 3000 pounds, of which [-] pounds were prepared by the old Mr. Butler, but the rest was added by Philip over the years. Yes, not to mention there are two Zhuangzi with an annual output of [-] pounds. It can be said that even if Hathaway married a poor man, she could still live a decent life.Philip didn't do his best to his daughter, so how could she not be jealous?

She thought that Colonel Brandon might be a good choice. Although he was older, he was at least a decent gentleman, wasn't he?One must know that with Hathaway's body, one would be lucky to have a gentleman willing to marry her, so there is nothing to be picky about.With that in mind, she will not comment on the matter.

Things turned around five days before Christmas when Elena complained that her shawl didn't quite match her new gown, and in fact Hathaway felt it was because she was locked up with her during this time. Feeling bored at home, Hathaway immediately said that she also lacked a few new pieces of jewelry.As a result, the two hit it off and decided to visit the clothing store on St. James Street.

The two went back to their rooms and changed their clothes. Hathaway also brought Mrs. Tomina and the maid Abby along. This kind of witty behavior made Elena very satisfied.

St. James Street is one of the famous gentleman's districts in London, with good law and order. There are all kinds of clothing, jewelry, teahouses and restaurants along the street.Some of them are frequented by Elena, and the shop owner warmly greeted Mrs. Butler immediately when she saw Mrs. Butler. Unfortunately, there are too many people in the Christmas shop. Elena is not in the mood to be with such a crowded place. I have not visited the store for two weeks, and there are many new tricks on the store, and there are not a few ladies who are familiar with the store. Several people gathered together to comment on this silk scarf and chat about that belt. Almost.

Hathaway had already handed over to Abby in advance, so she only brought Mrs. Tomina. She picked out a shell embossed pendant, inlaid with natural pearls and diamonds, and a gorgeous diamond brooch. , shining in the sunlight, and a palm-sized agate enamel jewelry box.She didn't care to choose carefully, so she took a few things at random and went to the side to tell Elena that she had already chosen, and she might not be able to breathe if she stayed here for a second, so she went to a teahouse next to her to wait for her.

Elena motioned to the ladies next to her, and walked aside to take a closer look at Hathaway. She really didn't look well, with a pale face and difficulty breathing. Elena complained in a low voice, There are too many, do these women have to go shopping before Christmas, and then let Hathaway go to find a rest first, and go to her after she finishes picking things.

Hathaway immediately left the shop as if she had received amnesty, and took Mrs. Tomina into a nearby tea house called Anisa. Fortunately, it was still early and there were not many customers in the shop. Sitting at the corner of the window, surrounded by some green baffles, it looks quite secluded.

Mrs. Tomina looked at Hathaway with some concern. The crowd in the store just now really made her a little uncomfortable. She comforted Mrs. Tomina, ordered milk tea and black tea, and a few small snacks.She managed to calm down her anxiety, but she couldn't help staring at the door.

When the tea was served, the person she was waiting for finally appeared at the door. Colonel Brandon was in a hurry, and his clothes could barely be called neat. After entering the teahouse, he looked left and right and walked straight towards Hathaway. .

Mrs. Tomina thoughtfully went to another table and sat down, leaving room for two people.

After Colonel Brandon took his seat, he took off his coat first. It could be seen that the shirt he was wearing underneath was wet with sweat. He smiled and took the handkerchief Hathaway handed over to wipe the sweat on his forehead. , explained a few sentences, "I came here in a hurry when I received the letter from Abby. The distance is not too far, and I couldn't wait for the porter to put on the carriage, so I ran over. The driver will send Abby over when I get off."

Hathaway smiled and poured a cup of strong black tea for the colonel, and put some lemon in it, she knew this was the colonel's tea drinking habit.She first poured milk into her teacup, then poured black tea, and finally used tweezers to hold 2 pieces of sugar into it and stirred slowly.

Colonel Brandon looked at Hathaway serving tea for the two of them dignifiedly and gracefully. The hand holding the pot was as white as jade, with slender and slender fingers, which matched the blue and white porcelain teapot. Under the sun, the eyelashes almost turned golden and half covered the water eyes, and there was a sweet smile on the lips, which looked as peaceful and beautiful as a picture of a lady drawn by an artist.

The colonel picked up the cup and took a sip of tea to calm down, "I visited the house last time, but I didn't see you. Your brother... Has things gotten extremely bad?"

"I don't think it's as bad as you think. He just forbids me to go out and deliver letters. He doesn't forbid me to do other things."

The colonel took another sip of tea and felt that things were not as good as she said. In his opinion, this was already extremely bad. In the past, his cousin was treated like this, losing her freedom, not allowing communication and entertainment, he was worried Looking at Hathaway anxiously, she worried that she couldn't bear such a life. "Then you sneaked out today?"

"No, it's not sneaking away. I came out with Elena, and went to a store in St. James Street to pick out some jewelry for the ball or something. But it was so crowded that I couldn't breathe. I'm angry, so I came out to have a cup of tea and take a break, Mrs. Tomina and Abby are with me." As she spoke, she gestured to Mrs. Tomina, who had been paying attention to this side.She turned her head to look at the colonel and continued: "Of course, if you happen to meet someone you know in the teahouse, it would be natural to invite him to sit down and have a cup of tea."

The colonel smiled lowly, feeling a little more relaxed in his heart, and was proud of Hathaway's intelligence and optimism, but he quickly restrained his smile, "Then why are you so anxious to see me?"

Hathaway lowered her head to think about something, and the colonel's heart rose again, worried that she would say something he didn't want to hear.

"Actually, I talked to Philip the night you came to visit." Hathaway's expression became serious.

"You quarreled with him?" The colonel frowned. He didn't want her to quarrel with Philip for him.

"Yes." Hathaway nodded, "It didn't go well at first, but later, he agreed to observe it before making a plan." She lowered her head and took a sip of the milk tea. She was very satisfied with the round and mellow taste. Relaxed, "So you don't have to worry too much, Philip has always kept his word, and I believe he can make a fair decision."

"I hope so. Then why didn't he let you go out?"

Hathaway's expression became strange, and she blinked, "I think, um...maybe, it's because I'm angry with me? It's okay, I believe it will be fine after the dance, he won't lock me up Too long."

The Colonel probably understood her meaning, and seemed to be grounded for annoying Philip.

Hathaway looked up at the clock in the store, thinking that Elena might have almost finished picking things, "So, you will come on the day of the dance, right?"

After drinking the last sip of tea, the colonel replied with certainty: "Of course, I will definitely be there. Then, I think the time is almost up, and I should go."

The two looked at each other affectionately for a while before Colonel Brandon had to get up and leave. After all, letting Philip know at this time that a private meeting between the two might make the situation worse.

Abby had just driven over in the Brandon family's carriage, and Hathaway watched the colonel leave in the carriage, feeling as if a big stone fell to the ground in her heart, and her restless emotions were far away from her.

After a while, Elena also rushed in, and the two enjoyed a leisurely afternoon tea in the teahouse before returning to Mayfair by car.