[Pride and Prejudice] Second Marriage

Because she went out alone, Juliet, who went to the appointment without authorization, scanned the hall with her big eyes full of tears, and immediately became a vulnerable Juliet who suffered a blow, so the poor girl was in Miss Margaret Accompanied by the worried Mrs. Griffey, he went upstairs to rest.

Darcy, who was left behind, found helplessly that the mess he was forced to take over had not been cleaned up yet.Facing the focused eyes of the old and the young in the hall, Darcy narrated everything he knew with unprecedented patience. As for the "walking" time between him and Miss Stocker, he all attributed it to waiting for heaven. in the dark time.

After listening to the whole process, Julian raised his eyebrows and looked angry, almost to the point of unstoppable anger.Darcy noticed sensitively that he was even extremely guarded against himself, and kept asking for more details, which made him a little overwhelmed, as if he wanted to crush every word he said and analyze it carefully. And look like he was also one of the culprits who abducted his sister.

"Have you had dinner, sir?" Earl Wendell gently interrupted Julian's inquisition, "If you don't mind, please let me express my gratitude to you and invite you to dinner."

It was already past eight o'clock, and Darcy was already hungry, so naturally he would not refuse the earl's kindness. The patience he had honed during the court banquet during this period made him ignore Julian's somewhat hard-to-disguise hostility, and sat down calmly. At the dinner table, enjoying his well-earned share of late dinner.

In the bedroom upstairs, Donna brought a cup of hot cocoa to her young lady who was "weakly" lying on the bed, then retreated, and carefully closed the door for her.

Mrs. Griffey sat on the edge of her bed, watching her with undisguised concern.

And Miss Margaret found that her heart became softer with age, and she was less able to scold her severely like Juliet made mistakes when she was a child. Whenever she decided to educate her, Juliet always finds a trick against her.So she sat sternly in a high-backed chair by the bed and sulked.

"Thank you, Georgiana, thanks to you." Juliet raised her body from the pillow she was leaning on, and stretched out her free right hand to hold Mrs. Griffey's hand, "Actually, thinking about it now, I'm really a little scared .” Her hair was loose, her charming lips were pale, and she was indeed feeling a little out of sorts.

"I hope this lesson will make you more cautious in the future, Juliet." Miss Margaret said a little angrily, "The whole family is worried about you! You don't know how we have spent these few hours in fear , Mr. Earl even accidentally broke three teacups, his hands were shaking, and he couldn't control them at all! I've never seen him appear in front of everyone in such a pitiful state!"

Juliet blinked and swallowed the sour feeling, "I'm sorry..."

"What's the matter?" asked Mrs. Griffey.

Juliet, who has no virtue of keeping secrets from strangers, begins with what Eleanor Redding did and tells it all.During the listening process, Mrs. Griffey exclaimed from time to time.

"It's unbelievable," Miss Margaret concluded after Juliet finished speaking, "We don't need to talk about these family scandals or rumors. As for the character of Miss Redding, may God bless her to get retribution.... Need to remember that we have no further dealings with Mr. Carr, he was very frank - perhaps too frank, we can never know all about a man, but he did give us trouble - no Forgive the mistake." She bent down and kissed Juliet's forehead, "I believe you don't love Mr. Carl deeply, you cold girl, I only see regret in your eyes, not sadness, but I am very happy now. Thank you for that."

Juliet smiled wistfully.Her heart is not just regret.No matter what will happen in the future, at least the current Joyce Carr is a passionate and sincere person. She really likes his character and smile. If she left it in her previous life, she might ignore his "betrayal" caused by external factors , It's not because of how much love you have, but because you rarely meet a suitable person who can accommodate you.In fact, if Joyce was willing to wait patiently for Earl Wendell to change his mind, they might not have a chance. In the final analysis, Juliet’s own reasons accounted for most of the reasons—she was a selfish person who loved and cared for herself first.She would rather make a knife and two paragraphs from now on, even if it makes Joyce extremely sad, rather than give him guidance implicitly so as not to cause any troubles and bring troubles to her and the Stoke family.Or maybe it's just that I don't like it to the bottom of my heart, and I don't want to challenge the rules of the game in society.

Regardless, Joyce Carr is a thing of the past.On the third day after the incident, Juliet knew that Joyce Carr was engaged.The girl with whom he announced his engagement was none other than Eleanor Redding, the daughter of his mentor.

She glanced at the letter about inviting her to the banquet where they announced their engagement, and kept it close by.

Whether it was a simple invitation, provocative or ostentatious behind this post, penned by Miss Eleanor Redding himself, Juliet had no intention of pretending to be unhappy, and in fact, no matter what she thought, the invitation She had to be there, otherwise those people who were looking for clues would not know what kind of gossip they would make up. At that time, as an unmarried girl, she would only be more embarrassed.

The place where the engagement was announced was at the mansion of the Baron of Kent.Earl Wendell has become an old fox. He greeted the baron cheerfully. They are still old friends, and nothing seems to have happened.

Baron Kent didn't look much like Joyce. He was a short, fat man with slow speech and movements. It was a little perfunctory for Earl Wendell's blessing. Juliet, with a sad face, sighed.

Baron Kent lamented that he was old and lacked energy. He couldn't read or understand what his son was thinking. Neither the beautiful countess in front of him nor the betrothed protagonist upstairs who hadn't appeared yet was his favorite daughter-in-law. And the housewife of the ideal Karl family.The former is too refined, causing Joyce to use too much affection and lack of reason, and even forget about 20 years of education; Besides, she still has a not-so-old score with the Karl family that hasn't been settled.

But since Joyce proposed to marry Miss Eleanor Redding on the condition that he promised to devote himself to the manor and real estate of the Karl family after marriage, the Baron of Kent, who had fought with him for six or seven years, Still couldn't help being tempted.Although he didn't like Miss Eleanor Redding's behavior, as long as her shrewdness and calculations were used in the right place, it might not bring benefits to the Karl family—on the premise that he believed that Joyce could still control this woman.

As he was thinking this, the bride-to-be appeared at the end of the stairs.The scene was a little embarrassing because people found that the groom-to-be who was supposed to be waiting at the end of the stairs did not show up.And the bride-to-be herself doesn't seem to care.Miss Eleanor Redding walked down the stairs slowly in a lilac-colored gown. She had a smile on her face and a pearl hair crown on her head. She was warm and generous without any shyness. lady.

Baron Kent's complexion was not good, because the lady had already taken his arm very naturally, and greeted Juliet eagerly, "Miss Stocker, I haven't seen you for a long time since the last banquet!"

She caused Juliet to lose a future husband for no reason, and she almost fell into the rumor of ruining her reputation. Juliet couldn't bear it, and seeing her face where nothing happened, she lost her appetite , she retorted unwillingly, "It's not my fault, who made Miss Redding you stay in the boudoir for so long and didn't come out?"

Eleanor was still smiling, staring at Juliet with great attention, as if she was listening to her speech seriously, the curvature of her lips remained unchanged, as if she didn't hear any hidden meaning in it.She seemed to confirm what Juliet said, and warmly put her arms around her, asking her various questions.

Juliet made her look a little creepy, her eyes had been glued to her for a long time, very aggressive, the hidden meaning in the eyes made Juliet unable to see through at all.She seemed too happy today, Joyce Carr's disappearance didn't affect her, she smiled all the time, her movements were exaggerated, and her words were enthusiastic, so that Juliet felt that she was a little nervous.

This is the first time that Juliet has been entangled by a woman in a panic. She escaped from this woman who made her faintly afraid by dancing.

Earl Wendell was also a little surprised. In a corner with few people, he said to Baron Kent, "Given that we have been friends for many years, man, I don't want to get into trouble with you because of the children-even though what Mr. Carl did To make me very angry. But I have to remind you that Mr. Carl Jr. has entered into a marriage that I don't think is very ideal, and the girl is—probably not in the right state of mind."

Earl Wendell finished his speech, and walked away with a glass of wine with a slight pleasure of 'revenge', leaving Baron Kent frustrated and entangled.

Joyce Carr was found by the maid when most of the banquet was over. He claimed to have fallen asleep in the garden. Everyone looked at his misty eyes and the smell of alcohol that could not be concealed even after wearing perfume. "Empathetic" was the default.

When he walked to Miss Eleanor Redding's side in a casual manner, the originally happy temperament around her immediately changed into a gloomy and irritable one, which could not be concealed by the distorted smile on her face .

And then, Joyce Carr's behavior was even more shocking. He leaned down and kissed his fiancée's cheek extremely frivolously, and said something in a low voice.Eleanor Redding, who had been in high spirits all night, immediately ran upstairs crying and holding her skirt.

And Joyce Carr stared at her back for a while, then turned around and raised the wine glass in his hand and smiled at everyone.

When his eyes swept over Juliet in the crowd, there was nothing abnormal, as if she had been submerged in the crowd, with a blank face like the others.

Although most of the people present have or may soon have a marriage that seems to be divorced from reality, it is unique to express disharmony in front of everyone when they are engaged.What Joyce Carr did was tantamount to provocation, which made the atmosphere of the banquet a bit cold - it is conceivable that after today, there will be another gossip waiting for Carl's family.Baron Kent could hardly hold back the smile on his face, and wanted to drag this rebellious son into the study immediately to give him a lesson - but in fact, he couldn't do what he wanted.

Chapter 2ter 21

A few days later, Earl Wendell handed Juliet a letter at the dinner table early in the morning at the Stoke Mansion, "Dear Julie, your Aunt Amber hopes that you can take the time to visit her."

"Oh! Of course I will go to see her!" The silver fork in Juliet's hand made an uncontrollable screeching sound on the plate, she simply dropped the uncut pie, took the letter and skimmed through it , raised his head cautiously and asked, "...does Aunt Amber know anything?"

"You know," Earl Wendell cleared his throat a little uncomfortably, "We spoil you too much, but fortunately there is another person who can self-control certain emotions and give you helpful guidance...cough cough... …I therefore take the very liberty of writing to ask Mrs. Amber for a little help."

Hearing this, Juliet lowered her head feebly and took a sip of milk sullenly, like a poor rabbit in desperate need of comfort.

Julian was not stable enough, and was immediately confused. He said to Earl Wendell somewhat defensively, "Juliet has deeply reflected on what she has done. London is so bustling and lively, but she, a young girl, has been She stayed at home and didn't go out! Besides, her behavior was also out of her good intentions, and the only fault was that she didn't know people clearly. "

Earl Wendell was afraid that he would not be able to handle it anymore. When the situation came to an end, he regretted his words. He quickly got up from the dinner table and changed the subject, "I'm going out today, oh, Julie, what do you need?" Before she could speak, He immediately answered himself, "In short, it's something young girls love!" He waved his hands with a clear look, and walked away with wind on his feet.

"Forget it!" Looking at Julian, who seemed to be racking his brains to comfort her, Juliet waved his hand, "Even if Dad doesn't write that letter, Aunt Amber can't help it! Because there is no airtight Even if Aunt Amber is not at the party, it will be said that in her salon her ears will not miss a thing!"

Lady Amble - her full name is the Duchess of Amble Symmington, she is eight years older than the late Mrs Stoke, has no children of her own, and has always regarded her sister's two children as her own, perhaps young Widowed, because she became a widow early, she pays more attention to etiquette and education than others.It can be said that Juliet's femininity that perfectly fools all "outsiders" is entirely due to Mrs. Amber's ten-year teaching.

Since Mrs. Amber lost her husband when she was in Huaxin, she has never attended any banquets, but her status is still important in the upper class because of her character and self-cultivation. No one will pay attention to her after she passes At the age of her face, she held her own salon, which was well received by ladies with children—in Juliet's view, it was actually just a disguised blind date meeting with soft lights and an elegant atmosphere.At Aunt Amber's salon, no matter which gifted scholar's poetry she recommends or which girl's embroidery she discusses, Juliet finds that they always have one thing in common—they are both at a good age to find marriage.

Tonight was one such night.Before the guests arrived, Juliet sat on the sofa with a slight sideways posture, taking the time to accept Mrs. Amber's final scrutiny.

"Julie, you are a talented girl, anyone can't help but take a second look." Mrs. Amber stretched out her hand and picked her chin slightly, indicating that she should not close her chin too much. "Of course, the premise is that, Your morals and self-cultivation can also match your appearance and background—oh, that’s right, although the girl’s family can’t be too proud or too reserved—you did a good job in the face of those slanders before, Don't pay attention to people's sly eyes, but I want to tell you that the smartest lady will not be involved in such a terrible rumor for no reason and then just pretend that nothing happened-that's too passive, you still have a lot to lack ——If your face is more peaceful and natural, you are too stiff."

Anyone who is closely scrutinized by her dark gray eyes and touched by her soft hands will feel so nervous that his face will become stiff.Juliet cursed secretly, but hurriedly adjusted her expression. At this moment, she heard the sound of a carriage coming from outside the villa.

"The guests are here," said Mrs. Amber. She did not rush to the porch to meet her guests, but quietly watched Juliet stand up from the sofa in a graceful and generous posture, and then He nodded slightly to express his satisfaction.

The first guests to visit were a mother and daughter. The mother and the daughter were very similar in appearance, with fair skin and a shy and happy flush on their faces. After they had said hello to Mrs. Amber, they turned to Juliet.

"Miss Juliet," Mrs. Currel said briskly, "it has been several months since I last saw you at the salon! This is my daughter Ira, Ira Currell."

The girl behind her gave Juliet a soft and shy smile.

Juliet realizes that this mother and daughter are exactly the type that Aunt Amber would like to admire-innocence and tenderness.Perhaps Ms. Ira Korrell is the heroine of today's salon, so she greeted them with a little eagerness.

"Ms. Amber," Mrs. Currell said shyly, "Ila brought her paintings according to your order, but they are actually not very good..."

"You are too modest, Jasmine, Ira is a talented girl." Mrs. Amber's dark gray eyes showed a little smile.She is over 50 years old. At this age, it is impossible to describe her as beautiful or not, but no one will say she is not beautiful.Her conversation is elegant and kind, but there is a touch of arrogance in the subtleties, and people often feel that convincing her words is a correct choice.

As expected, Mrs. Corell became more confident because of this. She glanced at Ira happily, and then asked the maid to bring in the framed oil painting on the carriage outside the door.

"Hang it up there," ordered Mrs. Amber, pointing to a blank wall visible as soon as she entered--there used to be a picture of the Madonna, which had been taken down earlier in the day--"let us Today's guests are so careful to appreciate it."

Ira’s fair face was flushed with excitement, and she looked up halfway to see her painting being hung on the wall above the fireplace—a place where people can see it as soon as they enter the living room, and suddenly felt that it was on the wall. A strange beauty.

"It probably took you a lot of time and energy. The sparkling lake, the rolling mountains, and the colorful valleys full of flowers, the line of sight seems to be able to see endless places with your picture... Standing beside her, Juliet said with great admiration, "You really like the scenery in the painting, don't you? I saw that you even painted a small flower on the grass with great passion."

"Oh, yes." Ira replied softly, "I started drawing it last May." She looked at Juliet, pursed her lips and smiled softly, "Listen to Mrs. Amber , you also like to draw?"

"It's just a necessary course for a lady." Juliet shook her hand lightly, thinking that her simple level was not worth mentioning in front of a "magnificent work" like Ira.

"Me too, it's just me smearing it..." Ira explained nervously.

Juliet smiled slightly, feeling that she was a little too shy or too cautious, "You draw very sincerely, very beautiful, and very charming."

Ira seemed even more uncomfortable, and flinched slightly.

So Juliet also felt a little embarrassed, wondering if it was because her direct praise made this delicate guest too shy, but fortunately, at this time, the guests came one after another.

Among these guests, to Juliet's surprise, she saw an acquaintance.Mr. Darcy stood behind a group of people looking up at the painting with his hands behind his back, and he didn't whisper like others. His tall and lonely back looked very serious.

"You recognize it, don't you, Mr. Darcy?" After greeting several guests, Juliet walked behind him and asked suddenly when she saw that he had no response.

"Oh, Miss Stocker," Mr. Darcy nodded to Juliet very reservedly, as if he had just recovered from his contemplation.It was probably because he was full of wine and food in London that he was more energetic, his skin was no longer dry and pale, and the slight luster made his face look more radiant.

"It seems that you are not surprised to see me? I am very surprised that you will appear in such a salon." Juliet said jokingly. In fact, when she saw Darcy appearing in the salon, she had a faint idea in her heart.

"When I know the identity of the Duchess, I guess I might see you here." Darcy said calmly, his gaze was drawn from the oil painting, and he praised honestly, "This painting is very attractive. " He paused, and continued, "Although I have received the invitation from the Duchess and have admired her name for a long time, to a large extent, I heard her repeatedly emphasize that I will appreciate a painting that moved me very much in the salon. Will come, does it have any special meaning so that I can't set foot here?"

"Of course not," Juliet denied immediately, but the narrow smile in her eyes didn't mean it. "It's your Derbyshire, Mr. Darcy! Someone loves it, so paint it with enthusiasm, don't you?" Feeling very kind?" She seemed to be very interested in his answer, she turned her head slightly, and looked at him with her blue eyes a little wide, reminding Darcy of the naughty urchin in the choir.

Darcy faintly felt that he had a headache again, "It's just a painting." He didn't want to make Juliet look proud, and said in a cold and steady tone, "If I want, I can see enough of the real Derbyshire .”

"That's right." Juliet seemed a little dissatisfied with his answer and looked a little disappointed.

"Mr. Darcy, I'm glad you're here." Mrs. Amber approached Darcy kindly when she saw Darcy not far away, and extended her hand to him. "What do you think of this painting?" Mrs. Rael and the author of the painting, Ira Currer.

After experiencing Juliet's questioning, Darcy vigilantly felt that the meaning of Mrs. Amber's words suddenly became more meaningful. He couldn't help but glance at Juliet before solemnly saying, "The painting skills are good, and the feelings are also very commendable."

When Juliet heard the words, she immediately smiled, and quickly glanced at Ira Currel, whose beautiful cheeks became redder after hearing Darcy's words.It's just that when she looked away, she met Mrs. Amber's slightly puzzled eyes.

Mrs. Amber felt that her arrangement was just right. As long as the young man in front of her was interested in the painting, she could formally introduce the author of the painting. But what puzzled her was why the young man looked at the painting before and after answering the question. A glance at Juliet?And why did he frown his graceful eyebrows?

But seeing Juliet's questioning eyes, Mrs. Amber felt that she might be thinking too much.