I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

In the afternoon, Pei Xiang went to Elinor's room and found that she was sorting out the daily accounts of the mother and daughter.

"Elinor, do we have enough money?"

"At present, there is no problem with basic necessities of life. Although Fanny politely asked for food expenses, to be honest, living in Nolan Manor is indeed a lot more convenient for us."

Pei Xiang nodded, and sat down diagonally across from Elinor. The room was a bit stuffy, and she opened the folding fan in her hand to fan the wind gently.

Elinor looked at Pei Xiang's delicate skin like porcelain and his increasingly bright and charming facial features, and praised with some envy:

"Marianne, you've been looking more and more beautiful lately. I daresay you'd turn up a row of boys if you showed up at a ball in London."

Pei Xiang raised his eyebrows slightly: "Unfortunately, when the boys in that row learn that I only have a dowry of one thousand pounds, they will quickly wake up."

"Don't be so pessimistic, Marianne," Elinor held Pei Xiang's hand, "I believe that some young gentlemen value the appearance and talent of their future wives more."

Pei Xiang rolled his eyes, and pretended to be deep and said: "In terms of my life experience, I have never seen such a smart and cute young man."

Elinor smiled; "Marian, based on your life experience at the age of 16 and a half, it's normal not to have seen such young people."

"No, the young people we come into contact with may be the epitome of unmarried gentlemen in England. They are willing to compliment my beauty and listen to my singing and piano. They do love girls with good looks, but But when they were talking about marriage, they disappeared without a trace."

Elinor noticed the seriousness in her sister's tone and her negative attitude towards marriage, and felt that she had to say something.

"Marianne, let's talk about our new acquaintance, Mr. Edward Ferrars. After talking to him a few times, I can feel that he has a great interest in money and fame. I believe that if Mr. Ferrars intends to marry a wife, besides the necessary property, he will pay more attention to the spiritual harmony between the husband and wife, and pay more attention to the wife's aesthetic taste and conduct in the world. Not just looking at young girls' dowries and prominent relatives."

"It sounds like..." Pei Xiang looked at Elinor's expression, "You have a high opinion of Mr. Ferrars. But, haven't you only known each other for a few days?"

Elinor smiled lightly: "Through a few sincere conversations, it is easy to understand a person's true character."

Pei Xiang changed his sitting position, his upper body leaned forward slightly, his eyes were charming and shining like stars:

"Eleanor, do you have a crush on that Edward Ferrars?"

Elinor was not in a hurry to deny her sister's conjecture. After thinking about it for a while, she slowly said:

"It's too early to talk about 'favorable feelings' and the like. I just have a good impression of Mr. Ferrars. I don't think he is the kind of young man who likes to talk, or is hypocritical and cunning."

"Oh, Elinor, of course I know this," Pei Xiang said quickly, "You have always been rational and calm, how could you have deep feelings for a man you just met for a few days. I want to ask, if possible, would you Would you fall in love with Mr. Ferrars, er, or a gentleman like Mr. Ferrars?"

When the sisters talked heart-to-heart, Elinor was always unwilling to hide her true thoughts too much. She followed Pei Xiang's words and thought about it carefully, and then replied with some uncertainty:

"I will definitely value such a young man, and even love him, just as I love my brother and friend. But... If I want to add some deeper feelings, I have to see the other party's reaction. If the other party doesn't mean it , Well, I mean all kinds of hints, I will not take the initiative to take that step. Only when I feel the sincere love from the other party, will I consider a longer-term and more intimate relationship. "

Pei Xiang blinked, she believed that this was what Elinor was thinking.

In the original book, although Edward Ferrars has never explicitly stated his friendship with Elinor, his every move shows that he loves her and appreciates her.

Elinor is sensitive and intelligent, with rich inner feelings, and naturally she will not ignore the favor of a young gentleman.

Therefore, this unspoken love encouraged Elinor and gradually opened her heart.

——She originally thought that they were in love with each other, but the marriage contract was not confirmed because of Edward's family and property issues...

Thinking of the twists and turns of the story, Pei Xiang's eyes were like deep pools. She got up and walked around the room before asking, shaking her fan:

"Elinor, do you know the status of Mr. Ferrars' property?"

"I have heard from Fanny that Mr. Ferrars's personal fortunes are very modest. He has only two thousand pounds. But his future fortunes will be considerable, because Mrs. Ferrars has a large fortune and he has a lot of money. Mrs. Ferrars' eldest son."

"So, if this Mr. Ferrars wants to live a decent life, it depends entirely on Mrs. Ferrars' will? I have heard that he has a younger brother who is very popular with Mrs. Ferrars. .”

Elinor gave Pei Xiang a strange look, and asked puzzledly, "Marian, what are you asking for?"

"I'm just curious, since Mr. Ferrars is so...not independent, why doesn't he find something to do as soon as possible? You praised him as a wise gentleman, so he shouldn't be wasting his time like this, doing nothing every day What's the difference between that and those flashy kids in London?"

"Marian, to be fair, we discussed this topic at the dinner party that day. It was not that Mr. Ferrars didn't want to go out to do things, but because he didn't like Mrs. Ferrars' arrangement. The mother and son had opposing opinions, so it was delayed. .”

Pei Xiang clapped his hands and raised his voice slightly:

"This is where I am puzzled. You see, Elinor, this Mr. Ferrars is dependent on his mother's property, and he is very disgusted with his mother's arrangements for his future. The contradiction has arisen. Let us start from Fan From Ni's character and a few words, it can be inferred that Mrs. Ferrars must be a woman with a strong character, so she will not compromise easily. Then, why doesn't Mr. Ferrars do more when he is in a subordinate position? Work hard, let yourself get rid of this controlled and arranged fate as soon as possible?"

"I think," Elinor said with some hesitation, "Mr. Ferrars is indeed a bit more shy. He is probably more easily influenced by his family and friends. Moreover, if he goes out to find something to do, it is not suitable for him." Mrs. Ferrars' expectations, and that lady is likely to mess up his errand."

Pei Xiang sneered unceremoniously: "Can Mrs. Ferrars cover the sky with one hand? Elinor, don't overlook the fact that no matter how strong Mrs. Ferrars is, she is still a gentleman in this world." It is a place where we have the final say. Edward Ferrars, as the eldest son of the Ferrars family, as an adult man with a college education, if he really wants to find a job to settle down, is it difficult?"

Elinor hesitated for a moment, and did not speak again to defend Edward.

Pei Xiang continued:

"Besides, you've also heard from Fanny that their expectation of Mr. Ferrars is to make him famous. But before he gets famous, whether he wants to be in politics, join the army, or study law, it's all right. Mr. Ferrars If you have a heart that wants to be independent as soon as possible, shouldn’t you first do things to make money, make contacts and friends, and then study how to balance your life ideals and mother’s wishes? In addition, the money for his college is Feila Did Mrs. Smith pay him?"

Elinor fell into thinking because of Pei Xiang's words.

She had not thought Edward Ferrars' idleness a fault before, for it was a very common thing for a decent gentleman to be free from errands and to spend his days at leisure.

Even, it should be respected.

But now being analyzed by her sister in this way, Elinor's heart will inevitably become a little more suspicious.

It is true that a lifestyle of leisure and money is decent, but Edward Ferrars did not have enough leisure capital.

His future is completely in the hands of Mrs. Ferrars, and he doesn't intend to accept his mother's command and control honestly, so he really should make changes earlier so that he has more confidence to resist.

Thinking of this, Elinor looked at Pei Xiang in surprise, with novelty in her voice:

"Marian, I didn't expect you to have so many thoughts. Well, although your 'accusation' against Mr. Ferrars is not very fair, because we cannot ignore the fact that some people's characters are born with Obedience and hesitation, unable to make early plans and decisive choices. But I have to admit that I did only see the gentle and considerate side of Mr. Ferrars before, but did not find his passive evasion.”

Pei Xiang showed a proud and bright smile:

"I've always been a very sensible girl, Elinor, not only me, but you too. If we were boys, we'd be better than John, and papa would be proud of us. Oh , I can definitely rely on my own efforts to build another Nolan Manor, instead of having to live under the fence like now. I watched the former home become someone else's, and watched my mother change from a hostess to a disliked guest. "

Elinor couldn't help opening her eyes wide, her beautiful face turned slightly rosy because of Pei Xiang's "arrogant words":

"Oh, Marianne, you can only tell me about this, and don't mention it to anyone else, okay?"

"Of course." Pei Xiang waved his fan carelessly, "I don't want to waste time with those people."

Elinor was amused by her sister's words: "Marian, I said you were sensible before, but in fact, you have always had this temper since you were a child. You have a clear distinction between likes and hates, and you tend to look down on worldly etiquette. You only pay attention to your own feelings and feelings. Heart. Marianne, you live so self-willed and true, and I am worried that you will be hurt."

Pei Xiang didn't want to discuss her temper with Elinor. She laughed perfunctorily a few times, and then quickly changed the subject:

"Eleanor, let's continue talking about Mr. Ferrars. You told me before that if Mr. Ferrars wants to get married, he must not be the kind of man who only cares about his wife's dowry and family status. He values ​​​​the soul more. Then I guess, the woman who can make Mr. Ferrars like must not meet the wishes of Fanny and Mrs. Ferrars, and Mr. Ferrars has no ability to resist. Tell me, what will happen to him then? manage?"

Elinor frowned slightly: "I think Mr. Ferrars is able to see his situation clearly. He should have considered all aspects of things before proposing marriage. Among the young girls with good background and dowry, there are also There are many beauties with a lot of quality and heart, and Mr. Ferrars can do both."

Pei Xiang said with a smile: "A woman who is good in everything, why do you want to fall in love with Edward Ferrars? Is it because of his cowardice and evasion, or because of his behavior? Oh, yes, after all that has been said, I have to remark that Mr. Ferrars's appearance is too ordinary, and his eyes are a little dull."

"He's just too shy, Marianne. Mr. Ferrars has a very bright eye and a pretty smile when he talks to me about his favorite books."

"Okay, okay, I know you're going to teach me to stop judging by appearances."

Pei Xiang shrugged, and then reluctantly regained the dignified manner of a lady under Elinor's disapproving gaze.

"I'll sit properly, Elinor, don't stare, your eyes aren't as big as mine."

Elinor was too lazy to quarrel with her lively and naughty sister. She cleared her throat and finally asked the question that had been brewing for a long time.

"Marian, why do you analyze Mr. Ferrars so seriously? Do you... have any thoughts about him?"

Pei Xiang immediately showed an unbelievable expression, as if Elinor on the opposite side was talking stupidly.

Well, this expression is enough to explain many things, and Elinor immediately dispelled the little suspicion in her heart.

Pei Xiang snorted coldly: "I've told you so much because I think that Edward Ferrars will have a good impression of you. Elinor, you have to be careful, I know you also appreciate his type of gentleman , it is easy to fall in love. However, I am not optimistic about you."

Elinor smiled casually: "My dear Marianne, you are overthinking. Since Mr. Ferrars is in such a realistic predicament, how could he fall in love with a woman with conditions like mine? Wouldn't that just add to the troubles?"

Pei Xiang squinted his eyes, and asked the eldest sister with some reluctance:

"Eleanor, don't rush to say it's impossible, I just want to ask you, if before we moved out of Nolan Manor, that Ferras showed extraordinary importance to you, would you be tempted? Do you expect anything from him? Do you hope he can persuade Mrs. Ferrars to agree to the marriage?"

This hypothesis made Elinor show a pensive expression. After thinking for a moment, she shook her head seriously:

"Marian, I have to say that you know me very well. I just thought about it. The character and upbringing shown by Mr. Ferrars are indeed the type I have always admired. If... I might really be moved of.

"Unfortunately, after the conversation just now, even if there was a little unconscious throbbing in my heart, it was all broken up. Because, um, as you said, Mr. Ferrars seems to lack some responsibility. Face to face Regarding conflicts and suffering, his attitude seems to be a little passive and evasive, muddling along, not, not the kind of person who can bear the wind and rain together."

After receiving Elinor's clear answer, Pei Xiang felt relieved.She looked at Wen Ya Ninghe's beautiful eyebrows, and bent the corners of her lips.

She couldn't tell Enori about Edward's secret engagement right away, because she couldn't prove her source, and she couldn't provide any evidence.To say it rashly would only make Elinor think she was talking nonsense.

Therefore, she must first express her views on Edward Ferrars, so that Elinor can look at the problem in a more multi-faceted manner.

After the conversation between the two sisters, more than ten days later, Edward Ferrars' attitude towards Elinor became more and more eager.

He really appreciates Enori's paintings, and likes to talk about literary works and anecdotes about geography and history with Elinor. When he looks at Elinor, there is joy, sincerity and faint throbbing that are different from ordinary friends.

but……

"Marian, I don't think Mr. Ferrars' love for me is necessarily out of love between men and women. I really don't want to be sentimental. Although... well, sometimes I have some misunderstandings, but generally speaking, Ferrars Mr. Si's attitude is very restrained."

Pei Xiang said bluntly:

"Restraint? You might as well say that he is hot and cold. At the first moment, there was still admiration and infatuation in his eyes, but at the next moment, he seemed to have suffered a great grievance. The whole person became cold and indifferent, and he did not love Talk. It’s okay to be indifferent all the time, but he couldn’t hold on for long, so he came to your side again. Elinor, although it’s a virtue not to be sentimental, we’re not scarecrows who don’t feel anything. Can't you feel those emotional changes?"

In this regard, Elinor could not excuse Edward Ferrars.

Soon, Mrs. Dashwood and Fanny also noticed that there was something wrong with Edward Ferrars.Although he sometimes appeared dejected, no one could ignore his relaxed smile when he was beside Elinor.

Mrs. Dashwood regarded Edward Ferrars as a sincere and frank young man, and therefore she was pleased with his love for his eldest daughter Elinor.Even for this reason her manner towards Edward became more agreeable.

But Fanny's attitude was completely opposite. Although she didn't get angry, she said a lot of cynicism.

Edward Ferrars had no explanation for this.He neither disregarded the relationship in front of Fanny, nor did he take the opportunity to admit his love for Xindong, and then defended his sweetheart and her mother.He was just in a daze and pain sometimes, and sometimes lost his mind.

Pei Xiang watched coldly, and secretly made up her mind that she must let Fanny and Edward, the siblings, "be honest with each other" before moving out of Nolan Manor.

——Since the younger brother has been secretly engaged for several years, how can the older sister not know about it?

Of course, even if this is not a good opportunity to reveal the secret, Pei Xiang will not swallow his anger.

Fanny said Edward had great prospects.

Pei Xiang asked her back, where is Mr. Ferrars currently employed, and in which field has he made achievements or made his mark?

Fanny said that Edward's background is better, not everyone can climb high.

Pei Xiang asked her, I heard that the ancestors of the Ferras family were wealthy businessmen, when did they become country gentry?On the contrary, the Dashwood family has been the owners of this farm for generations, and they have never experienced businessmen.

Fanny said Edward would inherit a large fortune.

Pei Xiang politely asked if Mrs. Ferrars was still in good health?

In short, after several times, Fanny dared not open her mouth to taunt Mrs. Dashwood and Elinor in the presence of Pei Xiang.

But Mrs. Dashwood had always taken to heart the rudeness of her former sneering remarks.She thought that no matter how inconvenient it was, she must move at once, and her daughters should not be taunted and looked down upon by women like Fanny.

"My Elinor has never seduced Mr. Ferrars. Why doesn't she discipline her brother?"

But soon, Mrs. Dashwood had no energy left for anger, for a great event occupied her whole attention.

"Oh my God, I can't believe it!"

Elinor noticed that Mrs. Dashwood had been in a state of shock after reading a letter from an unknown signer.

"Mom, what happened?"

"Oh, Elinor, by the way, and Marianne. Marianne, Marianne, come here, I want to say something to you sisters."

"What are you going to tell us, Mom?"

After calling her two smart and sensible daughters to her side, Mrs. Dashwood hesitated for a moment before handing over the letter in her hand to the sisters.

"Look at the content of this letter, is it a prank?"

Pei Xiang moved to Elinor's side and read the contents of the letter with her.

"Eh? I've heard of this Mr. Brown Paddington, he is a very famous painter. I remember... In the previous review journal, both Earl de Vere and Councilor Greenton spoke highly of Mr. Paddington s work."

Elinor also nodded: "Yes, I also know this Mr. Paddington. He is known as an adventurous artist, and he is also nicknamed 'the most difficult painter to impress'. I have read related reports."

"Oh, yes, I know him now, too," cried Mrs. Dashwood in a low voice. "Just read the letter. Is it true? I'm very upset right now."

Elinor's expression also became serious. After she read all the words on the exquisite letter paper word by word, her eyes were filled with disbelief.

"Mom, this Mr. Paddington said that his grandmother saved his life, and he always wanted to repay her, but unfortunately he couldn't do it before. Now that he has made money and is famous, he wants to repay the original life-saving. En. You are the only direct blood descendant of grandma, so this reward falls on you."

Mrs. Dashwood twisted her handkerchief uneasily, and looked at her two daughters eagerly:

"I, I didn't know that your grandmother saved Mr. Paddington. Your grandmother never said that. Of course, she is indeed a kind and kind lady who always likes to help street children. So, so... …This is real?"

Elinor looked down at the contents of the letter again, nodded slowly and said:

"Mom, Mr. Paddington said that he set up an annuity for you and prepared a dowry for the three of us, but he has been busy creating an important work recently and has no time to come to Nolan Manor to explain this in person. So , He entrusted a lawyer in London to come over and handle the formalities of presenting the property. At that time, you only need to sign some documents, and that’s it.”

Mrs. Dashwood felt like a dream: "I only need to sign, and I can receive an annuity of 25 pounds every year in the future? Then, you three sisters, no matter who gets married or reaches the age of [-] in the future, you can get A dowry of ten thousand pounds?"

"Uh..." Elinor paused, obviously, she also had a feeling of daydreaming, and her tone was inevitably a little erratic, "Mom, if this is not a prank, we, we will indeed get such a sum of money .”

"But, but how can I ask for other people's money for nothing? It's not good if it's not related to you, is there some kind of conspiracy?"

Pei Xiang quickly said: "We are guessing like this now, and we can't judge whether it is true or not. Didn't this letter say that Mr. Paddington will send a lawyer and a notary to Nolan Manor. Mom, if someone really comes to visit, We can also ask the nearby gentlemen to come forward and help examine Mr. Paddington's true intentions."

Elinor nodded and agreed with Pei Xiang's statement:

"Yes, Mom, if a lawyer comes to the door with a document, we'll ask about the details, whether it's a trap or a pie, and then it will be clear. By the way, isn't Dad's old friend Uncle James just a student? Legal? We can turn to him."

Mrs. Dashwood gave a somewhat blank "ah" and acquiesced to her daughters' proposal.

Word spread quickly, therefore, that Mrs. Dashwood, mother and daughter, were to receive a large fortune by inviting some of the gentlemen of the parish in advance.

Everyone inquired about the details.

Some people said that it must be a bad prank, and the recipients would just be happy for nothing;

In London, Lester Sissel had the coachman park his carriage in front of Earl de Vere's House in Perwick Square.After a while, Aldrich Deville, who was on vacation at home, came out.

"Lester, are you going to Sussex?"

"Yes, my friend, I have already inquired clearly in the Ministry. You have half a month's vacation now. Would you like to go to the countryside with me to enjoy the idyllic scenery?"

Aldrich thought of the aristocratic ladies whom he "encountered" more and more frequently recently, and did not immediately reject Lester Sissel's invitation.

"Do you have relatives over there?"

"Oh, there's an aunt living there. However, I'm not in Sussex this time to visit relatives, but to be asked to help him with some matters."

"Entrusted?"

Lester raised his eyebrows triumphantly: "It's Mr. Paddington. Aldrich, Mr. Paddington asked me to be a witness, and by the way, save face for the ladies."

Hearing the surname Paddington, Aldridge looked surprised: "He can instigate you?"

"Oh, I've always been willing to serve my friends."

"Then, Mr. Sissel, who is willing to serve your friend, would you also like to tell your other friend a few words of truth?"

Lester rolled his eyes, a pair of blue eyes sparkled with laughter:

"If you'd like to tell the manservant to pack your luggage and get into my carriage, I'll be sure to tell you everything."

Aldridge glanced at the smug Lester, raised his hand behind him, and a servant led away.

He knocked on the carriage door with his cane: "Let's go, I'll go with you, I hope you haven't sold yourself."

"Hey, Aldrich, what are you talking about? Paddington and I have a very deep friendship. Although we have never met, our souls resonate in the field of art..."

"You have been exchanging private letters?"

"Of course, I have become close pen pals with Mr. Paddington since the incident of the true and false paintings. I really did not expect that he is such a suave figure who knows how to please women. Last time I quarreled with Lisa , and I don’t know how to ask for peace, or he gave me an idea..."

"Speak the truth."

As the carriage rattled away, Leicester was always in high spirits.

"Aldrich, you must not know that Paddington has promised me that if I am willing to spare no effort to make this trip for him, he has promised to paint the next work according to the theme I commissioned. Ha, wait for his When the next painting is done, people all over London will know that I'm the one who can 'impress Paddington'."

"I know... so what?"

"Hey, everyone will say, look, little Mr. Sissel's outstanding artistic accomplishment and elegant aesthetic taste have impressed Mr. Paddington! Hey, this is something that my father, Baron Sissel, failed to do."

Hearing this, Aldridge asked as calmly as possible:

"Excuse me, how much are you bidding?"

"what?"

Lester froze for a moment, then laughed and explained:

"No, no, Aldrich, you misunderstood. Mr. Paddington is definitely not the kind of greedy and vulgar person. Among the customers who asked him to customize works, there are several customizers who bid higher than me. However, none of them Artistic taste, Mr Paddington never responded to them."

Aldrich Deville was silent for a while, and then he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest. He didn't want to talk to Lester for the time being.