I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

When Pei Xiang walked into the Bartley Card Club, he first noticed Aldrich Deville standing beside Leicester.

She felt that this gentleman was particularly handsome and gorgeously dressed tonight, as if he had come to a very formal dinner party.

The man with black hair and black eyes had a keen sense and immediately noticed Pei Xiang's gaze. He held his wine glass and turned his head slightly, looking back at him through the low-hanging bright crystal chandelier and the jagged oriental curtains.

Under Aldrich's probing eyes, Pei Xiang approached directly.

"Oh, Paddington, here you come!"

Seeing Pei Xiang appear, Lester immediately showed a big smile on his face:

"Let me introduce my friend to you. This is Colonel Deville. You can try to play cards together tonight to see if there is more tacit understanding. Aldrich, this is Brown Pattin we often mentioned before Ton, I am so glad to be able to introduce the two of you to each other."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Deville."

Pei Xiang showed a polite and friendly smile as if meeting Aldrich for the first time:

"I have heard from Lester many times about Mr. Deville's excellence, and I can't help but want to make friends with him. Today I finally got my wish."

Ever since Pei Xiang smiled and greeted her, Aldridge has been examining her.

From the outside, Brown Paddington has broad shoulders and a straight waist. Although he is not tall, his body proportions are moderate. On the whole, he does not give people a feeling of weakness and frailty. Instead, he looks flexible, agile, and strong.

His hearty smile is easy to let people off guard, and the honey-colored skin has a healthy and soft luster. At first glance, this person looks like a happy and cheerful traveler.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Paddington. I'm Aldrich Deville, and I'm currently serving in the Army."

Different from Pei Xiang's kindness and easy-going, Aldrich's attitude towards new friends seems a bit too formal and reserved.The unintentional cautiousness in his tone, as well as the shallow sense of comparison and evaluation, made Pei Xiang secretly suspicious.

——A vague feeling... This person seems to regard me as an opponent.

Pei Xiang's smile was more sincere and friendly as his eyes moved to cover up a trace of deep thought.

Seeing this, Aldrich's brows were a little more turbulent.

Lester Sissel was so pleased with himself that he ignored the raging dark tide that was right in front of him.

He looked around and found that Baron Defoe and the Spanish businessman had arrived, and they were joking with Senator Rhodes.

Pei Xiang followed Lester's line of sight, and after observing for a while, she frowned slightly.

In the casual lounge not far away, Baron Defoe and others were holding cigars, and the waiter was pouring wine for them. It seemed that they would not leave that cozy corner for a short time.

Aldrich's attention had been on Pei Xiang, and at this moment, he noticed the slight emotional fluctuation between her brows, and turned to look at Baron Defoe's position.

After observing for a while, Aldridge said lightly:

"I'm afraid we won't be able to wait until tomorrow night. The Spaniard has found Senator Rhodes to be a lobbyist. Baron Defoe seems to have made up his mind."

This remark startled Lester, and he retorted with luck:

"Then, um, maybe this is just an ordinary encounter and small talk."

Pei Xiang shook his head, agreeing with Aldrich's judgment:

"No, look at the sitting postures and expressions of Senator Rhodes and the Spaniard, the two should be familiar. Besides, Senator Rhodes appreciates, um, or trusts the Spaniard."

"Even if you are an acquaintance, you can't explain..."

Aldridge raised his hand to interrupt Lester, and he pointed to his ear.

Lester was stunned, and immediately thought of his friend's keen hearing ability.

He asked vaguely, "So far away..."

"Just grabbing a few words, mostly observation and speculation."

Lester nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

Pei Xiang naturally knew that Aldrich's ears were very sensitive.But her current identity is Brown Paddington, so she shouldn't know about it.

Therefore, a hint of obvious doubt appeared on her face at the right time, and then quickly faded away, showing a demeanor and restraint of not exploring other people's privacy.

Aldrich did not ignore Pei Xiang's puzzlement. He was surprised at first, and then the corners of his mouth could not stop bending.

A very small and faint smile appeared quietly, but it was like a flash in the pan, and he didn't even notice it.

—It turns out that Miss Marianne didn't tell this Brown Paddington about me.

—Is she keeping it secret for me?Are you keeping me safe?Out of friendship.

—or...was she reluctant to mention irrelevant people in some affectionate letters?

Aldrich Deville's mood was like a roller coaster, with ups and downs in a short period of time, entangled in an inner drama alone.

At this time, Pei Xiang said to Lester:

"With Senator Rhodes as a lobbyist, they will probably find a lawyer and agent to sign the contract tomorrow morning. To be safe, we have to win that priority tonight. However, the Spaniard is very shrewd and has outstanding card skills. Lai Ster, if I partner with you, I'm only six-point sure."

Lester pointed to himself: "The plan has been advanced, so, do you still choose to be my partner?"

Pei Xiang glanced at Aldrich hesitantly, and explained uncertainly:

"I have never played poker with Mr. Deville before, and I don't know his habits and level."

Lester repeatedly assured: "His card skills are much better than mine."

Aldridge also believes that the plan should be implemented in advance, but he is not a reckless person, he must make preparations before making a move.So, after glancing at his pocket watch, he suggested to Pei Xiang:

"Baron Defoe usually stays in the club until after midnight. Tonight is still plenty of time. Let's go to other poker tables to practice first."

Pei Xiang really had a headache about Leicester's card skills.

This gentleman is always unable to manage his expressions, his emotions are obvious, rich and vivid, and occasionally he misses opportunities because of hesitation.In short, if possible, she really hopes to change to a more stable and decisive partner.

So, she nodded helplessly, and followed Aldrich towards another room...

As midnight approached, some members of the Bartley Club left one after another, and most of the remaining gentlemen were listless, relying on alcohol and tobacco to refresh themselves.

But Baron Defoe, in his mid-50s, was in a euphoric mood as he kept winning again tonight.

Those who won still wanted to win, and those who lost wanted to turn defeat into victory, so none of the four players at the poker table raised the topic of ending the game and leaving.

However, after losing a few more rounds, Brown Paddington's wallet couldn't hold up first, and he began to borrow money from his friend Lester Sissel.But his friend was very sensible. He had been trying to persuade Paddington to stop, so naturally he would not lend money to a friend who was jealous of losing.

The two argued back and forth for a while, and Aldrich occasionally missed a word, causing the conflict to shift and change. For some reason, Baron Defoe and the Spaniard were mixed in, and then they were involved in haste. An investment transfer transaction.

While talking, Baron Defoe, who was full of confidence in winning, was excited and agreed to the conditions of the loser.

As long as Paddington and Deville can turn the defeat into victory before midnight, he will transfer the shares of the Saran mine to Leicester. Correspondingly, Leicester must lend money to Paddington to let him keep playing.

When Baron Defoe agreed to this condition, the Spanish businessman who was also complacent suddenly woke up.However, when he wanted to prevent Baron Defoe from making a promise, it was too late—the proud and complacent Lord Baron had already agreed to Paddington's bet.

The Spaniards immediately realized that the card game tonight was actually a set-up.He glared at Pei Xiang, Aldridge, and Lester gloomily, but among the three, none of them would be afraid of the threat in the opponent's eyes, and they still talked and laughed freely in their own way.

At this time, Baron Defoe also had some aftertaste. He patted the Spaniard's arm apologetically, but did not take back his previous promise.

Just like what Pei Xiang analyzed to Leicester, the conditions of their bet are not for Baron Defoe to give away the shares for free, but just a priority transfer right.For Baron Defoe, no matter whether he wins or loses, there is actually not much loss.

Selling to whom is not selling, and he has no enmity with the Sissel family.

Therefore, there is really no need for His Excellency the Baron to repent in public at the risk of damaging his reputation.After all, for a decent gentleman, a promise is a promise, and what you promise, you should try your best to do.

The Spaniard also knew the particulars of British gentlemen. He twitched his lips and began to focus all his attention on the poker table.

He thought bitterly, although these cunning British guys managed to get Baron Defoe to agree to the bet, but it is not so easy to turn the tables and win back the pounds they lost before.

Pei Xiang and his partner Aldrich looked at each other, and a tacit understanding was quietly reached.

From this game on, the two started to win money...

When the clock struck midnight, the Spanish businessman got up and left angrily. Pei Xiang smiled and counted the chips in hand.

Aldrich took the waiter's glass and drank it down.

Tonight's card game was extremely lively, which made Aldridge feel a little complicated.

Leicester had already discussed with Baron Defoe the time and place to sign the contract, and he was smiling.

"I didn't expect Mr. Paddington's poker skills to be so good."

Baron Defoe touched the mustache on his lips, and asked with a smile while recalling the game just now:

"Are you only a member of this club now? I recommend you to two other clubs. Especially the Fisherman's Hat Card Club. I think you should have heard of it. Earl Douglas is one of the founders of that club. There is a very strict membership level system and incentive awards. If you enter there, with this hand skill, you can definitely become a senior member."

This is a network resource that was handed over on his own initiative, and Pei Xiang will not refuse.

She looked very interested, leaned over slightly, and asked Baron Defoe about the rules and regulations in the Bucket Hat Card Club.After hearing that there were more gameplay patterns and changes in details, she looked itchy, and even hurriedly asked Baron Defoe to give her some introductions to open her eyes.

Baron Defoe is definitely a loyal fan of card games, because Pei Xiang won him, he was willing to throw an olive branch.At this time, seeing that Pei Xiang was really eager to try and his face was full of excitement, he thought he had met someone of the same kind, so he couldn't help but give a few examples of new ways to play.

It is said to be a new gameplay, but in fact it remains the same, only some changes have been made in details and forms.Therefore, Pei Xiang quickly grasped the key points of the new gameplay, and took advantage of the opportunity to discuss with Baron Defoe.

She draws inferences from one instance, responds quickly, and can show her talent quietly, and soon won the praise and favor of Baron Defoe.

When they parted at the gate of the Bartley Card Club, Baron Defoe took the initiative to invite Pei Xiang to the baron's mansion.

But Pei Xiang didn't immediately agree. She seemed to have little interest in activities other than playing cards, and even directly admitted that she didn't like going out during the day.

"When the sun rises, I usually stay in the studio and bury my head in creating. Only after night falls, when I need to find new inspiration for art creation, will I come out to socialize and entertain."

To put it bluntly, everything and everyone in Brown Paddington's life had to give way to artistic creation.

Faced with such a reason for refusal, Baron Defoe was taken aback for a moment, and then he showed a smile with stretched eyebrows.

His Excellency the Baron's disposition had always been self-willed and free-spirited. Hearing Pei Xiang's more self-responsive answer at this time was like seeing himself when he was young, and he was quite pleasantly surprised.

"What is the theme of your next work? Whose idea did you choose?"

Obviously, Baron Defoe, who is in his 50s, has also heard about the painter Paddington.

Pei Xiang didn't intend to hide anything, she touched the bridge of her nose, and said with a frank smile:

"Originally it was Leicester's turn to make custom works, but this time, in order to ask Colonel Deville to be my partner, Lester and I left this opportunity to him. As for the specific creation content, we have to listen to Deville Colonel's orders."

The truth made Baron Defoe laugh loudly, and the last bit of grudge in his heart disappeared.

He patted the young painter's shoulder appreciatively, said goodbye to Aldrich and Lester again, and then boarded the carriage and left.

Aldridge had been silently observing the way Pei Xiang and Baron Defoe got along before, and was not surprised to find that this man was indeed eloquent, good at observing words and demeanor, and making people happy.

"Mr. Paddington has figured out Baron Defoe's temper. After tonight, he not only made an investment deal with great potential, but also made friends with Baron Defoe who has a deep background. If he wins the favor of Earl Douglas again, Mr Paddington must have a bright future."

An adult man's deep and magnetic voice came to his ears, and Pei Xiang glanced sideways, just in time for the black-haired colonel's chiseled face to come into view.She took half a step back without any trace, and just moved to the intersection of light and shadow.

"Thank you, Colonel Deville, for your compliment. However, the biggest achievement for me tonight is not getting to know Colonel Aldrich Deville, the heir to Earl Deville and a powerful army officer?"

The black-haired man pursed his lips, and his eyes fell on a pair of eyes with a clear smile. After a few seconds, he reluctantly nodded:

"Me too. It's a good thing to get to know Mr. Paddington."

These words made Pei Xiang raise her eyebrows slightly, and she tried her best not to make her look of surprise too obvious, and blurred the true emotions revealed at a certain moment by the alternating light and dark.

She was very aware of Aldridge's evaluation of "Brown Paddington", and also knew that this person was proud and reserved, and always disdained to say things against his will.

Therefore, she really did not expect that the stern colonel, who had always had a slight sense of alienation, would personally say that he thought it was a good thing for the two of them to get acquainted and get along.

After Aldridge expressed his thoughts, he didn't say anything more. He nodded slightly towards Pei Xiang and Lester, and also left in the carriage.

In the carriage, Aldrich closed his eyes and meditated. After a long time, he let out a breath, feeling a little relieved.

——Although, Paddington is very likely to be secretly engaged to Miss Marianne, and he is not upright and responsible enough.He also made friends with Lester Sissel with the purpose of utilitarianism. He was cunning, fickle and not sincere, and his figure was not tall enough, with ordinary appearance and unknown origin...

——But to get along with him, this person is really comfortable, smart and funny enough.

——Also, the color of this person's eyes is very similar to that of Miss Marianne, which is probably one of the reasons why he cannot be disgusted.

The next morning, Pei Xiang got up late again. After Mrs. Dashwood said a few words not to stay up late reading and painting, she began to urge Pei Xiang to dress up.

"Come on, we're going shopping in Bond Street with Mrs. Jennings, and we've got a lot to do."

Elinor looked up at Pei Xiang's expression for a while, and deliberately frightened her:

"If you stay up late, your complexion and lip color will become dull. By then, you won't be the most beautiful fairy in the forest."

Hearing Elinor tease herself, Pei Xiangtan hummed softly on the sofa, and then ordered her little sister Margaret to bring her a cup of hot tea, she needs to refresh herself.

——As the breadwinner, after running around for most of the night, she is now like a salted fish that has been drained of energy.

When the sunlight filled half of the living room, the three sisters of the Dashwood family finally finished their makeup and were ready to go.At just the right time, Mrs. Jennings' carriage stopped at the gate of No. 16 Condit Street.

As soon as Pei Xiang went out, he ran into Colonel Brandon who was a guest at a neighbor's house.

After exchanging greetings, Colonel Brandon expressed his willingness to accompany the ladies on a trip under the warm invitation of Mrs. Jennings.As it happens, he also needs to go to Bond Street, where there are many shops, to buy some things.