I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

Mr. Edward Hoffman, who was left alone in the living room, paced back and forth with his hands behind his back.The more he thought about it, the more he felt that this sudden thought made some sense, and it was definitely not an absurd association on a whim.

——Everything... seems to have been traced for a long time.

Why are Mr. G's paintings bought by George Rexar at a high price?Did he really like the work of an unknown artist that much?

Edward thought of Rexxar's expenses in the "House of Thorns" over the past few years, and couldn't help rubbing his cheeks.He felt that if George Rexar was G, everything seemed more convincing.

Because, he bought his works as a collector, Professor Reixa, which can not only increase the popularity of G, but also allow Lucy to earn more commissions in disguise?

Why can a younger sister who has not received systematic education be appreciated and affirmed by a learned gentleman?Not only that, he is willing to spend time and energy teaching her, and even discusses with her to establish an equal relationship between teachers and friends...

Of course, Edward didn't think that his sister's knowledge could surpass those of Professor Rexxar's colleagues and friends.He couldn't deduce a particularly convincing reason with common sense, but after thinking about it, if Professor Rexxar was the G who had known his sister for a long time, some things would make sense...

Just as the young Mr. Hoffman was trying to think about the real relationship between Rexxar and G, the man he was thinking about returned to the residence.

George Rexar didn't have the ease and freedom of the Hoffman brothers and sisters-one was sleeping and the other was cranky.He needed to seize the time to analyze the various news he got tonight, and as soon as he got home, he plunged into the study and stayed up working all night, without even having the time to drink a cup of tea.

It wasn't until the valet knocked on the door that George Rexar's work came to an end.

"Sir, when I was arranging your clothes for going out tonight, I didn't find your handkerchief."

"Is everything all right except the handkerchief?"

"Normal, there are no omissions."

"That's good, I know where the handkerchief is, so there's no need to be vigilant."

"Yes. Sir, are you going to bed? Mr. Posey will visit you at the Institute at ten o'clock tomorrow morning, and then there will be two meetings hosted by Mr. Goodman. It is expected that you will not have much free time to rest before dinner .”

Rexxar glanced at the time, knowing that it was indeed time to go to bed, he nodded, and said softly: "Go and prepare hot water, I'll go back to the bedroom."

After the valet left.George Rexa tidied up the files on the desktop, locked the drawers, and arranged some hidden marks before getting up and leaving the study.

Without the complicated work content to fill his brain, Rexxar's mind unconsciously shifted to Pei Xiang.He thought of the missing handkerchief mentioned by the manservant, and sighed slightly.

"She must have discovered that the handkerchief belongs to me," Rexxar thought to himself, "I wonder if she will see through my purpose?"

In fact, Rexxar didn't want to do anything, just... when he sat alone in the carriage and looked at the cheerful back without nostalgia, some unwilling panic suddenly appeared in his heart.So, he just... just wanted to show up in front of her relatives, show his sense of existence, and pretend that he was the most special one.

— Am I a little naive?

While washing and changing his pajamas, George Rexa silently analyzed his psychology of getting off the carriage impulsively. He didn't regret what he did, but he couldn't help but feel a little surprised by his unstable behavior before.

——No, taking the initiative to strive for planning and being unsteady and reckless cannot be equated.

After fastening every button on the pajamas neatly, the man suddenly thought that because he and she had chosen almost identical handkerchiefs by coincidence, he had a ready-made excuse tonight.

——It can be seen that I am indeed a very special friend to her.

After temporarily ignoring the fact that most of the trivial matters in his life were taken care of by his personal servants, Rexxar, who was tired all day, finally closed his dark gray eyes, and also covered the faint warm smile in his eyes.

——There is a moon and no stars tonight, but there is the brightest starlight in those foggy blue eyes, which is enough to illuminate all the darkness and confusion in the dream.

In the early morning, the melodious bird song concerto opened the prelude to the whole day's life.

When Pei Xiang went downstairs to have breakfast, he saw his elder brother drinking coffee with dark circles under his eyes, with a copy of the morning newspaper by his hand.

"Edward, morning, did you not rest last night?"

When the elder brother nodded indiscriminately, he pointed to the contents of the newspaper and asked:

"It says that there was a terrible assassination in Harpy's Tavern last night, and someone threatened the personal safety of a distinguished baron. Lucy, the accident you and Mr. Rexxar encountered last night, and this Is it relevant?"

Pei Xiang glanced at the contents of the newspaper, nodded slightly, and dropped a more important news at the same time:

"It is indeed related, but the truth is completely different from this report. Edward, no one assassinated the noble baron. Instead, the baron's entourage shot and wounded a person, and that person happened to be our old friend and business partner Partner—Mr. Rhett Butler."

Edward's expression changed suddenly, but fortunately he was still somewhat calm.He first confirmed that there were only two brothers and sisters in the restaurant, and then asked about the specific situation in a low voice.

Pei Xiang omitted some "unnecessary" details, and recounted to Edward the process of Captain Butler eavesdropping on the conversation and being discovered and hunted down.In order to weaken her role and performance, she emphasized the affection and bravery of Lilia, the hostess, and put most of the credit for saving Rhett on the other party, which made Edward sigh again and again.

"Once this woman becomes powerful, she will be much stronger than many soft-hearted men. Hey, it shouldn't be a big problem with Rhett being taken care of by that affectionate Lilia?"

Because he was distracted by the news of Captain Butler's injury, Edward temporarily put aside all the speculations from last night, and concentrated on worrying about his friend's injury.

Seeing that her brother didn't continue to ask her about the details of her relationship with Rexxar, Pei Xiang couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.She quickly finished her breakfast, then quickly left the house and hid.

In the "House of Thorns", after Pei Xiang helped White put the new books on the shelves, he ordered:

"White, you go to Baron Pepys's and say we have found Mr. Wilkes's purse. If you see the gentleman in person, give him the purse yourself."

"Yes, Miss Lucy."

After White left, Pei Xiang picked an interesting book from the bookshelf, found a comfortable chair and sat down. Just as she was concentrating on reading, her brother Edward chased after her.

"Lucy, do you know where Captain Butler is now? I'm going to see him."

"I don't know. He only said last night that he knew a reliable surgeon, but he didn't give the specific address. But I think he will find a way to send someone to send us a letter."

Edward thought about it, and felt that if Butler wanted to send a message to report his safety, he would definitely have someone send the message to the "House of Thorns".He decided to stay and wait patiently, giving himself a day off by the way.

Pei Xiang glanced at his elder brother who was sitting down doing nothing, and said with a smile:

"Brother, the book you read halfway last time is still in the lounge at the back. I haven't put that book on the shelves for sale, because I'm worried that you won't be able to read the finale. Since you have free time today, how about Go and finish that book."

Edward was immediately distracted, and forgot to ask George Rexa how he learned about his sister's disguise as a man. He hurriedly got up and looked for the half-read book.To be honest, he still really wants to know the ending of that story...

After a while, when the Hoffman brothers and sisters were immersed in the wonderful world of words, the clerk White came back.Not only that, but he brought Mr. Ashley Wilkes.

The blond young man with melancholy eyes first expressed his gratitude to the Hoffman brothers and sisters, and then asked politely if he could know the process and details of finding the wallet.

"Three years ago, I left Georgia for Europe. I carried this farewell gift with me from my cousin along with my cousin when I was touring various countries, but I accidentally lost it at the last stop.

"This time I was able to get it back. I am very grateful and fortunate in my heart. You two, I really don't want to accept this favor and help in a daze. If it's not presumptuous, can I ask the person who got the wallet back?" go through."

"There's nothing to deliberately hide."

Edward replied briskly:

"We are delighted to have found the wallet for you, especially after learning that it was a gift from a loved one.

"Mr. Wilkes, to tell you the truth, your wallet was stolen by a thief before. After my brother James learned about it yesterday, he went to negotiate with those people. Fortunately, they haven't taken it away. Your wallet was resold, so you can find it back in time."

As soon as Ashley heard this, he quickly asked whether the matter cost the Hoffman family?In any case, he is willing to bear the various costs in the middle.Because for him, the money lost after losing the wallet is the smallest, but the meaning of the wallet itself is very important.

Pei Xiang smiled and assured Mr. Wilkes that the Hoffman family did not lose anything.They also did this to maintain the reputation of "House of Thorns".

"Mr. Wilkes is from Georgia in the United States?" Pei Xiang asked curiously, "Speaking of which, a large part of Edward's business involves cotton trade, and I have always been very curious about the fertile land full of pure white cotton bolls. Mr. Wilkes, can you tell me something about your hometown?"

When Ashley heard Pei Xiang's question, a look of nostalgia appeared on his face.

He looked at the rare clear sky outside the window, and first talked about the sunshine and rain in Georgia, and the red soil in Jonesboro.Then, he talked about the residents and daily life there, about his family's Twelve Oaks Manor and the lively and friendly neighbors.Of course, there is an inevitable reference at the end to the tension between the black slaves on the plantations and the confrontation between the North and the South.

Pei Xiang listened very carefully. Even though she had already learned about the customs and customs of the southern United States from Butler and others, she heard a lot of different things from Mr. Wilkes. In other words, it is the opinions and evaluations from different angles, which sounds very fresh.

Ashley Wilkes is actually full of freshness.At the beginning, he only regarded Edward as a new friend who could have in-depth conversations, but he did not expect that Miss Hoffman could not only listen with great interest, but also ask new questions that made him unable to help but think deeply.Even, he gradually ignored the strangeness and distance when meeting new friends, and couldn't help but speak freely.

The conversation among the friends was very enjoyable, and it was not until Captain Butler sent a letter of safety that the three of them were interrupted.

Ashley Wilkes and the Hoffmans exchanged contact information before taking their leave.

When the two brothers and sisters were left, Edward immediately opened Captain Butler's letter and browsed through it. After a while, he frowned and handed the letter to Pei Xiang.

"Rett said that he originally planned to deliver the letter early this morning, but he found that his residence was being watched."

Pei Xiang quickly scanned the words on the letter paper, and said softly:

"They didn't find that Ritter was the injured person, but they had doubts about the Americans temporarily living in Liverpool. Especially those like Ritter who have a bad relationship with famous southern families and have maintained good relations with northerners all the year round. 'Traitor'. And, it was pointed out that Rhett was seen on the second floor of Harpy's Tavern yesterday..."

"It's quite normal for Rhett to show up at Harpy's Tavern," Edward analyzed, "Rett's reputation for being romantic is as outstanding as his marksmanship and card skills. It's not a secret at all. It's just that if he has been recuperating for the past few days and avoids showing up, it will always arouse extra suspicion."

Thinking of Captain Butler's injury, Pei Xiang shook his head and said:

"His wound can't be covered up, as long as he shows up, he has to be exposed. However, since he was not caught on the spot last night, everything is easy to say. After all, I have never heard of it. As long as he was injured by a gunshot wound, it is a suspect.

"What's more, if Baron Pepys doesn't want to make the secret negotiations known to everyone, he will definitely try his best to reduce the impact, and there will definitely be no more raids like last night."

Edward pondered:

"There must be a good excuse to deal with one or two. Rhett cannot be caught in this kind of turmoil. Whether it is from the perspective of a friend or our cooperative relationship, it is best to help him get rid of the relationship."

"It's not a big deal." Pei Xiang took a sip of tea, his eyes moved slightly, "I will make 'James' not show up for a few days, and I will have an excuse to deal with it."

Seeing his sister's confident expression, Edward also relaxed a little bit, it was really no big deal.

After the incident in Villa Garden, the two brothers and sisters have experienced a lot.Let’s just say that investing and doing business in the past two years, of course, you can’t just sit at home and wait for the money to drop by yourself. During the period, you have encountered many unsightly dangers, but didn’t they all come through one by one?

As long as loved ones are around, trusting and supporting each other, there is nothing to worry about.

——It’s a big deal to start over with nothing.

"Let's go, I'll take you out for something to eat. Don't you want to try the plum cake from the restaurant across the street for a long time? Let's go there earlier today, and we will definitely catch up with the freshly baked ones."

"Are you sure?" Pei Xiang squinted at his tall and handsome brother, and pointed out the truth sincerely, "I think if you go with me, we will definitely not be able to eat delicious plum cakes. Not only plum cakes, but To be honest, Edward, it’s been a long time since you rejected Mrs. Cornell’s offer of hugs without any tact. You know, I was Mrs. Cornell’s seat before that. Guests of honor."

Edward noticed that there was genuine regret in the girl's eyes, and immediately snorted coldly, and did not forget to stretch out two big hands and rub Pei Xiang's golden chestnut hair vigorously.He always suspected that one day in the future, his sister might really "sell" him for a delicious meal.

The day passed without incident.

On the next day, Pei Xiang wanted to prepare some spare medicine at home, so he didn't plan to go to the "House of Thorns".But at tea time, she received a message from the store, saying that Mr. Ashley Wilkes had come to the store and wanted to introduce his friend, Lord Pepys, to the Hoffmans.

Edward was not at home at this time, and there seemed to be some small troubles in the business that he needed to deal with immediately.Pei Xiang thought for a while, then changed into a go-out dress and went to the "House of Thorns".

"Miss Hoffman, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Pepys. Hello, Mr. Wilkes. Nice to see you again."

Ashley smiled gently and nodded to Pei Xiang, looking more like an authentic English gentleman than Baron Pepys beside him.

Baron Pepys could be regarded as a handsome blond man with handsome features and a medium to thin build, but he definitely did not feel weak.Because his eyes are very arrogant and cold, it even gives people the illusion that he is more greedy and fierce than jackals.

——Well, maybe it's not an illusion.

Pei Xiang lowered her eyes, and she clearly felt the change in the other party's expression.

From the first moment he saw her, the expression on Baron Pepys's face quickly changed from amazement to a certainty.

After the three of them exchanged a few words, Ashley went to the library area to find new books he was interested in.However, Baron Pepys, who claimed to go to see the painting, had no intention of moving his feet, and his eyes were always fixed on Pei Xiang.

"Miss Hoffman, I heard Mr. Wilkes tell about James Hoffman's experience of recovering his wallet. What a coincidence, there was a gunshot in Harpy's Tavern the night before. Has Mr. Hoffman noticed... something special?"

"A special place?"

Pei Xiang didn't like the cold eyes of the Baron very much.

"Yes, any unusual place. If the Hoffman family can help the police find the murderer as soon as possible, I believe that many respected gentlemen in the city will remember this credit, and the Huffman family will also get More social respect."

"Unfortunately, it shouldn't be. James said he was with Mr. Morris at the time and didn't know what happened in the other rooms."

"Is Miss Hoffman so sure?"

Pepys hooked the corner of his mouth, pretending to be warm and friendly and said:

"Speaking of which, neither I nor Mr. Wilkes have ever met Mr. James Hoffman himself. This store belongs to him, right? How can the beautiful Miss Hoffman keep worrying about business for him? God, that's not quite right. Oh, by the way, I wish I could talk to Mr. James himself."

"James has some things to do, so it's not convenient to show up in the store." Pei Xiang looked indifferent.

"Is there any trouble? I can help Miss Hoffman a little bit."

"No, it's not a big trouble." Pei Xiang still refused, with a casual tone.

Pepys had a subtle feeling of being rejected, and a slight displeasure appeared in his heart, his tone remained unchanged but his attitude became tough:

"Miss Hoffman, I think that as a citizen of Liverpool, Mr. James is obliged to cooperate with some necessary investigations, what do you think? Of course, if our citizen friends really get into trouble, as a nobleman, I am very happy providing refuge to fellow citizens."

Pei Xiang was silent for a moment, impatience flashed across his eyes:

"Thank you very much Mr. Pepys for your concern, and I am not willing to deceive you with lies. To be honest, it is really inconvenient for James to see people because he is injured."

"Injured?" Pepys' eyes sharpened, and he quickly moved away.

Pei Xiang didn't seem to notice anything, she nodded calmly, frowned and said:

"It is said that James and Captain Butler fought for a girl. The two wanted to fight with guns at first, but they were persuaded to stop, but there were still some physical conflicts. As a result, the faces of the two It's a swell, and the eye is swollen, alas, what a disgrace! So, if Mr Pepys must wish to see James, he had better wait a few days, while he recuperates."

Pepys was taken aback by this explanation:

"Mr. James Hoffman and Captain Rhett Butler both hid because of the injuries on their faces?"

Pei Xiang shook his head, and replied cautiously:

"I don't know much about Captain Butler's situation. Who knows if he is the person you are looking for? I dare not give him a guarantee. But James is. Of course, if you insist on seeing him, You can come back tomorrow, I will let Edward persuade James."

Pepys twitched the corners of his mouth, followed Pei Xiang's words with a fake smile and said:

"Then it's settled. I will send someone to invite Mr. James to the baron's mansion tomorrow morning. I hope to see him then."

For Pepys' request, Pei Xiang did not show any embarrassment, she responded without hesitation, and then asked:

"Mr. Pepys, didn't you just say you wanted to see the paintings in the store? I can ask the clerk to show you to the second floor."

Pepys smiled suddenly, and the coldness and gloom between his brows gradually dissipated, revealing a kind of condescending gentleness:

"In my opinion, the most beautiful painting in this shop is Miss Hoffman. You should not stay in this kind of busy shop and work like the lower class, but should be treasured in the rose In the beautiful castle, adorn your beauty with diamonds and pearls, and please the master who cherishes you with a sweet and carefree smile."

Such explicit teasing did not change the young girl's face.She was flat from beginning to end, no matter whether it was anger, embarrassment or joy, she never showed any emotional ups and downs.She had questions and answers, but she was always stingy about showing the slightest extra emotion to Baron Pepys.

"When I send someone to pick up Mr. James Hoffman tomorrow, I hope to invite Miss Hoffman to be a guest at the same time. I recently got a new coral necklace, but I haven't been able to find a suitable wearer. Maybe Miss Hoffman can help me with this little problem."

"I don't have time, Mr. Pepys. You know, young girls always have too many invitations to spend their time thinking. There are several handsome and tall gentlemen alone. I don't have extra time to help you with the little ones bothered."

Baron Pepys' face was dark, but he didn't say anything more. Even after suppressing the anger caused by being offended, his mood changed strangely.

He thought, the more thorny roses are, the more exciting and anticipating the process of picking them is.If it is a small pet that can be hooked at will, what fun is there?

At this time, the door of the "House of Thorns" was pushed open again, and George Rexxar walked in.He glanced across Pei Xiang and Baron Pepys who were standing opposite each other, noticed the impatience hidden by the blue-eyed girl and the small fist behind her back, and coughed softly.

"Lucy, that night...it was too dark, and your brother Edward suddenly appeared again. Did I take the wrong handkerchief out of desperation?"

Pei Xiang blinked, thinking, is this person really unable to speak or is he trying to take the opportunity to implement something...

Baron Pepys' eyes turned cold, he looked at Rexxar's height and appearance, and asked in a deep voice after a while:

"This gentleman is one of the inviters you want to spend your time thinking about?"