I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

During dinner, Pei Xiang met the original owner's mother, Mrs. Caroline.

This is a noble lady with a beautiful appearance and elegant manners. She smiled and nodded to her children with a peaceful and calm expression.

After taking her seat, Mrs. Caroline looked at Pei Xiang first.

"Doris, I heard from Mrs. Murray that you had a nightmare last night?"

"Yes, dear mother, but I had a good dream afterward, which dispelled the disturbing fear of the bad dream."

"If I were you, I would pray a little longer before going to sleep, so that my mind becomes calm and grateful. In this way, the nightmare will naturally stay away."

"Mom, I'll have something on my mind with the good God every night, I promise."

Mrs. Caroline looked at the eldest daughter who looked lively and bright, and sighed in her heart when she thought of her words and deeds in the past.

She was troubled by the very possibility that one of the guests coming tomorrow would become the girl's husband.She couldn't tell whether she was worried about the future married life of her eldest daughter, or about the gentleman who had married Doris.

After talking with the eldest daughter, Mrs. Caroline talked to the other children in turn, and the contents of the conversation were all the daily chores that happened recently. It can be seen that although this lady has been busy dealing with various issues in the manor all day, Kind of chores, but also without neglecting my own kids.

After caring about her children, Mrs. Caroline turned her gentle gaze to her husband.For the head of the family, Mrs. Earl, Madam Caroline naturally changed her tone of expression, showing respect and consideration.

Lord Gladstone also respected his wife very much, and he seriously responded to every word of concern from Lady Caroline.Then, he expressed his gratitude to his wife who had been busy all day, claiming that without Mrs. Caroline's hard work, Gladstone Manor would never be so orderly.

Mrs. Caroline quickly said that this was her duty, please don't exaggerate her contribution in front of the children, Your Excellency the Earl.

The polite conversation between the husband and wife is definitely a textbook-like respect for each other.

Pei Xiang observed how the earl and his wife got along, and gained a deeper understanding of this noble family.

——The couple is trying to create a model aristocratic family that respects and loves each other.

——Regardless of their real relationship as husband and wife, they probably don't want to break the current "happy and harmonious" family atmosphere, nor are they willing to let the shadow of murder hang over Gladstone Manor.

——Also, Mrs. Caroline's love for her children is very real. Although she is a little biased, the most emotion in her eyes when she looks at her eldest daughter Doris is hatred, not complete indifference disgust.

Dispelling some doubts, Pei Xiang began to enjoy dinner with peace of mind.

When it came time for dessert, 15-year-old Edward wasn't too happy when he was cut out of the chocolate cake and fruit pudding because he needed to control his weight.

Pei Xiang was satisfied with the rich aftertaste of chocolate, and then blinked at Edward very childishly, full of showing off, she always remembered the hatred of this fat brother who laughed at her in the morning.

Edward immediately confronted: "Doris, you shouldn't eat more desserts, don't you think your waistline is getting thicker? You know, among the guests tomorrow, there is a very special gentleman, I think, he Wouldn't like to see a bloated future fiancée."

Not to be outdone, Pei Xiang fought back: "My waistline has always been the slimmest, at least at home. Edward, are you laughing at all the women at home?"

Mrs. Caroline's calm gaze immediately swept over, Anne touched her quietly swollen stomach, Jane still smiled gracefully, but put down the knife and fork.

Edward's eyes widened, as if he never thought that his eldest sister would refute her like this. According to the past, she would definitely show anxiety and immediately announce that she would go on a diet for three days.

After Pei Xiang yelled at his restless younger brother, he took another big mouthful of pudding, and then sighed softly and said:

"Necessary sacrifices are inevitable, Edward. I know that my beauty and wealth will always attract the attention of young gentlemen, and the gentlemen who will call tomorrow will certainly be no exception.

"So, I have to work hard to make my appearance dim as much as possible. Of course, the effect must be minimal. But only in this way, those who are rejected will not suffer greater regret and loneliness. Hey, more or less Yes, I have to make the other party feel better."

For this speech full of Doris' style, the table was quiet for a while, and then everyone began to talk softly with each other, trying to ignore the topic just now.

Edward turned his head and complained to his little sister Anne: "I really sympathize with my future big brother-in-law now."

Annie patted her brother's arm pretending to be mature, her tone was deep and sad:

"If Sister Doris really got engaged to Mr. Holmes according to her grandfather's arrangement, we should breathe a sigh of relief. At least, from my grandfather's point of view, the grandson-in-law he chose should be a normal, reliable and decent gentleman , but, if Sister Doris is allowed to choose by herself..."

Edward's eyes immediately revealed panic.

He imagined for a while that there would be two Doris-style characters taking turns speaking on the dining table at home in the future, and instantly felt that the desserts on the table far away from him were not very attractive.

The younger sister, Annie, inserted the knife precisely again: "Edward, Jane and I are fine. We will marry sooner or later, and we can avoid some unnecessary gatherings. But you are different. As the only heir of the family, you are destined to guard Gladstone Manor.

"At that time, can you refuse Doris and her husband to come to visit? Can you not entertain their family warmly? Oh, yes, sister Doris will definitely give birth to little Doris, a , two, um, maybe many, they will call you uncle."

Edward's face gradually turned pale. He had never been so clearly aware of the weight of the heir of the Gladstone family as he was at this moment.

When the dinner was over, everyone moved to the living room to chat.

The Earl of Gladstone asked a few words about the academic progress of his children, and gave guidance on the existing problems. Then, he looked at the sleepy eldest daughter Doris by the fireplace, and suddenly asked:

"Doris, I heard from Howard that you are very dissatisfied with Mr. Holmes taking over your estate?"

In fact, Pei Xiang has always been quite energetic, and is also very interested in what Jane and Annie have learned, but at this time, he has to show a dazed confusion of sudden awakening.

Jane whispered the Earl's question in Pei Xiang's ear.

Pei Xiang smiled gratefully at the other party, and then turned to the earl and said:

"I was very unhappy at first, but after Mr. Howard explained the nagging terms and agreements to me, I felt that it was actually quite good. Anyway, no matter who manages the property, the annual salary given to me There will be no less pocket money."

The count frowned slightly, this was not the reaction he expected.

"You think things too simply, Doris. You just said at the dinner table that you are going to reject Mr. Holmes. If that's the case, and Mr. Holmes is allowed to manage your property, your future marriage...may be difficult." It's more difficult."

Pei Xiang was very puzzled: "What does this have to do with me? Mr. Howard said that the prenuptial agreement should be negotiated and decided by the parents of both parties. Moreover, this is a trust contract arranged by grandfather. I have thought about it in advance, and I will definitely not embarrass me. So, I just need to choose someone I like and be happy to marry."

These irrelevant and confused words made Earl Gladstone feel depressed.

Mrs. Caroline lowered her head and took a sip of tea, and interjected at the right time:

"The two young people haven't met yet, Charles, you are too anxious. Although Doris said that she intends to reject Mr. Holmes, we all know her character, and she will make up her mind in a while. Maybe she will meet the real person tomorrow. , no objection."

Pei Xiang nodded cheerfully: "That's right, besides, didn't that Mr. Holmes reject his grandfather's marriage proposal? We've talked a lot here, and it would be embarrassing if he doesn't want to marry at that time."

Edward chuckled: "Doris, you still have some self-knowledge."

Pei Xiang touched his fair and delicate cheeks, and said in a melancholy and sincere voice, "No way, there are always a few men with bad eyesight in this world."

The next morning, the guests arrived as scheduled.

When Mycroft Holmes was introduced to the members of the Gladstones, he received a more enthusiastic look than the other guests.

Earl Gladstone stared at the tall young man in front of him, wondering how far he could go in his official career, and how much invisible benefit he would bring to the Gladstone family in the future.

Lady Caroline's gaze was purer.

However, when she saw Mr. Holmes's appearance clearly, her heart sank inevitably. Such a straight and tough appearance and sharp and calm eyes were definitely not within the scope of Doris's appreciation.

In fact, as a mother, Mrs. Caroline hoped that Doris would marry the marriage partner arranged by the old earl.Even though she complained that the old earl loved Doris too much, the countess had to admit that the old earl had always had a good eye for knowing people.

The young man whom his elders trusted and respected must have a bright future.

Jane Gladstone stood behind her parents with her younger siblings, trying not to look too curious in her eyes, but the three siblings still ignored the other guests and focused on Mr. Holmes.

— Gray eyes, hooked nose, strong square jaw, tall, broad shoulders, very imposing.

—— With a reserved and polite smile, elegant and low-key clothes, and strict manners, he looks like a well-bred and calm gentleman.

——The conclusion is that it is a completely different type from the fashionable youth that Doris admired before.

As the eldest daughter, Pei Xiang was the first to be introduced to the guests.

"Miss Gladstone, it is an honor to meet you."

"Mr. Holmes, the journey has been exhausting. I hope you enjoy Gladstone Manor."

When everyone walked into the living room, Pei Xiang naturally took Mycroft Holmes' arm.

"Mr. Holmes, are you coming from London?"

"No, Miss Gladstone, I'm from Manchester."

"Oh, Manchester," Pei Xiang frowned, "I heard that the environment there is terrible. There are big factory chimneys everywhere, and the sky is gloomy. If you wear a new skirt and walk on the street for 10 minutes, then I can’t see the skirt anymore, it’s all gray.”

"Yes, so the fresh air and flowers and trees in Gladstone Manor make me very happy."

"Who says no? I really don't understand what's wrong with everyone. How nice it is to live in the manor. Drink tea and chat, oh, yes, in winter, gentlemen like to hunt in the woods, and sit in front of the fireplace at night. Sit, play cards, listen to the sound of the piano, drink some wine, what a relaxed life, I don’t understand why those people go to listen to the roar of the machine.”

Mycroft glanced sideways at the young girl beside him, and agreed with the same expression:

"Miss is really insightful."

Pei Xiang giggled and said proudly:

"Mr. Holmes, you are really a gentleman with insight. Some gentlemen I met in London before always liked to talk about struggle and science. Although they are more talented in appearance, to be honest, they can't speak like you Listening."

Mycroft said softly, "It's my honor to be complimented by Miss Gladstone."

"Indeed, I generally like to praise lively and interesting young people, because they always know more and have a wide range of insights."

After the two sat down, Pei Xiang was still chattering non-stop:

“They can recite French poetry, know whose salons the most popular painters like to attend, and whether the sopranos are really skilled.

"Oh, it's interesting to talk to them. I heard that one of the heirs of the knighthood was so thoughtful that he put a corset on himself to make himself look tall and straight in his frock coat. My God , What a genius idea, after I found out about this, I really wanted to know him. It is said that he is very handsome, with a slender waist..."

"Doris," Jane happened to be sitting near Pei Xiang and Mycroft, and interrupted hastily when she heard the latter part of the sentence, "tell Mr. Holmes about the charming scenery near our manor, my guest. We're going to be here all Christmas, and we're sure to go for a walk in the surrounding woods."

Pei Xiang was not at all unhappy about being interrupted, nor did she notice her sister's embarrassment. She responded with a smile, and began to describe the woods and lakes near the manor according to Jane's suggestion.

However, she only said a few words in a polite manner, and the topic turned to the prey in the woods again.

Of course, her focus is not how to ride a horse to hunt, but what color riding clothes to wear when hunting.

Mycroft was always patient.

He didn't talk much, and he just uttered a few words occasionally, Pei Xiang was able to continue talking happily by himself, and the topic always revolved around eating, drinking and having fun, and finally talked about the desserts on the table.

"This, this, and that are the chef's specialty. Mr. Holmes, you must try it. You can't find this kind of jam and soft-hearted cookies outside."

Mycroft was receptive to the suggestion, and turning his thoughts back from the Manchester unions, he picked up a pastry he had long favored.

Taking advantage of the effort of lowering his head to drink tea, Pei Xiang breathed a sigh of relief.

Seeing that the guest had quickly finished one piece of pastry, she hastily suggested another, which Mycroft readily accepted.

At this time, Liya, the foreman of the maid, came to add milk and sugar cubes. Pei Xiang looked up and smiled at her, and looked at her hand with special concern.

Liya returned her grateful gaze, and then quietly retreated.

Mycroft's eyes moved slightly: "Miss Gladstone, do you trust that lady just now?"

"You mean Leah? Ah, yes, she has been taking care of me for eight years since I was ten years old."

"It's been a long time," Mycroft sighed. "A lot of things must have happened during this time."

Pei Xiang laughed heartlessly: "Yes, Liya liked to smile a lot when she first came here, but after she became a foreman, she liked to keep a straight face, probably because she wanted to show dignity. However, she and When I was alone, I was still very lively, and when I talked about Tom yesterday, my expression was very rich, haha, oops, sorry, I can’t tell you more about Leah, sir.”

Mycroft said calmly: "I understand that ladies' emotional problems are really not suitable to talk about with a stranger like me. It's a bit rash."

Pei Xiang's eyes widened in surprise: "Hey, Mr. Holmes, how do you know it's about relationship issues? I obviously didn't say it."

"But miss, it's revealed in your expression."

Pei Xiang looked suspicious, her bright emerald eyes were full of ignorance and curiosity, she touched the corners of her eyes subconsciously, and then pressed her cheek.

"You mean, my expression tells you, what kind of topic did Leah and I talk about?"

Mycroft hummed lightly and said nothing more.

Miss Gladstone suddenly had a flash of inspiration, and graciously introduced the third kind of dessert to the gentleman beside her, suggesting him to try it.

Mycroft accepted the suggestion with alacrity.

However, this time he didn't taste it right away, but put the snacks on his plate first, and then said slowly:

"Based on Miss's previous conversations, I can probably figure out what your interests and hobbies are, and the topics that young women talked about together also involved a man's name, most of which are related to relationship issues."

"It's too simple to say that," Pei Xiang muttered. She frowned, recalling what she said just now, and then asked: "Maybe, we're talking about Tom's embarrassment? Or, Tom is a naughty little boy?"

Mycroft didn't bother to explain in detail, so he continued to perfunctory in a gentle voice: "It is indeed possible, it can only be said that I am lucky."

This answer made Pei Xiang show such an expression, she giggled and said in a low voice:

"Okay, okay, I know that men always have some problems with showing off, especially in front of young and beautiful ladies, I understand. But, I didn't expect that Mr. Holmes, you look so stable and mature, but you also have young people. Comparing your temper. Haha, but everyone has a little vanity, so I won't continue to tease you."

It suddenly occurred to Mycroft that the cakes at Gladstone's were not so sweet any more.

He squinted towards the direction of the door, and asked Pei Xiang: "That manservant with the tray is the Tom you mentioned earlier, right?"

"Hey, you know again?" Pei Xiang exclaimed in surprise.

Mycroft thought to himself, because during the conversation before, you looked up at the male servant several times, and that person also paid great attention to the maid Leah, and he should have admiration in his heart, but... that Leah's reaction was rather different. Interesting.

—Her attitude towards Miss Gladstone was not entirely kind.

The time was too short for Mycroft to observe anything more, but he kept the incident in mind.

Miss Gladstone was entrusted to him by the old Earl. Even if a marriage contract was not reached, he would take proper care of her, at least to ensure her personal safety.

At this time, other guests brought the topic to Pei Xiang and Mycroft, and the two stopped talking alone, but blended into the conversation atmosphere of the crowd.

While listening, Pei Xiang was thinking about what happened just now.

It was she who ordered Liya to appear in the living room in advance because she was worried about the other maids.Therefore, even if the back of Leah's hand is injured, she can still work in the living room and take on the responsibility of the head maid.

She purposely ordered this to make this Mr. Holmes pay attention to Leah, and then, to see how this gentleman would behave.

Sure enough, Mycroft Holmes did not disappoint her, he immediately noticed Leah's abnormality.And, what made Pei Xiang even more happy was that he asked aloud.

This shows that this gentleman has Miss Gladstone's safety in mind. Of course, there is nothing to do with the relationship between men and women. It can only be said that it is the old earl's care in exchange for favors.

Thinking of her loving grandfather, Pei Xiang suddenly made up her mind that she was not going to mess with Doris's dowry, and entrusted that property to Holmes.

Because it was a reliable guarantee that an old man tried to find for his granddaughter before his death. It was not only a way of property entrustment, but also a way of deep concern and deep reluctance.

In the future, after she finished dealing with the original murderer, she would find a way to have a talk with Mycroft Holmes, and then use that fortune to do something.

In the name of Doris Gladstone, whether it is doing good deeds or brand naming, in short, the old earl's heart cannot be wasted.

As for her own future, Pei Xiang felt confident when she thought of the two skills she had mastered.