I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

On the day he returned to Gladstone Manor, Mycroft sent someone to inform the Earl and his wife of Gladstone that he had discovered a murder case in the manor, hoping to discuss the whole story with the owner of the manor in detail.

At the same time, he asked someone to guard Howard in secret to prevent the other party from escaping from hearing the news.He also ordered the servants to invite Miss Winster to the earl's study, intending to let her and Leah confess their crimes first, and finally interrogate the mastermind Howard.

When Pei Xiang was led into the earl's study by the housekeeper Jason, the three who planned the murder had already pleaded guilty.When everyone in the study saw Miss Gladstone with a puzzled look on her face, they had different expressions.

The two police officers who were watching showed sympathy. Liya kept her head down and did not look at Pei Xiang. Miss Winster looked at Pei Xiang with pleading eyes, as if she hoped to be forgiven by the young lady.

Standing in the middle of the study, Howard turned his head abruptly, staring at Pei Xiang with eyes mixed with contempt and resentment.

Pei Xiang paused, then immediately raised her head and stared back, and asked loudly:

"Mr. Howard, who allowed you to frighten me with such a terrible look? Is it your very disreputable mistress sister?"

Lady Caroline coughed slightly.

Pei Xiang immediately restrained his arrogant and domineering expression, and obediently walked to the Countess.

"Father, mother, butler Jason told me, do you need me?"

Faced with her daughter's sweet smile who didn't know anything, and thinking that she was almost murdered by greedy people, Mrs. Caroline's eyes suddenly became sour. She reached out and took Pei Xiang's hand, and said in a gentle voice:

"In a moment, your father and I have something to ask you, you just need to answer truthfully."

Pei Xiang looked at his mother who suddenly became gentle and amiable, and nodded hesitantly.

She sat down on the satin soft-backed chair, and looked curiously at the people in the study, her gaze shifted, and happened to collide with Mycroft's silently observing gaze.

Pei Xiang blinked, nodded with a smile, and then turned his face away as if nothing had happened.

"Doris," Your Excellency the Earl said in a deep voice, "I heard that not long ago, you had a nightmare. In the dream, you felt very uncomfortable and couldn't call for help. Later, someone rescued you, Your nightmare is over, isn't it?"

"Yes, there is such a thing, father."

"So, can you re-describe how you felt at the time, and what the person who rescued you looked like?"

Pei Xiang's eyes lit up, she leaned slightly, and asked cheerfully:

"Father, you are so solemnly asking about my nightmares, do you mean that the knight hero I dreamed of actually existed? Ah, I said, my feeling is very effective, why, that brave hero Did your knight do anything good again? Need my testimony?"

Your Excellency the Earl finally did not show any impatient expression towards the eldest daughter this time. He was a little unwilling to look directly at the innocent and happy carefree expression of the other party, so he closed his eyes subconsciously, and then continued:

"Doris, according to the existing clues, the mysterious person who rescued you does exist, and it should be someone from our manor. He saw a conspiracy in advance and saved you at a critical moment, but , in view of his indifferent quality of fame and wealth, we have no way to determine his identity for the time being, so I would like to ask you for some details."

"Conspiracy? Save me?" Pei Xiang muttered a few times in a low voice, and suddenly his face changed drastically, "Wait, father, what you just said... You mean, someone is going to murder me? Is someone really going to murder me? I'm not Had a nightmare, but was in real danger? And, then that mysterious knight rescued me from danger?"

"Doris, my dear, I surprised you." Mrs. Caroline patted Pei Xiang's hand lightly, her eyes were full of concern and fear.

Pei Xiang smiled ignorantly, her eyes drifted and confused, it was obvious that she was suddenly informed of a big and out-of-control matter, and she hadn't reacted yet.

But she still replied seriously: "Sorry, father, mother, I didn't see what that knight looked like. I just remember...he was wearing a red and green checkered vest, and, um, his face It was vague. When I first recalled him, I thought he was wearing a mask, but now that I think about it, it doesn’t seem to be the case. Oh, huh? Why did I suddenly feel that the other party might be a woman Woolen cloth?"

Seeing Pei Xiang's distressed expression, a police officer in the study said:

"According to the maid Leah's confession, Miss Gladstone inhaled some anesthetics that night, and her consciousness should be semi-conscious. She will have a vague impression of what happened, but she will not have a particularly clear cognition. Fortunately, , someone rescued her before she was poisoned by the charcoal fire, otherwise, adding the two together, Miss Gladstone will definitely not be as healthy as she is now, and it will only be regarded as a nightmare."

Mrs. Caroline nodded quickly. She didn't want her daughter to recall the content of the "nightmare" again, so she suggested:

"Charles, let's talk about the search for the savior later. Anyway, we all know that the other party is a male and female servant in our manor. As long as we search carefully, we will definitely find clues. At that time, we will have plenty of time to express our gratitude Feelings.

"Now, let's deal with Mr. Howard first. I hope the police officers will take him away as soon as possible and let him get the punishment he deserves. God have mercy, I just want to think of what evil this vicious and greedy person has done. The thought of him living as a guest at Gladstone Manor gives me the creeps."

The earl accepted the countess' proposal with a dark complexion. He looked at Howard coldly and asked:

"Howard, do you have any reason to explain? Are you not going to confess to the victim?"

Howard shivered for a moment. He realized that Earl Gladstone had already planned to give up on him, and his face was completely pale.

He raised his head abruptly, and looked at the other party beggingly, with hope in his eyes, but full of unwillingness and hysteria.

Pei Xiang silently observed Howard's expression and frenzied eyes, guessing that before she entered the study, this person must have received some serious stimulation.Therefore, his mood at this time is so unstable, desperate and irritable, like a trapped animal.

—It seems that in order to make Howard confess his guilt, Mr. Holmes has often stabbed this man in the heart.

——Then... Shall I sprinkle a little more salt?

Because of the earl's words, Howard turned his begging eyes to Pei Xiang.

Pei Xiang turned his head away at this time, frowning and looking at the lace and pearls on the gloves, as if he couldn't bear the small flaws in the accessories on his body.

Such a casual attitude, such an arrogant arrogance, without a sound, suddenly stimulated Howard, who was emotionally unstable.

"Your Excellency, Your Excellency, am I doing this because you hinted? You promised me before that in January next year, you will find me a promising position in the London City Hall, and you will give me Paving the way for official career. But, but, you suddenly said that the investment failed, you have no money, let me wait.

"Hehe, wait? Why should I wait? My classmates, even juniors, have become rookies and darlings in the political world. Whenever they look at me with high-spirited eyes, you know that I How embarrassing is it? I can't wait any longer. I hope you can keep your promise, but how can you keep your word? I'm asking you, it's you who said, as long as you have enough money, you will definitely be able to keep it Promised. I, I took this step because you broke the contract first."

These words made Earl Gladstone's face flushed, and Howard felt extremely ashamed when his embarrassing private property situation was yelled out like this.

Besides, it is not honorable to say something like promising to pay the mistress' brother to pave the way and breaking the contract, especially in such a scene—in front of Mrs. Caroline and the eldest daughter Doris!

For a moment, the embarrassment and embarrassment that rushed into his mind made Earl Gladstone lose his voice.

When Howard saw that the earl didn't yell and refute immediately, he thought he was guilty of breaking the contract.There was a trace of ecstasy in his eyes, and he shouted regardless:

"Your Excellency, think of Aurora, think of her such a gentle woman, who endured all kinds of ridicule and gossip, just because she loves you!

"Your Excellency, think of your son Douglas. He is only so old, and he likes me so much as an uncle. If he knows that he has an uncle who has committed a great crime, he will never be able to hold his head up for the rest of his life!

"Your Excellency, Douglas is your son. He has been clever since he was a child, but because he is an illegitimate child, he is already inferior to his brother in everything. Do you still want him to have an uncle who committed murder?"

Hearing Howard mention his beloved young son, Earl Gladstone felt a little pain in his heart, and he suddenly felt vague hesitation.However, when he met Mrs. Caroline's plain and indifferent gaze, his heart sank, and his reason returned instantly.

an illegitimate child...

"I think there is some truth to Mr Howard's concerns."

Mrs. Caroline suddenly spoke under her husband's astonished eyes:

"Since the child named Douglas will be ridiculed because of his illegitimate child status, and in the future, he will be disgraced by the entire upper class because of his mother who is a mistress and uncle who is a murderer. How about taking advantage of his age? If he is still young, send him to the country, and put him in the foster care of someone who has no children. As long as the family is well-off and the family style is good, I think that Douglas boy will grow up happily."

"You!" Howard stared at Mrs. Caroline with a distorted face.

Lady Caroline didn't look at him at all, but looked at Earl Gladstone gently, just like she cared for him every time, her tone was still calm and soothing:

"Charles, I think you are busy with affairs, and you can't get away from these trivial matters. As for how to arrange for Mr. Howard's nephew, my natal Portland family can do it for me. Of course, this is something that the Portland family cannot shirk Responsibility, Charles, don't forget our prenuptial agreement."

"You vicious woman? Are you going to let my nephew leave his father and mother since he was a child?"

Mrs. Caroline glanced at Mrs. Murray behind her, and Mrs. Murray immediately said:

"Mr. Howard, since my sister loves the Earl so much and is willing to endure all kinds of ridicule and gossip for him, I think she can continue to endure for the sake of the Earl's family harmony and family reputation. After all, as you said, Olo Mrs. Ralph was so gentle, and so good at self-sacrifice.

"Of course, if she loves her child very much and loves her son Douglas more than the Earl, she can go with Douglas. The Countess has always been kind and will never stop a mother from meeting her own child, even Can help her rent a house next door to the foster family."

Mrs. Murray's "suggestion" made Howard dumbfounded. He turned his head and looked anxiously at Earl Gladstone, hoping that he would promise that Douglas would grow up in London and by his father's side.

However, facing Howard's anxious and urgent gaze, Earl Gladstone evaded uncomfortably.

The Gladstones and the Portlands do have some agreements.When Charles Gladstone's romantic debts outside hurt Mrs. Caroline, the Portland family had the right to deal with the relevant persons.If His Excellency the Earl wants to stop it, he has to transfer some family interests to make up for Mrs. Caroline and her children.

The earl's indifference made Howard completely lose his mind. He seemed to want to rush to the earl, but as soon as he moved, he was held down by two police officers.

"Your Excellency, you have picked yourself innocent now. If you hadn't been complaining in Aurora's and me's ears, saying that the old Earl shouldn't have given so much private property to that silly girl Doris, saying She doesn't deserve that much wealth, saying... if only you could get some jewelry business over there.

"In that way, you can plug the hole in your investment, redecorate Aurora's house, and help me arrange a good position. Your Excellency, you have been complaining to me about this, you said, if Without Doris Gladstone, your life will be more comfortable. It is your hint that I have those evil thoughts, Your Excellency, you can't leave me alone..."

Facing Howard, who was becoming more and more unscrupulous, the Earl waved his hand with a blue face:

"Gentlemen, the soul of this man is beyond redemption. In order to satisfy his vanity and greed, he did not hesitate to murder a noble lady, and attempted to slander and tarnish the innocent reputation of a nobleman. Now, I don't want to see you again." Here he is, please take him away."

The two police officers who twisted Howard's arms responded, and set up Howard with a look of resentment.

"Your Excellency... Do you really want them to take me away? Do you really want to send Douglas away?"

When Howard was dragged out, he still questioned loudly without giving up. His voice became hoarse, his clothes were pulled into a mess, and he was desperate and embarrassed.

"My lord, I don't ask you to forgive me for my crimes, but think of the lovely Douglas. He also said last month that he would become an officer in the future, protect England, protect father and mother. He was spoiled from childhood. Yes, do you really have the heart to send him to a remote country and make him a poor countryman without knowledge? Your Excellency, besides Edward Gladstone, you have only one son as Douglas!"

These yells seemed to have touched Charles Gladstone, he could tell that Howard really cared about Douglas, he finally looked up at Howard's bloodshot eyes with a complicated expression.

Howard said tremblingly: "Douglas's eyes are exactly the same as yours, Your Excellency, he is a child of the Gladstone family, and he is the son you grew up with."

"Wait, gentlemen, wait a moment." Earl Gladstone suddenly called to stop.

Howard looked surprised.

Lady Caroline looked coldly.

"Caroline..." the count turned his head to look at his wife, with pleading in his eyes.

"What's wrong, Charles."

Mrs. Caroline's smile is still gentle and friendly. She has asked such gentle questions countless times.

Facing his wife's smiling eyes, Earl Gladstone's pleading words suddenly became speechless.

His face became a little strange, and then quickly became gray and decadent, as if he had received an extremely severe blow.

He has always thought that this kind of gentleness for many years is his wife's love for him, but at this moment, this gentle and unchanging tone sounds in his ears, like the biting cold wind on a snowy night, he can't help it. Trembling with fear.

He suddenly realized very clearly that Caroline Portland was the mistress of the Gladstone family, a competent countess, and the mother of the heir Edward Gladstone, but it was never Charles Gladstone. lover's companion, she's tired of him.

"Your Excellency, please, for the sake of Douglas and Aurora... Have you forgotten, those warm and happy times you spent together..."

Howard still pinned his last hope on the Earl of Gladstone, so he did not hesitate to say more provocative words to offend Mrs. Caroline.

He was desperate and wanted to grab the last straw, or, Mrs. Caroline's perennial gentleness and indifference made him ignore the power represented by a countess.

However, Howard could underestimate Mrs. Caroline and the power behind her, but Earl Gladstone could not. He sighed helplessly and shook his head at Howard.

"Gentlemen, let this young man who made a mistake walk out of here with dignity. There are still guests outside, so don't make everyone overly curious."

Hearing this, the two police officers let go of Howard, but still looked at him vigilantly.

Howard first stared at Earl Gladstone in disbelief, and then the light in his eyes gradually went out.

He suddenly lowered his head and calmed down. After regaining a little freedom, he slowly straightened his coat and straightened his messy hair before standing upright again with his head held high.

Both Mycroft and Pei Xiang noticed the gloom in this man's calmness, and frowned in unison.

But because of the presence of Earl Gladstone, neither of them said much.

Mycroft signaled his subordinates to press Leah and Miss Winster to follow, and ordered in a low voice to tie up Howard as soon as he left the gate of the manor, and not to give him any chance to fight back and escape.

When everyone went out, only the Earl and his wife, Pei Xiang, Mycroft and a few confidant servants were left in the study.

His Excellency the Earl wanted to have a serious talk with Mrs. Caroline, but when he looked up, he met the curious eyes of the eldest daughter.

Only then did he remember that they never explained to Doris what happened before.They just let her sit in on half of the conflict conversation.

——However, if it is someone else, they should infer the rough truth from the conversation just now, but for Doris...

The count thought for a while, and felt that the eldest daughter should not be allowed to know all the facts. He was not worried that she would be afraid afterwards, but that after she knew the truth, she would open her mouth and publicize the scandal.

"Doris, you go out first, your mother will talk to you later, and now, we have to talk to Mr. Holmes about some serious matters."

Pei Xiang ignored his suggestion, but turned to look at Mrs. Caroline.

Mrs. Caroline touched her cheek lightly:

"Go, don't worry about the study, and don't think about it. You can go to Anne and Jane to relax in the garden, or ask the kitchen to make you some desserts. I will go to your room to find you at night, Tell you the ins and outs."

Pei Xiang nodded, took a polite farewell to the Earl and his wife and Mycroft, and left the study gracefully and gracefully.It seemed that she was not affected by Howard's words at all. Of course, it is also possible that the eldest lady has not reacted yet.

Mycroft glanced at Pei Xiang's brisk back in some surprise, thought about her various reactions from entering the door to leaving, and couldn't help sighing secretly, this is really a talent.

Earl Gladstone on the side misunderstood Mycroft's expression, thinking that he was surprised by the dullness and simplicity of the eldest daughter, so he smoothed things over and said:

"Doris has always been an innocent and kind character, and has never encountered any ugly frame-ups. Therefore, it is difficult for her to connect everything together for a while. Moreover, she is very cheerful, even if she has some guesses, she will not Feeling resentful, she is a good girl who deserves to be protected by gentlemen."

Mycroft smiled and nodded, feeling that Earl Gladstone was not easy.Look around him, the wife who has acted in tender dramas for half her life, the eldest daughter who is full of mysteries, oh yes, just sent away an ambitious secretary.

Pei Xiang, who was standing in the corridor on the second floor, was unaware of the conversation in the study. She leaned against an open window and watched Howard and others go out.

Because of His Excellency the Earl's last order and Howard's calm demeanor, the police officers did not lock the hands of the criminals, and the group hurried towards the carriage at the side door as if they were in a hurry.

At this time, another group of people appeared in the direction of the gate. Standing in the corridor on the second floor and looking around, Pei Xiang barely recognized Edward and his group returning from hunting, talking and laughing on horseback.

Pei Xiang couldn't help frowning, she estimated the speed of the two parties, and felt that they would definitely meet at the turn.

——If Howard is allowed to see the earl's heir Edward at this time...

Thinking of the sneer in the man's eyes, the barely suppressed anger and fear, and his reckless viciousness of daring to murder Miss Gladstone for his own future, Pei Xiang pursed his lips, turned and walked downstairs.

She walked faster and faster, almost running with her skirt in hand.

When passing by the porch, she picked up a large vase with a thick bottom and round belly, pulled out the flowers inside, and quickly ran towards the place where the two groups of people were about to meet.

Just when Pei Xiang appeared at the intersection, Howard had already seen Edward Gladstone riding on a horse and laughing.Resentment and determination burst out instantly in his eyes. Thinking of his own fate and the future of his nephew Douglas, he suddenly had the urge to destroy everything...

——If there is no sole heir for the aloof Earl and his wife, ah!

He suddenly turned around, rushed towards the policeman beside him, grabbed the revolver gun from his waist, and then pointed the gun at Edward Gladstone not far away before everyone could react in time.

"careless!"

The police officer who was robbed of his weapon exclaimed, but Howard had already grinned and squeezed the trigger, ready to fire a fatal shot.

Just before the gunfire rang out, an angry reprimand came from behind the crowd, and the police officer standing outside felt the whistling of wind in his ears, and then saw a white vase smashed towards the muzzle of the gun.

Immediately, the vase that suddenly appeared was shattered in mid-air with a gunshot.

This scene happened so unexpectedly that even Howard who shot was stunned.When he was pushed down on the rough ground by the police officer who reacted later, his eyes were still full of astonishment and shock.

Immediately afterwards, a sharp pain came from Howard's hand, and a foot wearing a brand new leather shoe stepped hard on his finger holding the gun.

"hiss--"

"Miss Gladstone!"

"Master Edward—"

Edward frightened the horse, but in the end, he was out of danger.

At this time, everyone outside reacted. Just now, Howard grabbed the policeman's gun and planned to shoot Edward Gladstone.

At a critical moment, Miss Doris Gladstone ran out from nowhere, blocked an assassination attempt with the vase in her hand, and successfully saved her younger brother's life.

"God, why are there gunshots..."

Everyone in the room was shocked, and immediately, the men rushed to the place where the gunshots sounded.

At the scene of the incident, Pei Xiang not only stepped on Howard's hand hard, but also kicked Howard's nose hard after the police took the weapon away.

"I just realized that you actually wanted to murder me? Who gave you the guts, you dirty and despicable coward! Villain! Despicable!"

The angry Miss Gladstone yelled angrily, and jumped onto the back of Howard, who was lying on the ground, jumped heavily on him more than a dozen times, and "accidentally" kicked him after he stood up. To the position between the opponent's legs...

"My God, Doris, what are you doing?"

The countess who came later saw her daughter's lack of ladylike demeanor, and almost passed out.

Pei Xiang, who was kicking happily, paused, and when she raised her head again, she was already in tears. She sobbed, and ran towards the Earl and his wife like a gust of breeze.

"Mom, I just figured out that this Howard actually murdered me! I just, just chased him out and wanted to question him, but I didn't expect this despicable guy to shoot at Edward. It's terrible, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Yeah, that's my favorite vase..."

Pei Xiang's voice was choked up, and her figure was on the verge of falling. She took aim at the position of the butler Jason, staggered in front of him, and then her body tilted, and she passed out.

With eyes closed, Pei Xiang knew that Butler Jason would definitely catch her, so when she fell into a strong embrace, her body was relaxed and her unconscious expression was peaceful.

However, just when she thought she could make a perfect curtain call and exit today, Mycroft's chuckle came from her ear.

"Miss Doris, what a precise prediction."