I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

After returning to the Sherlock Holmes mansion on Pall Mall, Mycroft immediately went to the study to fetch some documents that he had prepared earlier, and prepared to bring them to the ministry for discussion.

Before going out, he wrapped his arms around his wife's slender waist, bowed his head and kissed her cheek and forehead, and then reluctantly left.

Pei Xiang looked at the back of the man in a hurry, feeling a little strange in his heart, even in such an urgent situation, this man should have taken his time, why did he leave in such a hurry?

This question will soon be answered.

"Madam, according to your and your husband's instructions, the master bedroom on the east side of the second floor has been reorganized, and the adjacent rooms on the left and right have been opened up to become a new master bedroom suite. In addition, the wallpaper and carpet have also been replaced. Do you want to go up and have a look at the patterns and colors?"

"My order?" Pei Xiang raised his eyebrows lightly, and then realized that the change of the bedroom must be a small move by someone first, "No wonder the movement of going out is so fast..."

"Ma'am?" The housekeeper, who pretended not to hear anything, asked.

Pei Xiang smiled and nodded: "Let's go and see the newly decorated room. Gerald, thank you for your hard work. You have to deal with a lot of chores in such a short time. I guess, Hampstead Green Has the mansion over there also made corresponding changes?"

"Yes, according to your and your husband's instructions, the bedroom was redecorated. However, it is more spacious there. I had someone directly open up the two large suites on the third floor, and replaced the original wall with an oriental-style wooden partition. .”

While talking, the two arrived at the east side of the second floor.

Pei Xiang walked around the newly cleaned master bedroom, and found that the furnishings and decorations in the room were all in line with her aesthetics, and a smile was always on the corner of her mouth.

In the new room, she changed her travel clothes, washed briefly, put on the light skirt for home again, and then sat on the table by the window to reply to Mrs. Caroline.

In the letter, Pei Xiang said that she would visit the Gladstone Mansion on Arlington Street tomorrow, but she would not stay there, because Mycroft would be busy recently, and she needed to be considerate of her husband who left early and returned late.

Sure enough, that night, Pei Xiang had already drifted off to sleep, and he was so busy that he lay softly beside her.

Sniffing the fresh water vapor with the smell of mint, she turned over lazily, leaned over with her eyes closed, and asked vaguely, "What time is it? Are you done?"

"It's almost twelve o'clock. The most important things have been dealt with. Go to sleep."

"Well, what time do you get up tomorrow morning?"

"Seven o'clock, honey, I suppose you'd like to have breakfast with me?"

"Okay, remember to call me."

"Like the new bedroom?"

"Not bad... It feels like you've been planning for a long time, and some things can't be done in a few days."

The lips were kissed a few times, and a soft laughter came from the ears:

"My lady, you kept looking at me on the train..."

Pei Xiang snorted: "What's the use of watching?"

These words completely ignited the lingering atmosphere in the bedroom, the flimsy quilt was flying and entangled, and there were occasional intermittent panting sounds coming from the bed curtain, until it was dawn, someone hugged the quilt and fell into a deep sleep.

So Mr. Holmes ate breakfast alone, and before going out, he went back to the bedroom and kissed his wife who was sleeping soundly, and then left with his hat and cane.

When it was almost noon, Pei Xiang, who had finished dressing up, got into the carriage and took a gift to visit the Gladstone Mansion on Arlington Street.

When she came in, her little sister Anne and her brother Edward were waiting in the living room. Seeing her coming in, Anne stood up happily to meet her.

"Sister Doris, I haven't seen you for a long time. Even though we both live in London, it seems like we are separated by the Atlantic Ocean."

"I'm going on vacation, dear Annie," Pei Xiang smiled sweetly, "Mycroft accompanied me, and I brought you a gift, including a new swimsuit. I thought it was fresh and interesting, so I bought it. A few pieces."

"Is it the two-piece suit in the magazine?" Jane Gladstone walked into the living room, just heard Pei Xiang's words, and smiled.

Pei Xiang nodded, looked up and down, left and right, the soon-to-be-engaged Jane, and then nodded with satisfaction:

"Jane, I see joy from you, it's very good, it shows that you like your fiancé. You know, I'm worried, I'm afraid that one day, you will bring a 60-year-old old duke to appear in front of me , and then told me that you obeyed your father's arrangement and became a noble duchess."

Jane Gladstone glared at the eldest sister with anger and shame, thinking that she had been married for two years and her style of speaking had not changed much.

Unexpectedly, Edward was on Pei Xiang's side this time, and he nodded seriously, showing a relieved expression:

"I was also worried about this before. Fortunately, Mr. Sissel who proposed to Jane is only 29 years old this year, and there are not many wrinkles on his face."

Anne quickly added: "Actually, it's already thirty. I heard from his valet that Mr. Sissel just celebrated his birthday last month."

"Hi, you three!" Jane Gladstone couldn't help raising her voice.

Mrs. Caroline walked in with a smile and asked softly:

"Jane, what's the matter, always pay attention to your manners, and don't act too excited just because you're getting engaged."

Pei Xiang immediately went up to hold Mrs. Caroline's hand, and spoke first:

"That is, we have been congratulating Jane, and Jane will be happy. Oh, I haven't seen that Mr. Sissel. I heard that he has been a diplomat abroad before. Mom, how does he look? Is he handsome? ? How tall? What color are the hair and eyes?"

Everyone sat down again, hearing this series of Doris-style inquiries, they couldn't help laughing.

To be honest, none of them thought that after this wayward and simple girl married a prudent gentleman like Sherlock Holmes, not only was her lively and jumpy thinking not restrained by married life, but she maintained Doris's enthusiasm as always. It can be seen that she My days are very happy, and I am very well protected by my husband.

"Mr. Philip Sissel is about the same height as your father, with brown hair and eyes, and looks very handsome." Mrs. Caroline explained gently.

Edward laughed and joked: "It's really handsome, Doris, Mr. Sissel's looks are the type you admired before. But I remember that you announced it to the whole family last Christmas, Mycroft The special appearance is already your new aesthetic standard. So, I guess when you meet Mr. Sissel, you still think the other person's appearance is not attractive enough."

"My God, Edward, who can compare with my Mycroft? Mr. Cecil only needs to be compared with other ordinary men."

"Be more reserved, Doris." Edward showed a helpless expression.

Pei Xiang ignored him, but turned to ask Mrs. Caroline: "Mom, is there a dance at home tomorrow night? Mycroft probably won't be able to attend. He will be glued to the chair in the office these days." But, just wait a few more days, and he will come with me."

Mrs. Caroline is naturally well-informed. She has heard about the recent changes in the current situation from the Earl of Gladstone and others. She also knows that the husband of the eldest daughter should be promoted this time. Absence at the ball.

"You...how are you getting along this time when you go on vacation?"

"We had a great time," Pei Xiang said lightly, "However, being outside is still not as comfortable as at home. After this trip, I understand Mycroft's reluctance to go on a long journey."

Mrs. Caroline nodded. It was not convenient to ask about the child in front of everyone at this time, so she didn't say any more.

It is a good thing that a son-in-law has a bright future, but Mrs. Caroline is more concerned about whether her daughter's married life is stable and happy.

In the past two years, her eldest daughter has made some progress. It is said that Mycroft took the time to teach her personally. For this reason, the couple also reduced many social activities.

I don't know how the husband and wife discussed it, but Doris was quite obedient and didn't make a lot of noise. She spent most of her time in the picturesque suburban villa, and it was said that she was seriously practicing the piano and learning French.

Regarding this, Mrs. Caroline felt complicated. She thought of the ten years of hard work she and the old earl had made, but Doris had never developed a passion for learning.I didn't expect Mycroft to coax people into submission as soon as he made a move. Although the progress was slow, it finally calmed down her character a lot.

However, let Mrs. Caroline speak conscientiously, even if her character is calmer, Doris still lacks in intelligence and vision.

She was a little worried that the plain and simple Doris would not be able to win her husband's heart, especially in London, a bustling city full of sensuality and temptation, Mycroft was becoming more and more powerful and his thoughts were deep.

Mrs. Caroline's secret worry lasted less than two days, and she soon found that, perhaps, the object of her worry should be changed.

Because at the ball held by Gladstone's house, after the second daughter's fiancé Philip Sissel introduced his friend Baron Bridge to Doris, the Baron who lost his wife in the early years was obviously attracted by Doris's appearance. Fascinated, he began to court veiledly.

This Baron Bridge is a very handsome man, who is said to be of Greek descent. His facial features are deep and classical, his eyes are deep and focused, coupled with his pale complexion and tall figure, he is easy to win the favor of the opposite sex.

Pei Xiang danced with Bridge, and then declined his follow-up invitation, chatting with a few familiar ladies and ladies.

Baron Bridge stared at Pei Xiang's back, and slowly withdrew his fascinated gaze.

Philip Sissel approached him with a glass of wine: "Bridge, she has no extra affection for you, change her pursuit."

"Did you see her pair of green eyes? Sissel, it's been so many years, you know what I like. Those before...Compared with this one, they are all inferior."

Hearing what his friend said, Philip Sissel looked around and confirmed that no one nearby could overhear the conversation between the two, and then slowly said:

"That's true, but those people are of humble origins, how can they compare with the daughter of the Gladstone family. Unfortunately, Bridge, this young lady is already married, and you have no chance."

"It's just a marriage, my best friend." Arthur Bridge's smile was a little strange, and a hot light appeared in his eyes.

"Ciselle, do you see how many arrogant and dissolute ladies are secretly watching you and me at this ball? The woman I want will always throw herself into my arms, those emerald-like pairs The eyes, sooner or later, will belong to me."

Sissel shook her head and lowered her voice: "Bridge, her husband is Holmes, don't provoke him."

"Holmes? Mycroft Holmes?"

"Yes, that Sherlock Holmes who is going up a step recently."

Finally, there was some seriousness and caution in Bridge's expression, but within a moment, he sneered coldly:

"It just so happened that his hands stretched a little too far. It is time for him to learn some lessons. Mr. Holmes must know that not everyone's accounts can be checked."

"So, are you really courting Mrs. Holmes? Because of her green eyes, or are you trying to warn her husband?"

"Both, Sissel."

"I hope you don't cause any scandals. I heard that this eldest lady has a willful and direct personality, and she is not a tolerant and docile lady. I'm afraid...you will be unable to get away by then."

Bridge smiled slightly: "I don't need to get away, as long as she always has a pair of emerald green eyes and looks at me with vitality, I will be happy. Seeing her, you know how much I regret the wasted days before Is it? I actually missed the most beautiful one because of those inferior ones."

"I understand," Philip Sissel took a sip of his wine, "I also met a high-quality product recently, but unfortunately, her background is not good, and I have no way to marry her, so I can only settle for the next best thing. Brie Qi, a woman of noble blood and our picky taste is rare to meet, you are lucky."

"Yes, and best of all, she is Holmes' woman."

The two exchanged a knowing look.

"Bridge, please take my position into consideration when you make a move. At least, from the perspective of the Gladstone family, I should not know your thoughts on Mrs. Holmes. Because, if I knew, I would definitely To stop those who advise you."

"I understand, don't worry, Sissel, the marriage between the Sissel family and the Gladstone family will not be ruined. In the eyes of your wife, you must be a good young man who is innocent and upright."

During the conversation between the two, there were polite smiles on their faces, and it seemed that two well-bred gentlemen were talking about something.No one would have guessed that the content of their conversation was vile and shameful.

After exchanging pleasantries with familiar people at the ball, Pei Xiang danced with an old gentleman with a humorous speech, and then sat down on the bench in the rest area, intending to relax for a while.

Before long, Philippe Sissel, the brother-in-law-to-be, approached with his friend, the Baron Bridge.

The two men asked Pei Xiang about Mycroft's recent situation, and expressed their desire to make further friends.

Pei Xiang didn't take advantage of the opportunity to extend a guest invitation to the two, but said briskly:

"I know that you gentlemen always like to talk about some dry and boring topics when you get together. You can see my husband at Gladstone House, and then you can talk about it to your heart's content, and by the way, my brother Edward also likes these boring topics."

Although he didn't get the chance to visit as he wished, Baron Bridge stared at the other party's radiant emerald eyes, and felt that the owner of the eyes was cute no matter how he looked at them, so he immediately greeted him:

"Indeed, men's topics should be finished in the club. If they continue to chatter at banquets or gatherings of friends, it will definitely be annoying. Moreover, no matter how impassioned we talk, we can't solve specific problems."

Pei Xiang was approved, and the smile on her face became wider. She turned her head and said to Philip Sissel:

"Mr. Sissel, you have a good eye for making friends. I haven't heard such modest and polite words for a long time. Gentlemen, now that you are aware of this problem, don't miss the serious and steady Mr. Holmes in such a happy place as the ball." , go and dance with the ladies."

Baron Bridge asked softly with a double meaning:

"Can I get Madam's favor?"

Pei Xiang giggled, and shook his head pretending to regret:

"No, Your Excellency the Baron. I promised Mycroft that I would not give the men present a second chance to dance. I have danced with you before. I have to keep my promise."

After saying this, she smiled and glanced at the silent Philip Sissel, and suddenly showed a happy expression:

"Why, Mr. Cecil, I haven't danced with you yet? You must ask me now, or I'll go and sue Jane that you're not very nice and dull, and you don't know how to invite me to a ball." Dance with the most beautiful women."

Philip Sissel quickly apologized and invited Pei Xiang to dance the next dance.

Pei Xiang naturally nodded in agreement, smiling heartlessly.

Some of her reputation is very famous, so neither Sissel nor Bridge were aware of her disgust and defensiveness, they just said what she thought.

When Pei Xiang danced with Philip Sissel, her performance was worthy of the nickname of the idiot beauty. When she spoke, she would make a common-sense mistake occasionally, and occasionally laugh at something. But the language is shallow.

When the song ended, Sissel really felt that getting along with such a woman was really tiring, she would never know what her next topic would be, and she couldn't tell the truth too much to point out her fallacies, so as not to hurt her sensitivity Emotions and fragile self-esteem.

Sissel "runs away", and his friend Baron Bridge seems to want to stay and chat, but Mrs. Caroline cleverly stops him.

Pei Xiang's side became clear again, but her mood was not as relaxed as before the dance.

Through the ramblings and repeated probing just now, Pei Xiang has been able to confirm that the prospective brother-in-law, Mr. Sissel, knows what Baron Bridge is thinking.However, instead of intending to stop him, he also planned to pretend to be ignorant and support the other party secretly.

——This kind of attitude shows that Sissel agrees with Bridge to seduce married women.Even, he thinks this kind of thing is very common.

——Birds of a feather flock together and people are divided into groups. Sissel and Bridge can become friends, and some ideas must be the same. So, how did Jane Gladstone blindly fall in love with this kind of man?

——Also, what's with the superior cruelty he occasionally exudes?

At the end of the ball, Mycroft came to take Peixiang home, so he met Sissel and Bridge, and after a few polite conversations, they said goodbye to each other.

In the car, Pei Xiang leaned on Mycroft's shoulder and closed his eyes to rest.

"Just came out of the office building? How did you eat tonight?"

"Well, after processing the documents, I found that the time was just right, so I came to pick you up. The food at night was okay. I went to the Gorod restaurant with the people in the ministry. The main course was beef, and the sauce was mediocre, but His cherry pie is pretty good, I'll show you to try it next time."

"Okay, by the way, do you know Baron Bridge?"

"Well, I met once before. He works in the diplomatic service. He has been on a diplomatic mission to Europe for the past few years and was in charge of trade negotiations. He was transferred back last year."

"No wonder I haven't seen him before in London social circles, is he in his 30s?"

"Aged 35, he was on good terms with Philip Sissel, both in the Foreign Service. Sissel returned to England earlier this year, met your sister at a dance and was soon courting her she."

Pei Xiang frowned: "These two people have problems, I feel very bad."

Mycroft touched her hair: "I checked the account before, and Bridge was involved, but after the blame was placed on one of Bridge's deputy, the clues were all broken. It is said that the two had There were conflicts when we were working together, so that audit only gave Bridge more trust."

"It's said that things can't be done accurately. Maybe you caused Bridge to lose a right-hand man and a small treasury."

"Yeah, that time I didn't bother to study it carefully, but I didn't expect that he insisted on asking me to get to the bottom of it."

Pei Xiang bent the corner of his mouth: "Did you see it?"

"How can you not see that my wife has always been very charming."