Mary's Nineteenth Century

On a night in early spring in April, the wind is still a bit cool.

The carriage did not go west, but went east of London.

The brightly lit hotel and the cold and silent bank building gradually disappeared from sight.Through Aldgate, shabby clothing stores and dirty barbershops began to appear on both sides of the street.

Visible to the naked eye, there is more garbage on the road.

'Wow--'

The wheels rolled over the low-lying water, splashing black and smelly sewage.

"We have arrived."

Matthew pointed to the old bar around the corner.The crooked signboard has the store name "Spring in Whitechapel" written on it.

It is only two roads away from the Whitechapel area.

Mycroft looked at Matthew.This man was wearing a custom-made suit that cost several hundred pounds. How could he have the nerve to invite him to drink at a place where a glass of beer costs more than ten pennies.

What about sincerity?

It's better to talk about things in the Diogenes Club.

"I brought you here, is it an accident?"

Matthew smiled and said, "It's actually okay. This place is on the border of the most chaotic slum in London. Although the taste of beer is not very good, at least the high stool can still sit."

Accident?No, no surprises.

Mycroft felt that [-]% of the accidents in his life were spent on Mr. Minton, and [-]% was barely allocated to other people and things.

"The business you want to talk to me has to do with the East End."

But Mycroft didn't think there would be any municipal engineering renovations to be discussed here at night.Although some related bills have been put on the agenda of Whitehall recently, he knows how efficient those MPs are.

Mycroft: "It's a private matter to come here. Could it be that someone else's things were stolen? They flowed into the chaotic East End?"

Matthew shook his head, "Something is missing, but this time it's not something."

Not a thing, but a person again?

Mycroft used the word "again" to refer to the loss of many intelligence informants in the United States.

This is not the United States, but it is not necessarily safe for ordinary people.London has several million people, and it is almost normal for people to disappear every day.

While talking, the two entered the bar.

Matthew went straight to the corner by the window, where there was an empty table reserved.

The tables were clean, obviously cleaned on purpose.The young waiter was standing by the small table. He was not a bartender, but a servant from Matthew's family who came here in advance.

"Feel sorry,

You also know my grade is older.The stomach becomes weak at this age, and I can only drink something light. "

Matthew, speaking to Mycroft, made a sign to the squire.

I saw the waiter carrying the suitcase to the bar counter.

I opened the box, took out glasses, several bottles of wine, bartending tools, ice cube boxes, etc., and borrowed the bar to mix wine.

Mycroft: Very well, he is small.

Matthew said that he came here to drink, but he actually brought his own drinks.It is also known as taking care of the fragile stomach, and it is not straightforward to dislike low-priced beer.

Don't ask how the bar owner agrees to such a show.

Ask, just to make money, who would dislike the high enough rental cost of borrowing a bar.

"My lord, Matthew, I really can't imagine that you love the scenery here so much."

Mycroft just felt that it was unnecessary, why did he go around and do these things?With all these spare time, he might as well go home and study how to eat roses.

"Mike, it is said that your living conditions at [-]:[-] and [-]st line have improved somewhat. You will go for a long-distance run in Regent's Park, won't you?"

Matthew didn't think he was looking for trouble, "I thought you would like it, and I will show you a little more about the different styles of London."

Going out is a hassle.If you must appreciate the style of London, you must also take a look at who you are with.

Mycroft maintained a smile, and he was sure that Matthew was not on his list of "traveling together with a high value of happiness".

"Okay, I have a showdown, I'm here to show you something."

Matthew stopped joking and looked at his pocket watch. It was a quarter past nine in a few minutes. "Look at the intersection, a public carriage will come soon."

09:30 at night.

The kerosene street lamps on the street were dimly lit.

Soon there was the sound of wheels rolling on the cobblestone road.

A public carriage came slowly, the four horses looked very energetic, and the outside of the carriage was wiped very clean.

Through the glass window, you can see seven or eight men sitting inside.

The men are dressed in suits and leather shoes, but they are not sitting upright.They leaned against the window of the carriage and looked out.

The carriage drove past the "Whitechapel Spring" pub, turned into dirtier streets and alleys, and headed towards the depths of the East End.

It was obvious that this was a stagecoach out of place in Whitechapel.

Mycroft frowned slightly. He didn't like to be idle and go shopping.

Even after listening to Mr. Minton's advice that exercise is good for health, his activities

The range of motion is also mostly in the park with a good environment.

The sense of disobedience brought by the stagecoach in front of him was only seen in the large stack of information materials.

"Is this the Slum Tour?Are there night tours now? "

Mycroft had heard of an uncomfortable tourist route.

The so-called unmissable tourist attractions in London are not only attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Crystal Palace, and Big Ben, but also famous charities in areas such as Whitechapel and Spitalford.

Some charities are set up in slum areas, using people's sympathy or curiosity to attract tourists.

Later, the visiting area of ​​the slums was expanded, and people could take a public carriage to enter the dirty and messy streets and alleys such as the White Church.Through the carriage windows, I looked out at ragged children, disheveled laundresses, and limping tramps. ①

The pay-to-see horse-drawn carriages are ironically called "ghetto tour" shuttles.

People with a little spare money are curious about the real situation in the slums.Some reciprocate with compassion, while others reciprocate with the mentality of watching sideshows and boarding the carriage to watch the poverty situation.

Matthew gave Mycroft an affirmative answer, "Yes, I used to see this kind of carriage during the day, but recently I opened a night tour route. I really look down on London's law and order."

These words made no secret of the irony.

The miserable lives of the poor can be used for consumption, and the viewers watched a live-action horror drama on the spot.

The sightseeing carriage is equipped with bodyguards, and passengers cannot get off the carriage during the whole journey, for fear of being robbed halfway by accident.It shows that the businessmen who came up with this kind of project actually understand how uneasy London is.

Not to mention illegal, the initial banner was charity.

Maybe the merchants donated a small percentage of the sightseeing items to charities in the visited area, and a deformed social phenomenon appeared.

Mycroft was not involved in the specific decision-making of the Whitehall Council, but he felt that the reconstruction plan for the slums must be put on the agenda as soon as possible, and that would not be the reason why Matthew brought him here tonight.

"Someone had an accident on one of these goddamn tours? Don't tell me you're going to find that person."

Unlike the intelligence informants who unfortunately lost contact in the United States, the former was in danger because of their work. What about the tourists who are looking for trouble?

"Actually, I'm not very interested in finding someone."

Matthew doesn't sympathize with those dudes, but sometimes he can't act on his own feelings.

"

Mike, sometimes I do things that go against my likes and dislikes.It's up to you to track down one of them.Not British, he was from Austria-Hungary. "

Matthew finally handed out a thin document.

Two months ago, a young nobleman from the Austro-Hungarian Empire entered the UK. Ferencz was the second son of the Y family.

During the hunting activity the day before yesterday, the heir of the Y family went wild with his horse, which caused a serious accident of the rider falling to the ground.

"You know, through some channels, a telegram came this afternoon. It is confirmed that the heir is seriously injured, and it is very likely that he will never wake up again."

Matthew pointed to the family tree on the information, assuming that the eldest son died of illness, the successor would fall to Ferencz. "Currently, there is no official news from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but we need to act earlier to determine Ferencz's dynamics."

The British side did not send anyone to follow Ferencz one-on-one, but only paid attention to his general whereabouts, such as which hotel he stayed in.

When the second son of the family is very likely to become the heir of the family, his safety is no longer insignificant.

The Y family is not at peace.If Ferenczi followed in his elder brother's footsteps and died too, then a side branch could potentially compete for succession.If the Ferencs are in the UK, once they are killed, those who care will shift the responsibility to London.

I just learned that Ferenc and the guards have not returned to the hotel for two days.

A few days ago, the hotel waiter was asked about the specific itinerary of the "Slum Tour", and was also asked to buy two sets of second-hand labor clothes that fit the size of Ferenc's master and servant.It looks like Master and Servant Ferenczi wants to experience the favelas in depth.

"I don't care about Ferencz, but it's better not to have him in London."

Matthew sneered, "As for leaving the UK, he can die however he wants. Whether he was killed by a homeless man or a family fight, that has nothing to do with us."

Mycroft flipped through a few thin sheets of information, but there was no information on which sightseeing bus Ferencz took.

The slums are full of fish and dragons, and the forces are intricate. No one cares about who dies or disappears.It is an abyss, and it is difficult to climb out if you really fall into it.

As the night darkened, the clock pointed to 22:22.

Darcy, however, seized the time and made another trip, and handed George Wickham's photo to Mr. Minton overnight. "This man is Wickham."

Mary looked at a group photo of the red shirts, and the most outstanding one was the man who abducted Lydia to elope. "Wickham is indeed good-looking,

It is also good news. "

"what?"

Darcy didn't understand, and Mr. Minton didn't sound ironic. "Are you praising a kidnapper?"

"I'm telling the truth. The elopement couple I'm looking for has outstanding looks, which makes it easier for them to leave an impression in the memory of passers-by. It's good news for finding someone."

But Mary changed the subject, "Of course, it also increases the risk. Please let me continue the underground casino assumption before. If Wickham loses everything, will he bet on Miss Lydia? This This practice sounds disgusting, but it does happen in reality."

In reality, the husband lost all his money and asked his wife to work as a secret prostitute to pay off his gambling debts.As sad as it sounds, what's even sadder is that it wasn't an accident.

Mary's tone was sarcastic, "People are gambling money, the more beautiful the higher the price. Of course, I think that a gambler like Wickham really wants to sell himself to pay off his debts, and he shouldn't sell his lover. One person does one thing and one person takes care of him. If you sell it by yourself, maybe you can pay off your gambling debts and still make a profit based on its appearance.”

Darcy was almost led astray, and he wanted to speak in favor of a good proposal that was too spicy, but his ungentlemanly words were swallowed again.

"Regarding the matter of Wickham's gambling, I wanted to say that you may have thought too negatively. Although Wickham has a bad record, he should not get tired of Miss Lydia so quickly, and he will not immediately use her as a bet."

Darcy knew Wickham, who was a little clever. "When the crisis came when money was needed, Wickham would send Miss Lydia to her family.

Unless Mr. Bennet has no qualms about the younger daughter, he will always help pay the debt.What's more, Mrs. Bennet dotes on her youngest daughter the most, and will always be willing to pay a living expense in the end. "

"Hehe! If that's the case, when Wickham abducted Lydia to elope, he didn't intend to make a quick buck all at once, but planned to make a long-term profit."

Mary said thinking about the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, "Mr. Darcy, with all due respect, you are also one of Wickham's candidates, right?"

When Darcy married Elizabeth, it was impossible for him to completely ignore his wife's family.Paying money to help improve life seems to be the quickest way.

Mary asked a key question, "By the way, I don't know much about the Bennet family. Does Miss Elizabeth have no brother or brother? Otherwise, the male heirs of the Bennet family should always be born

Come and do something instead of Mr. Bennet running around. "

Such was the reality of the 19th century.

It is still rare for a woman to be the speaker, especially in the families of nobles or squires, who prefer male heirs.

"You guessed it right, Mr. Bennet has only five daughters. There is also a limited inheritance land in the family, and the heir in line is his nephew Collins."

Darcy briefly talked about the situation, and when he mentioned Collins, his tone was light, and he obviously didn't think he was a reliable person.Speaking of which, Collins has something to do with him.He took the priesthood through his aunt, Madame Catherine de Bourgh.

Speaking of Mrs. Bauer recommending others to become pastors, this reminds me of the revolving door murderer who almost murdered Georgiana.Mrs. Bauer is the ignorant and stupid informant.

A little tired.

Darcy didn't know why, but there were few really smart people around him who were related to him.

At this moment, Mary also had a general understanding of the original family environment.It is not difficult to imagine the impact of Lydia's elopement, which may implicate the other sisters from being unable to marry.

Without the help of a reliable male heir, once Mr. Bennet passed away, the Bennet mother and daughter would no longer be able to enjoy a leisurely life.

"Now do your best to find someone, and then let Miss Lydia marry Wickham, then you can change the ending of comedy. They didn't elope, they just went to London to fall in love. Is this your plan?"

Mary said with a smile, "Mr. Darcy, so I'm not wrong, you have the consciousness to be Wickham's spare sheep."

Darcy's face darkened. There was no doubt that there was irony in these words, but he had no way to refute.

"Mr. Minton, you should understand that there are always some compromises in life. I prefer to call it love and tolerance."

"No, no, no, I didn't mock you. There are not many people who can really do it."

Mary was just discussing the matter, "But it is not a wise choice for Miss Lydia to marry Wickham. The future is still long, which means that there will be a lot of mess. I have an immature suggestion."

Darcy always felt something was wrong.

Mary has already suggested, "Wickham has been bad since he was a child, and he can't be expected to change it in his 20s. After all, we don't have the power of God. There is no way for a person to get rid of years of gambling habits."

Yes!

Darcy actually agrees very much.He never thought that he could change Wickham, nor was he optimistic about the relationship between Wickham and Lydia.

combine.

Mary continued, "In this case, we might as well start with Miss Lydia. She likes a good-looking man who can speak nice words, and that's not easy.

Find an obedient, good-looking young man who can make Miss Lydia happy, and kick the elopement abettor Wickham away.Anyway, you have to raise it. Instead of giving money to Wickham, who has been hostile to you for many years, it is better to raise an obedient little boy, what do you think? "

Mary also added, "There is no need to worry about elopement. As long as Wickham disappears from England completely, the fundamental problem can be solved."

As soon as this remark came out, it was like waves hitting Darcy's brain one after another.

Darcy remembered where the previous uneasiness came from.

How could he have forgotten that Mr. Minton committed a robbery and murderer four years ago, and even shared part of the money with his sister Georgiana.

He is naive.

Darcy thought that Mr. Minton was no longer the amnesiac and penniless man four years ago.

In fact, Mr. Minton has not changed, and some of the speechless wantonness still exists.

Mary looked at Darcy's speechless expression, "What are you worried about? Oh! I won't do anything to kill people. Wickham has served in the army. With his character of gambling addiction, how could he not be in the army? You and I both know that as long as someone from above investigates and catches Wickham as a model, he can be sentenced to exile in overseas prisons."

Darcy rubbed his temples, "It's better to discuss your suggestion later, and find the person first. Let's talk about this today. It's late at night, and I should leave."

With that said, he got up decisively and went downstairs quickly.

This kind of suggestion sounds very reasonable. After listening to a few more words, you will have the urge to act on it. You must hurry up and blow the night breeze to calm down.

"Mr. Minton, please stay and don't send more."

Darcy walked out of the gate, but before getting into the carriage, he couldn't help saying, "Your suggestion seems to have missed one point. What if Miss Lydia doesn't marry unless she is Wickham? It is not easy for one to forget the other." Man, can you put Madame Roman down too?"

Oh, God!What did he ask?

Darcy felt bad after speaking.Asking such a question does not mean that he has agreed to Mr. Minton's outrageous suggestion in disguise.

At this time, there was the sound of rolling wheels echoing in the quiet Pall Mall late at night, and it was obviously driving in the direction of Mycroft's house.

Out of the corner of Mary's eye she saw

The approaching carriage suppressed the smile on the corner of his mouth, and then answered Darcy solemnly.

"I don't think there is any comparison between the two. Don't you think you have made a wrong analogy? To me, my dear Mrs. Roman is like a star that shines forever, illuminating my way in countless dark nights. I don't I will forget Mrs. Roman, and I will always have a heartfelt affection for her."

In the quiet street, as the carriage approached, it was not difficult to hear the slightly raised voice.

Mycroft paused as he was about to get out of the car.

What is Mr. Minton doing in the middle of the night?It also allowed those who were not allowed to rush home to have a good rest.Don't you know that excessive mood swings before going to bed can easily lead to insomnia.

Having said that, is Mr. Minton acting now, or telling the truth behind his back?A feeling from the heart, what kind of feeling is it?

The author has something to say: ① For the background content of the slum tour, refer to "600 Years of London" [UK] Matthew Green