little miss austin

Byron's growing environment was actually not good. His father was irritable, spent a lot of money, and was very irresponsible, and finally walked away; his mother was weak and paranoid, and often fell into hysteria; He realized "sex" early; Harrow classmates laughed at his foot disability, so he often fought with others; when he arrived at the university, he was led to the evil path of eating, drinking, whoring, gambling and smoking.It is very strange that he has not become a social scum by now.

He is the only one living in the small building of his dormitory. It is said that his roommates are too harassed and don't sleep here at night.

John Edelston lived in another dormitory building and did not live with him.

Byron made them sit on the sofa in the living room and asked the servants to pour wine.

"Are you passing by again this time to check if I have spent money indiscriminately?"

"Ivo said that if you're left alone, you'll spend your money indiscriminately."

Byron grinned, "That's because it's really cool to be able to spend whatever you want!" He sat beside her very affectionately, "Ivo had a falling out with Mr. Gordon this time, and he actually learned to save money, so boring! "

"He only has 500 pounds for living expenses, and there is no additional income. What should I do?" A young man spends 500 pounds a year, which is quite a lot. Think about it. With 10 pounds a year, I can feed a family of 200 people, and I also bring a few servants, so 11 pounds is definitely enough.It's just that Ivo will definitely give Byron at least 500 pounds, so he only has 100 pounds.

"He should try to borrow money outside, so that when the creditor comes to the door, Mr. Gordon has to forgive him and tell him to go home."

Alice wanted to beat the table because of his wit: it worked, and Mr. Gordon could only choose to forgive him in order to prevent him from incurring huge debts outside.However, it seems that Ivo probably feels that his life without his parents' nagging is very enjoyable, and he doesn't really want to go home.

Because Ivo took a year off from school, he will graduate in the same year as Byron and Grant.He has also participated in the group travel project organized by Byron to travel to Europe. The current confirmed members of this group travel project are Ivo, Byron, John, Grant, and Alice, a total of 5 people.

The valet presented on a silver platter the letters received today, three in total: a letter from his mother, Lady Catherine, a letter from Ivo, and a letter from another man named John.

Byron put away Lady Catherine's letter, put Ivo's letter aside, and read John Hobhouse's letter first.

After reading it quickly, he put the letter aside after reading it, then opened Ivo's letter and gave it to Alice.

Ivo's letter wasn't long, and he just talked about his life in the past few weeks, saying that Irina got married not long ago, and the Gordons didn't notify him to go home to attend the wedding; Irina secretly brought some of his things He came out, sent someone to him, and gave him some money back; and said that the Gordons had known that Alice had recovered, so they let go, and said that as long as he came home, they could pretend that the incident of his sneaking out had never happened. .

At the end of the letter, he said that the days when a person is not restrained are super cool, and he doesn't want to go back anymore.

This is probably what it feels like for a baby bird to finally leave the nest.

Just like Byron, once he left the controlling Lady Catherine, he never wanted to go back and be restrained.The same is true for Ivo. Although Mrs. Gordon and Mrs. Catherine are two types of mothers, the mentality of wanting to control her son's every move is the same.

Thinking about it this way, Mrs. Austen is much better than the two of them. At least Alice moved out, she didn't cry and make a fuss, and finally agreed.Alice had cut her hair short, and Mrs. Austen didn't bother her much, but told her to put it away and not to throw it away.

"Do you want to write to him?" Byron asked the servant to bring the writing desk.

This is a small wooden box. When it is opened, it is an inclined writing desk, which is used for writing on the table. The inside grid can be used to place dip pens, letter paper, and ink bottles. When not in use, it can be put away and put aside for travel. It is very convenient to take it with you without taking up space.When Jane was 12 years old, Pastor George bought her a writing desk, and Jane used it until she got married; after marriage, Tom bought her a new writing desk, which was specially used for writing, and the old writing desk was used for writing letters. .

Alice had a writing-desk herself, which Reverend George had also bought, but she didn't like to use it very much.

She wrote to Ivo. "Dear Ivo, I'm in Cambridge, here at George. I've been very busy these past few months, so I haven't written or received your letter. I won't be able to see you until I return to London. Write to me. I'm going to talk to George about a trip to Europe, and he'll let you know how much you need to bring when you've got your budget. Don't worry, it won't be much. I've had major changes now, You'll be surprised when you see me! Say hello to Elena for me, and wish her a happy wedding. Miss you, Alice."

After finishing writing, he handed the letter paper to Byron, and Byron took a few words under her letter paper, "I am eagerly looking forward to the day of departure! I want to go to the Middle East and North Africa first, you know I have always wanted to go to Egypt and Algeria, and Jerusalem. We must pass through Gibraltar, and we must visit Oliver then."

Alice asked, "Is Oliver in Gibraltar?"

Byron was surprised, "Don't you know? He was sent to Gibraltar."

Oliver Bondfield, who is far away in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory, did not receive an order to go to the French battlefield, but was stationed in other non-combat zone stations.

First, I went to Madeira Island to stay for 4 months, and I just transferred to Gibraltar last month.It is said that this transfer was related to the sudden increase of the Spanish army on the border of Gibraltar. The British Army also immediately sent two additional platoons of troops to Gibraltar, and also transferred two warships to Gibraltar to replenish supplies in name. port.

One of these ships was HMS Neptune, the HMS Neptune, captained by Colonel Thomas Williams, who would have killed Admiral Hawley at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 Shaw Nelson's body was escorted to Gibraltar, and Francis Austin has been regretting that he missed this important naval battle; the other warship was the third-class battleship St. Albans (HMS St Albans), captain Francis Austin.

The tenure of captains is generally not long, and they will be transferred after staying on a warship for 2 or 3 years.Thomas Williams had earlier served as the captain of the frigate Daedalus, and Charles, the youngest boy of the Austin family, had served as a second lieutenant on the Daedalus for the first time after graduating from the Naval Academy.

Colonel Williams and the Austin family are relatives. Alice’s cousin, Jane Cooper, used to be Mrs. Williams, but within a few years of marriage, Jane Cooper died in a carriage accident, and Colonel Williams reunited a few years later. marry.

Francis and his ex-cousin-in-law have met from time to time in the past few years, and they both participated in the Napoleonic War, traveling back and forth between the Mediterranean and the English Channel.

The warship is docked at the port, and the captain has to go ashore to contact the military chief of the local garrison and hold a meeting to see if there are new orders.

Francis is surprised to find that young Oliver is in Gibraltar.

Gibraltar's military status is extremely important. It is the throat of the Mediterranean Sea. Any ship that wants to sail through the Strait of Gibraltar can be seen clearly by the local garrison. Without the consent of the British army, it is impossible to sneak in and out.

At present, the British government has not declared Gibraltar as an official overseas territory, so there is no governor. The local garrison is directly under the management of the Military Council. The highest military officer is actually equal to the governor. Currently, it is a Major Ross.Lieutenant Bundfield was the highest ranking officer under a major.

Colonel Williams is 46, Major Ross is 40, Major Austin is 35, Lieutenant Bundfield is 24, and is only a few months away from turning 25.

Major Ross was a little surprised that the two captains were acquaintances with the new lieutenant—in fact, only Francis had seen Oliver. However, in this era, there are many relatives like this. Maybe there are acquaintances everywhere, and it is not unusual to have acquaintances. , It’s even pretty good, at least if you really want to work with the Spanish army, the communication may be more efficient.

The city of Gibraltar is very small, a veritable "small place", with a land area of ​​only 6 square kilometers. There is a very good deep-water port where ships can be docked.It played a very important role in the Napoleonic Wars and was an important supply place for the British Navy. The local economy mainly relied on the transshipment of supplies sent from the British mainland, and a small part was consumed by sailors on the supply ships.

Regarding the fact that her little sister's childhood friend suddenly came to join the army, Francis also thought that Alice didn't know what to say to Oliver, so that the future baron went crazy and ran to join the army.

Mrs. Austen wrote that after Alice recovered from her illness and returned to London, she could no longer control her, and she had been away from London for a long time this year, and she didn't know where she went; Officer, you might as well let him visit London when he returns home for vacation. Alice is very interested in Mr. Percy, which shows that she likes the kind of person with rich experience. Both Ivo and Oliver are young masters with no adventure experience. Maybe she Just not satisfied with this.

Francis wondered if his mother might be a little whimsical, but perfectly reasonable.Alice doesn't like a life that doesn't change. Oliver and Ivo are very good, but they are "good boys" in the traditional sense. Maybe she really likes naval officers.So he actually inspected the active navy young officers he knew one by one, especially those who were around 30 years old and had become captains or were about to become captains.

What kind of person is Calvin Percy? Changed his name, Percy wasn't his real name.

Of course, this kind of person can't become his future brother-in-law, don't even think about it.

Oliver invited Francis to his residence.

"I just wrote home saying I saw you. Don't worry, I didn't say you were in Gibraltar."

Oliver smiled.Officers stationed in overseas territories, including officers on naval warships, cannot directly write where they are in their home letters, and family members can only write the name of the warship in their letters. The military department will package the letters and packages and send them to the military station and the warship. At present The task of delivering letters was also performed by naval ships.

Oliver's home letters were forwarded by the Madeira Island Garrison, so they were always received late.

"Did Alice write to you?" asked Francis again.

"No, she didn't know that I...was stationed abroad."

Francis was surprised, "Did you not tell her you joined the Army?"

"No. There's nothing to say about that."

"I don't think it's good. You—I don't know what's wrong with you, but you joined the army and didn't tell her." Francis shook his head. "You know what she's like, and you'd think you didn't She's a friend."

Oliver smiled wryly, "I don't want to just be her friend."

After thinking for a while, she said again: "I don't understand her. She and I... had a big fight, saying that I don't understand her at all, and don't want to understand her. But I just can't understand her. "

"I don't understand her either," Francis said hastily, "but I'm her brother, I don't really need to understand what she's thinking, I just need to support her wholeheartedly. The most basic thing is that she can do whatever she wants." Let her do it, I'm only concerned about her safety."

Oliver smiled wryly again, "But I'm not her brother either, what you said doesn't suit me."

Francis thought about it seriously, "Perhaps, you should start from another aspect and think about how she thinks about the problem. Oh yes, the "London Morning News" published three consecutive issues of "The Current Situation of Women Workers in England's Textile Mills" Have you read the Investigation Report?"

"No. What is that?" Oliver puzzled.

"Although the signature is a very weird pen name 'Eye of Truth', but I think it should be written by Alice, and the writing style is very similar to her."

"Wait a minute, I'll write it down." Oliver took the paper and pen, and wrote down the title of the article. "Why would she care about this—"

A textile worker?The most direct connection with a girl like Alice is probably only the cotton that will be made into a beautiful dance dress, right?

"I don't know that, I'm waiting for the papers to arrive. Henry mentioned that Alice recently left London for something, and—" Francis hesitated for a while before saying: "She also cut her hair, cut it Very short."

Oliver was simply stunned.

Ivo Gordon was also stunned.

He yelled directly: "Why did you cut your hair?! You should know that I like your hair very much!"

"Huh? Don't you like me?" Alice gave him a white look. "If you only like my hair, it's too easy. I'll just give you the cut hair."

Byron laughed hard, "You are so stupid!"

"Shut up!" Ivo glared at his cousin.

This is in London, Byron's own residence.

Alice still hasn't figured out whether Byron bought the house or rented it.

John Edelston had vaguely mentioned that Byron was thousands of pounds in debt, and Alice wondered when a creditor would chase him down the street with a knife.However, the creditor didn't seem to be in a hurry, and neither was Alice.It's a strange thing that men always have a way of getting money.

It was the end of May, and Byron, Ivo, and Grant had all come to London; John Edelston hadn't graduated yet, he was two years younger than Byron, but he was planning to travel abroad together; and John Hobhall Adams, who is one and a half years older than Byron, graduated last year. His father is a lawyer and member of the House of Commons. He is very rich and plans to go abroad with them.

So one line is 6 people.

The oldest, John Hobhouse, turns 23 next month, the youngest, Edelston, is 19, and Alice, who is a few months older, is now 19 and a half.Hobhouse had no problem with a girl in the team. After all, besides Hobhouse, Alice was the one who paid the most.Besides, if a girl wants to travel, it is safe to go with a few men.

Byron made a very heroic budget of 1 pounds, Hobhouse 5000 pounds; Alice 2000 pounds, including Ivo's expenses; Byron 2000 pounds, including Edelston's expenses; Grant 1000 pounds .Hobhouse contracted the travel expenses, and the others paid for their own board and lodging.

Byron looked that although he had to pay the 2000 pounds, it was very likely that Hobhouse would lend him the money, so Hobhouse basically ignored him.

Hobhouse told Byron, how to get there, where to go at the first stop, where to go at the second stop, what passenger ship to book, how many people, how many rooms, of course his going out manservant is in charge of the details, including how many tickets to buy , How many classes. When 6 people travel, you have to bring a lot of servants alone. Everyone’s personal servants are essential. This is at least 6 servants; other servants must also be brought. Servants are not only for doing things, but also for traveling. The bodyguard on board, so choose the kind of strong body.

So the servants had to take at least 20, and possibly more.Hobhouse asked them to calculate the list and number of servants they would bring, and the cost of the servants was also included in the £1.

Ivo used Oliver's valet on Madeira, and when he returned to England, the valet returned to Newton Manor.Although he did not reconcile with his parents, his valet went to Oxford after his term at Oxford.He took only one valet, and the other servants were going to share with Byron and Alice;

Alice still took Jacob, Sidney, Kate, and two strong footmen;

Grant took 4 black servants, including personal servants;

Byron wanted to bring him 10 and 8 servants, but Hobhouse rejected it. He only asked him to bring 1 valet, 1 maid, and 2 valets; Edelston took 1 valet, 1 a maid;

Hobhouse took a valet, 2 maids, and 6 strong valets.

So there were 25 servants alone, plus 6 masters, a total of 31 people, which can be said to be a mighty tour group.

It was too noisy for several people to have a meeting together, and it took a long time to quarrel at the first stop. Grant said he was going to Portugal, Byron wanted to go to Madeira Island, Ivo and Alice had been to Madeira Island, so they said they wanted to go directly to Madeira Island. Going to Casablanca, Hobhouse finally made a decision, saying that the first stop was Madeira Island.

John Hobhouse was average-looking, not as handsome as Byron and Oliver, and studied art and literature at Cambridge.His father graduated from Oxford University, went to London to read Middle Temple Law School, and became a member of the House of Commons 10 years ago.

Byron had a good relationship with him. Hobhouse was one of Byron's few good friends and often lent him money.Byron's barony did not produce much, and Mrs. Catherine only gave him 300 pounds a year for living expenses, which was far from enough for his expenses.He has many friends and debts, so he has never been able to calculate the current accounts clearly.

Ivo lived in Byron's house in London, and Edelston originally lived in Byron's house, but moved away shortly afterwards. According to Ivo, the Edelston family sent people to arrest little John and forced him to leave. catch home.

Ivo sympathized with Edelston because he had a similar experience before.

John Edelston was a choir leader at Trinity College. He was stunted, 17 years old and still looks like 14 years old, his voice changed late, and the voice change was not obvious, and he still has a juvenile voice.Byron liked Edelston, which probably had something to do with his youthful appearance. They undoubtedly had an indescribable intimacy. Edelston gave Byron a heart-shaped carnelian brooch, and as soon as Byron had Chance pinned a carnelian brooch to his collar, and wrote many poems to Edelston, though, of course, very secretive, and could not be said directly to him.

The lover was arrested and went home, which made Byron depressed for a long time, and he drank his sorrows with wine every day and got drunk.

Ivo disagrees with his sexuality, but there is nothing to say, after all, he grew up together.Besides, it's not that Byron doesn't like women, it's just that he has high standards and only likes beautiful women.

Ivo jokingly said to Alice: "Fortunately, I know that my appearance does not conform to his aesthetics."

It made Alice laugh so hard that you were thinking too much.

Ivo said: "If there is a chance, I will introduce you to Mary Chaworth."

"That cousin of yours who turned George down and said he was bored with the whimpering cripple?"

"Hmm." Ivo frowned dissatisfiedly, "Why would she say that about George? It's so unreasonable!"

"Miss Chaworth was engaged then?"

"Yes, engaged. Mrs. now—can't remember, married anyway. George must have forgotten her."

"That means Mary Chaworth is beautiful?"

"Beautiful. Kind of—like Miss Beckford."

"Oh, then she is really beautiful. By the way, Susan is engaged next month. I have to send someone to tell Hobhouse that I am going to Susan's engagement banquet, and we have to leave later."

The author has something to say:

*What does Oliver look like when he is going to be an officer, refer to Asa's "Journey's End Journey End".This film is about the First World War, Asa is too small, too thin.

*About how many servants an aristocrat needs to bring with him, when Byron was in Greece, did he bring 11 or 13 servants, as well as pets, monkeys and parrots. .

*John Edelston and Byron were lovers. Edelston gave Byron a carnelian brooch. Many of Byron's early poems are said to have been written to John Edelston.Byron wrote as many as seven elegiac poems for Edelston when he died in 1811 at the age of 21.