Flowers, Swords and France

"Huh? They claim to be members of the Bonaparte family?" Fran opened her eyes slightly because she was too surprised.

Then, she looked around in confusion, "This...I don't know what's going on..."

No wonder Mary behaved so strangely. After all, she was responsible for surveillance. When she heard that members of the Bonaparte family were actually looking for her, she would inevitably feel that Fran was secretly engaging in some conspiracy.

However, this is too unfair, I haven’t done anything yet! She couldn't help but smile bitterly in her heart.

"Is it really not you who did it?" Mary still didn't believe it and kept staring at Fran.

"Really, absolutely." Fran shook her head hurriedly, "I wouldn't do such a stupid thing now, let alone do it in front of you!"

Perhaps because this reason was more convincing, Mary finally believed it.

"Okay, I believe you." Mary nodded, and then moved a little closer to the door, "It just so happens that Mr. is here, that's great. I want to report the matter to him and let him make the decision. Feel sorry……"

"Okay, I understand, it doesn't matter. I won't blame you." Fran not only did not stop her, but waved her hand, "Now you believe it, right?"

Mary breathed a sigh of relief and walked into the room.

At this time, Charles had just finished writing his letter to Charlotte in one breath. In order to make Charlotte happy, he deliberately wrote many affectionate words. After reading it over, he felt a little bit dumbfounded.

Just then, he heard footsteps behind him, then turned around and saw that it was Mary.

"Good morning, Mary, what's wrong?"

"Sir, there is something I want to report to you." Although he was smiling, Mary did not dare to make any mistakes and bowed respectfully.

"Please speak." Charles made a gesture to please speak.

"Someone asked to see Fran just now." After suppressing the tension in his heart. Mary reported in a low voice, "I came here suddenly. I didn't know anything about it beforehand. I asked her. She also said she didn't know about it."

"Huh? What?" Ciel's smile disappeared immediately. "What's going on? Who is asking to see her?"

"It's... an old woman and a young man, they seem to be two grandsons..." Seeing Charles' angry look, Mary became even more panicked, and she managed to keep her voice from trembling. "They...they claim to be members of the Bonaparte family."

"What?" Mary was beyond expectation after hearing this answer. The shock and anger on Ciel's face suddenly disappeared, and he just became a little suspicious, "Is this really the case?"

He quickly realized who the person who came to visit Fran was.

When he visited the Duke of Wellington, the lady had said that she wanted to see Fran. He did not expect that the other party would come so quickly and directly come to visit his sister.

"I think I know who they are..."

"Indeed, it turns out you know." Mary felt much more relaxed. "They were stopped by me just now and are waiting in the lobby of the hotel...I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize. You did a very good job, and that's how it should be." Charles understood why she did this, so he patted her ear encouragingly, "They are not particularly important guests. Just wait a moment." Call them up, Fran and I will receive them together."

"Will you also receive them together?" Mary didn't quite understand why Charles said they were not important guests but at the same time wanted to receive them personally.

"Yes, you don't need to receive them anymore. I can send them all away with a few words." At this moment. Fran also walked in, and then directly took over the conversation, "We have to go out later. If you accept it, God knows how many more polite words we will have to say!"

"I always have to deal with members of the Bonaparte family." Charles sighed. "If you receive it alone, it won't be good if you say the wrong thing."

"Really a member of the Bonaparte family?!" Not only Fran, but also Mary lost her voice in surprise.

"Wait, something is wrong!" Mary felt very strange. So I couldn't help but ask, "I haven't heard of the Bonaparte family coming to London? And I don't think I've seen them... are they a branch from other places?"

She was now secretly annoyed. She had just thought that the other party claiming to be a member of the Bonaparte family was just to scare her, but she didn't expect that it was actually true. Now she didn't know if her neglect had caused a bad impression in the other party's mind.

However, her concerns were quickly dispelled by Ciel.

"Yes, they are indeed a branch of the Bonaparte family, but... they should be considered an unrecognized and unpopular branch now."

Under the puzzled gazes of the two girls, Ciel slowly explained to them the ins and outs of the family.

"So that's it..." After listening to Ciel's explanation, Fran and Mary looked at each other.

They were not particularly concerned about such political and historical issues before, so they did not know much about the historical origins of the Bonaparte family, so they did not suddenly realize it until now.

"She is such a pitiful person. She was forcibly separated by the emperor and had to live alone for so many years!" Fran seemed to have some sympathy for the lady's experience. "Then let's go meet her."

"Then let's not keep this unfortunate guest waiting any longer." Charles waved his hand, making a gesture for us to leave quickly.

However, although she looked sympathetic, Fran still seemed to be thinking about something.

When she reached the stairs, she suddenly turned her eyes and looked at her brother.

"Sir, what are your considerations for establishing contact with them? Why do you agree to help them? I don't understand. Sympathizing with her is one thing, but to do something beyond sympathy requires consideration, right? We don't have any obligations to them, and we don't owe them anything."

"You are indeed right, we don't owe them anything." Charles nodded, agreeing with his sister's opinion, "But sometimes, it is beneficial for us to find some friends for ourselves."

"You still want to be friends with them? Why...?" Fran looked at Charles curiously, as if she didn't understand what she was thinking, "If Prince Jerome wanted to reconcile with them, he would have done so long ago. Since he didn't do it, why did you do this? Isn't this a job that offends people for nothing?"

"Of course I won't offend people for nothing..." Charles showed a meaningful smile on his face. "But I will do it when there is a reward."

"Reward..." Fran frowned again. After thinking for a while, she looked at her brother in surprise, "You...you plan to take them back to France?"

"To be precise. I will bring the younger one back to France, and the older one will not be needed." Charles still smiled and seemed to have made up his mind. "This younger one will be of some use to us - of course, this is just in case."

Fran finally understood. Her brother's brain, which never lacks energy, has another plan.

In other words, he wants to find supporters in the Bonaparte family?

No matter what I do, I don't want to be blocked this time.

"Do you need... do you need me to do something?" With this thought, she asked a little nervously. "I can do it for you, please believe me, leave it to me! You promised me!"

This sudden request surprised Charles a little. He instinctively wanted to refuse, but for a moment he remembered what he had promised his sister.

Looking at her eager eyes, Charles found himself suddenly touched.

It is hard to find a smart and loyal assistant. If she really asked for it, why should she refuse?

"There is nothing you need to do now, because I haven't figured out what to do." Charles reached out and patted her face, "First of all, please help me receive this poor lady."

"Well! Okay, thank you!" Because of her brother's intimate expression, Fran was very eager, almost excited, "Don't worry, I will let them be generous and enthusiastic about the Treville family. There is no complaint."

"I'm afraid you are too enthusiastic." Charles laughed and teased.

At this time, they had walked down the stairs and came to the lobby of the hotel.

When the brother and sister appeared in the lobby behind Mary, although they were dressed very well. But not many people in the originally noisy lobby paid much attention to them, but the two people on the sofa in the distance stood up and waved to them.

Fran looked carefully and found that as Mary told him, this was an old woman and a young man.

The old woman was already gray-haired, but although. Some of the old charm can be seen, and the clothes are also very decent.

The young man looked to be at most twenty years old, tall and strong, and had some of the unique young people's vision of the future and fearless spirit. His eyes were gray-black, energetic and bright, with short gray hair, wearing a black coat and a bow tie. Although he was dressed neatly, his vigorous energy was not restrained by his clothes, as if it could overflow.

This young man should be a soldier. Fran came to the conclusion almost immediately.

At this time, the expressions of the two people were also very unusual.

The old woman seemed to be surprised to see Charles because she did not expect Charles to be here, while the young man did not pay attention to Charles, but kept looking at Fran, and seemed to be shocked as well.

Suppressing her displeasure, Fran smiled and nodded at him gently. Only then did the young man realize that his reaction was a bit rude, and hurriedly turned his eyes away in a panic, showing a bit of embarrassment.

Charles did not pay attention to their interactions, but walked quickly with his sister to the grandparents and grandchildren.

"Madam, you are faster than I thought." Charles bowed gently to Ms. Patterson, "I hope I didn't cause you any inconvenience today."

"Sometimes we have to act faster, because time won't wait for anyone." Ms. Patterson smiled and nodded at him, very satisfied with his politeness, "In addition, you didn't cause us any inconvenience, in fact, this is more convenient-we planned to visit you before, but the palace is not so easy to go to. This time my grandson can visit you and your sister directly."

Then, she turned her eyes to Fran.

Fran also bowed to her respectfully.

"Oh! What an outstanding child! I knew long ago that the daughter of the Treville family would never be outstanding!" The lady first looked at her carefully, and then shouted half exaggeratedly and half sincerely. "A famous family is a famous family... How could there be such an outstanding child in the New World?"

Flan just smiled and nodded, as if she felt shy after receiving her praise.

She noticed that the young man who turned his eyes away had been secretly looking at her, but because of etiquette. She had to pretend not to notice.

The original text is in the six # 9 @book/bar!

At this time, the lady also felt something was wrong.

Because her grandson had never greeted her, she turned her eyes away in a strange way, "Jerome?"

No response.

"Jerome?" The lady raised her voice.

At this time, the young man finally came back to his senses. "Okay, grandma."

"Young people love to be distracted." The lady smiled at Charles apologetically, and then pointed at her grandson, "Mr. Treville, this is my grandson, Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte."

"Well, he is also a very outstanding person." Charles extended his hand to him very friendly, "I think you can be a good general at first glance."

"Thank you for your compliment, Mr. Treville, I don't doubt it, I can definitely be a general." The young man straightened his back. He shook Charles' hand, "Moreover, I will be a general serving France, and defend the interests of France with you."

Although he was only a few years younger than Charles, he still couldn't help but shrink in front of Mr. Treville, who had successfully become one of the most powerful people in a country through his own efforts.

This sentence was obviously taught to him in advance, not something he thought of himself, so although he said it fluently, it did not infect people's passion. In the eyes of a professional agitator like Charles, it was obviously not professional enough.

However, in Charles's opinion, this is a good thing - young people who are not very sensible are always easier to deal with than conspirators full of cunning.

"This is what a soldier should say!" Charles seemed very happy to shake hands with him. It took a while before they separated.

Then, he pointed at Fran, "Because of my grandfather, my sister admires soldiers the most... So I think she should be very curious about you."

"Have you really been a soldier? Where did you serve, Mr. Bonaparte?" Fran understood and raised her head. She looked at the young man with just the right curiosity.

"I... I was a soldier in the United States. I graduated from West Point Military Academy when I was 18, and then served in Texas and fought against the Mexicans." The young man answered immediately. "I just retired from there this year."

"Texas?" Fran raised her eyebrows. To be honest, she didn't know where it was. "Is it... dangerous there?"

"It's very dangerous there. The natural environment is harsh, and there are hateful Mexicans." The young man answered immediately, "But... it's also very beautiful. There are vast wildernesses that you will never see in Europe. Really, the sky there is very blue."

"Then why did you retire from there?" Fran asked curiously.

"Because... I want to be like your grandfather, Marshal Treville, and fight to defend France, defend France, defend... defend you... and fight for the lovely flowers like you."

"Ah... thank you." Fran blushed a little. "I believe you can get what you want. The French army also needs brave warriors like you."

Under Miss Treville's innocent and curious gaze, hot blood rushed to his face, making him feel hot on his face. He felt his heart beating wildly, almost as if it was about to jump out of his chest, and even stuttered when he spoke.

Grandma was right. Such a beautiful, pure and well-educated girl is hard to find in America.

These polite words were originally taught to him by others to improve his relationship with the Treville family, but as he spoke, he seemed to feel that it was what he wanted to say most in his heart, so that every word was filled with irrepressible passion.

After hearing this, the young lady was shocked at first, and then smiled and thanked him. He really wanted to tell her in any way that this was not a common polite word in the upper class of the Old World, but a sincere word from the heart of a young man in the New World.

"It seems that the warrior has been recognized." After they finished their politeness, Charles nodded with a smile, "Sir, since you have been recognized by her, then my grandfather will definitely recognize you. I wish you a bright future in the French army."

Ms. Patterson understood his hint - Charles de Treville would do his best to let her grandson return to serve in the French army, and he thought it was very sure.

Sure enough. Nothing is impossible in this world, as long as you find the right person.

"Thank you, Mr. Treville. We, the grandparents and grandchildren, will never forget the help of the Treville family. Unlike some people, we can do what we say." She thanked Charles very cleverly. She promised that she would fulfill her promise, "My grandson will obey the marshal's orders and serve France."

"By the way, are you going out later?" Ms. Patterson looked at the clothes of the two siblings again, "I really hope you didn't delay your trip because of us."

"Yes, my sister and I are going to visit the British Museum later." Charles answered very honestly, "But don't worry, you didn't delay us, anyway, we still have time."

"British Museum?" The lady was a little surprised at first, and then immediately thought of something. Turning to look at his grandson, "Jerome, didn't you want to go to the British Museum?"

"Huh?" The young man didn't react at first, but soon understood what she meant from her grandmother's expression. "Yes, I have always wanted to go there, but I was delayed by other things."

Thank you, grandma! He couldn't help but feel grateful in his heart-although his grandmother originally wanted him to deepen his relationship with Mr. Treville.

"In that case..." Ms. Patterson turned her gaze back to Charles, "Mr. Treville, I solemnly request you to let him go with you. This way you can deepen your impression and understanding of each other."

Charles hesitated slightly.

It stands to reason that it would be okay to bring one more person with him when he and his sister are on a tour, especially since this person is the pawn he wants to win over now. However, Fran had been waiting for so long. He couldn't make a decision on his own.

So he looked at Fran and prepared to let her make her own decision.

"That's great, it's more fun if everyone goes together!" Fran suddenly said, looking like a cheering child, "Sir, let's do this."

The meticulous understanding brought by years of coexistence. She got a clear message from her brother's eyes and expression-"This person needs to be perfunctory", in which case, she didn't mind helping her brother.

"Well, let's go together, ma'am." Seeing Fran say so, Charles didn't say anything else, and nodded to the lady to show his approval. "It's just right that we can learn something from you."

"I'll forget it... I'm old, and it would spoil your fun if I followed you around." The lady smiled bitterly and shook her head, "Besides, I'm tired of walking around these days, so I just need to rest."

Then, she exchanged a few polite words with the Treville brothers and sisters, and then gave some instructions to her grandson, and then left the hotel.

The young man watched his grandmother leave, and then looked at Fran again, and for a moment he didn't know what to say.

"Mr. Bonaparte, I hope you won't feel bored if you tour with us." Seeing that the other party was a little uneasy, Fran spoke to him very friendly, "Mary and I both studied painting, so we prefer art. Soldiers like you shouldn't be interested."

"No...no! I'm very...very interested!" The young man waved his hand to deny it quickly, and he didn't realize that he was already speaking a little out of tune. "And I think it would be very interesting to be able to...to be able to travel with you, no matter...no matter where...it would be."

What a country bumpkin from America, he has never seen the world! Is he really a member of the Bonaparte family who is known for his dissolute nature?

Looking at the young man's blushing and shy look, Mary couldn't help but have doubts in her heart.

Just then, she found that Fran was also looking at her.

The two friends looked at each other, and then at the same time, they raised their mouth corners and smiled in a vague and tacit way. Obviously, Fran also thought of the same thing as Mary to some extent.

"Oh, of course, thank you, Mr. Bonaparte." Fran's smile immediately disappeared, and then she glanced at the young man with a little shyness, "I am very grateful for your help."

The smart ladies in the European aristocratic society are always at ease when dealing with the passionate and emotional young people in the New World. (~^~)