Flowers, Swords and France

While Charles watched angrily at the side of his friend Albert as the young Jérôme Bonaparte moved closer to his sister, Fran herself was troubled by the same problem.

After she cut the cake for everyone and received their blessings, she originally thought that her role today was almost over, so she followed her usual hobbies and quietly shrank aside to wait for everything. It's over and everyone else is left to chat and enjoy themselves.

But her plan was soon foiled by Jérôme Bonaparte

"Miss Treville..." This young man in military uniform came to her side with some hesitation, and then said uneasily, "Happy birthday to you."

"Thank you." Fran was a little surprised at first, but quickly nodded and thanked the other party.

"Today is really a grand banquet." Jérôme Bonaparte smiled, but he could still see that he was a little nervous. "I really envy you... for having... such a happy family. Your brother... It takes a lot of effort to please you.”

Because he had just started learning French recently in order to return to his country, his French was stumbling, and he looked nervous, so even though he tried hard to compliment Fran, he couldn't make people happy at all.

Yet the sincerity showed through—perhaps even more so than in those who are accustomed to being courteous to others.

"Yes, I am very grateful to him." Fran replied in a low voice, "I have always been very grateful to him."

"I can see that you have a very good relationship with him... But it's no wonder. I heard that your father disappeared early on, and he and you grew up together."

"Yes, that's it... At that time, we were not as noticed as we are now. Sometimes life was quite difficult -" Fran nodded gently, "But a happy family must first learn how to Forget the unfortunate things. We have indeed forgotten this misfortune, because we support each other. Sometimes I even feel that our lives may be more worth remembering at that time..."

"Family members support each other, it's so right!" As if he was infected by Fran, Jérôme Bonaparte immediately agreed with her, "You also know my situation...my grandfather ——Well, he didn’t want to recognize me, and I didn’t want to mention his name. He abandoned my grandma when she was pregnant. As a result, she gave birth to my father in a helpless situation and pulled him to grow up. , this is a residual In a broken family, she had to endure not only the inconveniences in life, but also the ridicule of others... But she endured it all and tried her best to raise her children. My father also loved her very much, and they We loved each other and supported each other, and finally overcame all difficulties and got what I have today. It is precisely because of her that I was able to get life and the life I have today, so I really love them and am very grateful to them..."

He plucked up the courage to raise his head, and then looked at Fran with a sincere expression, "So, Miss Treville, I think our family situations are really similar, and I also believe that as long as there is love as a bond, , a broken family can finally become very happy..."

His tone was very sincere, even trembling, as if speaking these words had exhausted all his strength.

But by this time, his thoughts were already clear.

Fran looked at the other party in surprise, not expecting that the other party would have such thoughts about her after only meeting a few times.

She didn't feel honored and didn't want to respond to the other party.

"Yes, so I love my relatives. We are so close that even outsiders can't get involved." She pretended not to understand what the other party meant. "I once thought that this kind of life could go on forever. Unfortunately, there was still something wrong in the middle. There will be some sad changes...but now everything is finally back on track, thank God."

Jérôme Bonaparte looked at Fran hesitantly, wondering whether she didn't understand what he meant or was rejecting him. He wanted to ask, but he couldn't muster the courage for a while.

"I also respect your brother very much." Finally, he decided to change the angle and get closer to the other person first. "In the UK, I often hear people say bad things about him, and the words are very serious, but seeing is believing, take it seriously. After having some contact with him, I discovered that the rumors were all for ulterior motives. These are all malicious slanders fabricated by people with bad intentions. Your brother is a very powerful young man. Although he is a few years older than me, he has extraordinary abilities, is gentle and funny, and is very enthusiastic and easy-going to everyone. It is really a rare country. Ministers are also the talents this country needs most!”

Because the other person spoke so enthusiastically, Fran couldn't help but smile.

Maybe he was blind, maybe he was deliberately trying to please himself, but in short, his description was definitely an untrue compliment, and it even made her a little embarrassed - she admitted that her brother was not a good person, and she didn't need hobbies. people.

Seeing Fran's smile, Jérôme Bonaparte became even more enthusiastic, and he continued to speak sincerely.

"You know, I was able to return to France because of your brother's care, so he is kind to me, and I will do my best to serve him and repay his kindness to me...Really, please You believe that I will be the most loyal friend of the Treville family and will never hesitate."

Although Fran had heard similar words before, when this young man said it, it seemed particularly convincing, because he was not the type who was good at speaking, so it was more like what he really meant, at least Fran believed it was what he really meant.

"Thank you... It's great that you are willing to be our friend. You will see that we will always take good care of our friends." She nodded with great emotion. "As long as you follow my brother, you will never have to worry about your future."

"I firmly believe so." Jerome Bonaparte straightened his back, then clenched his fists, as if he had made up his mind.

He took a deep breath, and finally calmed himself down. The failure of the temptation just now did not make him despair, but made him want to figure it out.

The arrogance unique to Americans overcame his shyness, and he decided to express it directly once and wait for God's judgment.

"So, Miss Treville, what do you think of me as a person?" He moved closer.

"You are an honest young man and our friend." Fran replied.

"No... That's not what I meant. I'm not asking you to judge me from a personality perspective, but from other perspectives." Jerome Bonaparte mustered up his courage and asked in a hoarse voice, "From the perspective of whether I'm suitable to be your closest friend."

Fran didn't answer, but looked up at the other person, as if he had asked a strange question.

"I know... I know that I'm still of low status, unworthy of you, and don't have much property. Although my family has some status in the United States, it certainly can't be compared with your family..." Because of nervousness, Jerome Bonaparte's voice trembled again, "But can you give me a chance? Maybe you think it's irresponsible for me to say this on such an occasion, but please believe that I'm serious, and this is the most serious moment in my life... If, if you really favor me, I promise that I will use my life to protect you and meet all your orders until the moment of death."

He said these words with all his strength, and then staggered and finally stood up without falling, almost closing his eyes, waiting for the judgment of fate.

However, the verdict was delayed, there was no agreement or rejection, only an agonizing silence.

With a panic-stricken mood, Jerome Bonaparte opened his eyes again.

Only then did he realize that, unlike the refreshing look just now, her expression had become very serious, even a little cold.

When he saw this expression, his mood sank to the bottom.

"Ms. Treville?" He asked tremblingly, almost as if he was about to cry. "Don't you want to?"

"I, remember, I just said it very clearly." He got an answer that was almost very clear in every word, "I have family around me, I don't need outsiders to interfere, and I don't think I need anyone to break into my life."

"But...but you are going to get married after all, right..." Although he was already cold all over, Jerome Bonaparte still plucked up the courage to ask. "Maybe in your opinion, in your opinion, I am not qualified to pursue you now, but I can guarantee that I am the most sincere one among your pursuers, and I am even willing to go through fire and water for you!"

"Sincerity..." Fran almost sneered, and this completely different look from usual made Jerome Bonaparte almost stunned. "You are so confident, saying sincerity to a girl you have only met a few times... Do you understand me? Do you know what I am doing and what I want to do? How much do you know about me? No... You don't know anything, you are just attracted by my appearance. If I don't have the appearance I have now, will you say sincerity to me? I'm afraid not?"

"I believe this is arranged by God. Although I have only met you a few times, you have occupied my whole heart. Please believe me..." Jerome Bonaparte was a little anxious and explained hurriedly. "I'm really serious. I'm a cavalryman. I've fought in battles. I know what I can guarantee with my life."

"God's arrangement..." Fran smiled and curled her lips sarcastically. "It seems that God sometimes likes to have sudden ideas. Unfortunately, He didn't impress me."

"That is to say, you... you don't want to agree to my request, right?" Jerome Bonaparte asked again with hope. "No matter how hard I try, it won't work?"

"There are many talented and well-born young ladies waiting to be married in Paris. You can try to talk to them. I think as long as you are enthusiastic, you will definitely get a satisfactory result."

If Jerome Bonaparte had some experience in the social world and knew a lot of the implicit rules of social interaction, he should be able to hear that Miss Treville was reminding her in a very tactful way that she didn't want to talk to him anymore and the issue should end there. However, Jerome Bonaparte, who grew up in the United States and served in the desert of Texas, didn't understand these things. He still wanted to ask to the end and would not give up until he got a result.

"But what do they mean to me? I came to France and put in so much effort...half of it was just for you!" Jérôme Bonaparte tried to suppress his voice to prevent himself from shouting out. "I've never had that kind of excitement before...really, this is the first time."

Fran frowned slightly. This kind of stupid boy was rare in the social world, and she even felt a little pity for him.

Originally, considering that he was a chess piece that her brother had managed to get back to France, she had been very reserved in order not to hurt his feelings. But in the end, he still wanted to pursue the matter. This was really embarrassing. manage.

At this moment, she suddenly felt something and turned her head to look to the side.

Then she noticed that her brother and Albert were looking at her.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

Although he acted relatively calm, Ephraim's knowledge of him could certainly tell that he was furious now.

Oh my gosh! Fran suddenly felt a little at a loss.

What if he misunderstood?

"Sir, I've made it so clear, why do you need to ask any more questions?" When she thought of this, she no longer hesitated and pointed out the topic directly, "If you think you can blackmail us for this... Then I’m afraid you’re wrong. I don’t owe you anything, and there’s no need to please you just to make you happy, right?”

"Yes...that's it." Jérôme Bonaparte's eyes suddenly dimmed. "I have no intention of blackmailing you. Regardless of whether you agree or not, I hope that I can continue to be a friend of your family."

"Well, let me tell you, I don't want to accept your so-called love, because I don't need this." He answered decisively and threw it out without hesitation.

Jérôme Bonaparte felt dizzy, and finally regained his balance.

This blow was huge, but there was nothing we could do about it.

"Okay, I'm sorry, I... I caused you trouble, although this was definitely not my intention." In the end, he could only smile bitterly and admitted his failure tonight, "You have enough freedom to say no. Me, this is your right - although your rejection today will not dampen my enthusiasm."

"Please put it out, because I will still give you the same answer in the future." Fran still showed no mercy.

"No, I will persist, because no one can tell the future, and a cavalryman cannot retreat in front of a fortress." However, Jérôme Bonaparte did not mean to give up, "Please tell me, what will you like? What kind of person, okay?”

Fran didn't want to answer. Now she only felt ashamed, angry and anxious, because she was afraid that her brother would be angry for this.

What's more - how can she answer "I will fall in love with my brother"?

"We can discuss this issue later when we have the opportunity." She wanted to leave.

"Please, tell me!" Jérôme Bonaparte almost begged.

This plea was so sincere that Fran softened her heart for a moment.

"I...I like heroes, people who are different, people who are transcendent from ordinary people..." Finally, she gave this answer. "He can do great things and accomplish things that ordinary people would never be able to do!"

Like heroes... This answer did not exceed the young man's expectations.

"But, I can only...I can only fight, my God, I can only fight!" He whispered to himself, "But you can also be outstanding in fighting, can't you? If...if I become a hero in the war, you Will you look at me differently because of this?”

Fran wanted to leave, but Jerome Bonaparte still followed her, "Please, tell me!"

Well, it's your choice.

In her anxiety, Fran couldn't help but feel upset.

"Aren't you afraid of death?" she raised her head and asked.

"Not afraid, never afraid," Jérôme Bonaparte replied immediately. "I charged at the Mexicans."

"Well, maybe it won't be long before the war breaks out. Then you can try to be a hero on the battlefield you like." Fran said in an almost indifferent tone, "But I still want to Tell you, maybe you will die."

"The thought that you will think differently of me makes even death less scary." Jérôme Bonaparte said without fear. "I know that many people can say this. Come, but it will be different when you do it. But I am different, I mean it can be done...if we fight. If war really comes, I will run over with all my strength, and fight with all my strength against the enemy... Oh my god, with your words, I hope that war will break out tomorrow, and then I will act like a hero! Come back like that, or lie in an unknown grave like a true warrior!"

"Whatever you think." Fran replied impatiently, "Anyway, you can make up your own mind when the time comes. No one can stop you."

"Thank you... thank you very much. You have pointed out the way for me, and all I have to do is close my eyes and muster up the courage to go on." Jérôme Bonaparte's face was already red, and he felt deeply He bowed to Fran, then turned and walked away, "I've delayed you too much, and I can't make you unhappy anymore."

How stupid.

Can't you see it?

Humph, idiot, if a girl really loves a man, how can she be willing to risk her life to test him? Looking at his back, Fran frowned and thought to herself. (~^~)