[Pride and Prejudice] Becoming Katherine Bennett

Although Catherine had rejected Willard's temptation and would no longer have any emotional entanglements with this gentleman, she was still shocked to hear such news.

Catherine recalled the past when she and Willard got acquainted and got along with each other. She found that even though she now knew that he was engaged in such a cruel trade, she took "colored glasses" to see the appearance of this gentleman when facing her, She still can't see the problem from it, after all, he has always been very kind to her, generous and polite, although there are a few moments of his aggressive personality that she can't resist, but on the whole he has always respected her and treated her politely. gentle.

Thinking of this, Catherine felt that her resolute refusal that day was wise.Perhaps the other ladies would have been touched by how different he was to her, but Catherine thought only that this gentleman was too good at disguising.

Of course he was a perfect gentleman when he was willing to be false, but when he didn't?

Darcy looked at Catherine's slightly pale face, and realized that she might know the real black slave trade very well.Darcy didn't expect that the lady knew such things. Out of integrity, he couldn't help explaining to Gordon: "Mr. Gordon is no longer in the human trade, it's just the first pot of gold. He... It is also imperative."

Speaking of this, Darcy didn't go on, and Catherine heard from his words that Willard's choice back then might involve some secrets that could not be discussed openly.

The two did not discuss this topic any further.But these few words also gave Darcy some time to calm down. His expression regained his composure. Although his heart was still as if stabbed by a knife, he could not show anything on his face. He said goodbye to Catherine politely. He goes to the door.

Darcy wanted to say no, but when he thought that this might be the last time he would get along with her so closely, he swallowed back the rejection he wanted to say.

They walked to the door side by side, he pushed it open, and they stood side by side in front of the door.Mr. Darcy has never been picky about the size of other people's houses, but at this moment he can't help but hope that Mr. Gardner lives in a large mansion. The promenade in front of the door should be as long as a lifetime, and he and she will never leave. not finished.

Unfortunately, this is destined to be a luxury.They arrived quickly, and waited silently for the servant to bring Mr. Darcy's horse.

Seeing that the servant was about to approach, Mr. Darcy mustered up his courage and said to Catherine: "Miss Catherine, although my marriage proposal has no good results, maybe we can still be friends. If there is anything I can do to help you, please Don't have any worries, tell me at any time, I will do my best. Please don't think too much, I don't have any intention of asking you to return, I just hope... anything that makes you happy Maybe, I want to do something for you."

Catherine looked at Darcy's affectionate eyes after being rejected, and for a moment, she almost wanted to compromise with such love.

She has lived alone for so many years, and this is the first time someone has said such words to her, holding such hot sincerity and touching affection in front of her, wanting to treat her well without any interests or calculations.

It took Catherine a lot of effort, and under the control of reason, she refused in a calm voice: "Mr. Darcy, I am very grateful for your kindness. I know your kindness, and I promised such a thing to me There are only benefits, nothing wrong with it. But it is too unfair to you, it is a kind of use and cruelty for me to be your friend when you still have friendship with me. I can't promise you, because I know that if I Promise, even if I will not find you, you still have hope. In my heart, you will always be a very good gentleman, but I think it is better for us not to be friends until your love is over, so that Only then can you get out of this relationship as soon as possible."

Darcy stared at her deeply, was silent for a long time, and finally said: "Yes, miss."

Watching Darcy leave on horseback, Catherine returned to the house in a daze until the figure of the other party was mixed into the crowd and could no longer be seen, and stood on the porch in a daze.She didn't know how long she stood there, but when she recovered, Mrs. Gardner and Jane were in front of her, looking at her with concern.

"Kitty, you look very ill," said Jane.

"Oh, oh." Catherine didn't hear what Jane was saying at all, and just replied subconsciously.

Her mind was full of the wounded look in Mr. Darcy's eyes before he left, and she could not help wavering for a moment that she had been too cruel.But soon she became firm again, telling herself that short-term pain is worse than long-term pain, and this is the best ending for the two of them.

She will forever cherish the memory of this venerable gentleman and his surging love.

Catherine didn't tell her family about Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal. Although she hesitated for a while, she still didn't say anything after thinking for a while.Although Mrs. Gardiner and Jane wanted to know the reason for Darcy's solemn visit, they didn't ask because of her sad and depressed expression, which she pretended to be nonchalant.

After Catherine returned to the bedroom, Mrs. Gardner said to Jane worriedly: "You didn't see Mr. Darcy's expression this morning. He was very anxious and restless. I almost thought he was here to propose marriage."

Jane was surprised: "Marriage proposal? Oh, really, aunt."

"Of course. Otherwise, I can't think of any other reason. I remember you said that Mr. Darcy was serious and calm, but he was not at all this morning. Although he tried his best to restrain himself, there was still a little eagerness in his expression. Whenever he heard a little movement Just looked up the stairs, but even so he didn’t let us call Catherine up, obviously he also attended the dance last night until late at night. I hope he didn’t come to propose marriage, if so, Catherine should tell us the good news.”

Jane thought for a while and said, "That's not necessarily true. Kitty is very thoughtful about her own affairs. Whether it is writing a book or buying a house, she has done a good job. She will not just think about the requirements of marriage. Mr. Darcy is an excellent marriage partner in our eyes, but before contacting Kitty, Mr. Darcy may not be in her mind."

Aunt Gardner sighed: "You're right, Jane, and that's what worries me too. It's a good thing that Kitty has ideas, but she's too much of an idea. She's still a child after all, and she's serious about many things. This knowledge is too idealistic, and even a little cornered. Although I also think that an unhappy marriage is not as good as being single, Kitty is too pessimistic. I am afraid that she will deny it based on imagination and guesswork. I don’t have much contact with Mr. Darcy, but from Catherine In her words, I could hear her admiration for Mr. Darcy, and recognized him as an upright and excellent gentleman. In my opinion, with such a basis, she can have some reasonable contacts with Mr. Darcy. I am very happy She was worried that Kitty would reject him directly because he was not in line with her ideals now, and she was unwilling to even try. You must know that according to her request, if the marriage is based on true love between the two parties, then she must at least take the first step. Step, otherwise it is impossible for anyone to understand her."

Jane said: "Kitty won't, she is so clever, she will definitely think of this."

"I hope so. Children, you don't understand. As elders who love you, we hope that you have someone who can accompany you for the rest of your life. I don't worry about you. You are gentle and beautiful, and you will definitely meet your favorite husband. But Kitty is too smart and pessimistic. I hope she can meet someone she loves and get married instead of living alone in the world. Even if she can make money, she doesn’t have to worry about making a living like other unmarried girls, but such days It would be too lonely. If so, we will be too sad when we die."

When the two chatted, they didn't know that the situation they were worried about had already happened.Catherine did, as Aunt Gardner guessed, stubbornly and arbitrarily rejected Mr. Darcy's love.

They pinned their hopes on Catherine's intelligence and believed that she would not make such a mistake, but many things were caused by the authorities.Catherine has no experience in love, has never been loved by anyone, and has no idea that she is demanding impossible conditions from her future partner.

Mr. Darcy's visit soon fell silent under the common understanding of all.

A few days later, Miss Bingley came to the door, and she seemed to have finally remembered that she had promised Jane a long time ago, saying that she would come to be a guest.Catherine and Miss Bingley were considered acquaintances, and out of politeness and the mood of taking care of their sister, they greeted each other with Jane.

I haven't seen her in a few months, and Miss Bingley still looks so annoying. She doesn't have the expectation and joy of visiting her close friend's house at all. Her face is full of disgust and disdain, and she seems to think that she appears in the Grace Hall with such an identity. Street is a shame.Catherine felt that Miss Bingley was ridiculous. The Bingley family just got rid of their status as merchants, and she acted as if she was a generation of nobles.

It was a little surprising that Miss Bingley did not come to the door alone, and there was a lady and a wife with her.These two ladies Jane and Catherine have never met.

The young lady was tall, pale, and shy, and the lady who took care of her looked very kind.After the strange lady followed Miss Bingley into the door, she kept looking at them with eyes mixed with expectation and shyness.

Miss Bingley introduced: "This is Miss Georgiana Darcy, and this is Mrs. Annesley."

Both Jane and Catherine were a little surprised. Jane remembered that the other party was the person who fell in love with Mr. Bingley mentioned by Miss Bingley. Seeing her gaze, Miss Xi immediately looked away shyly.

Now Catherine was sure that she came here because of Mr. Darcy, and maybe she knew something about them, but Catherine couldn't guess the other party's mind.Is Miss Darcy here to please her future sister-in-law?It was impossible, she had refused Mr. Darcy.Feeling wrong for my brother?It seems not.

Catherine had heard that Mr. Darcy had a sister, but she never thought that this lady had such a character.She remembered Elizabeth saying that Wickham said that Miss Darcy was as arrogant and mean as his brother, but what Catherine saw now was an introverted and unspoken noble lady.

To tell the truth, she did not look like Mr. Darcy.Catherine looked at each other for a while, and finally only found the similar charm between the two. She thought that Miss Darcy was not as good-looking as her brother, and Mr. Darcy was very handsome. He...

Catherine suddenly realized that her thoughts were absurd and abrupt, she immediately withdrew her thoughts and turned to listening to Miss Bingley and Jane chatting.

Miss Bingley was still her usual eccentricity.She didn't give a single explanation for the excesses of not giving Jane any information these days, she just said that she was too busy to return visits, and then started attacking the surroundings of Uncle Gardner's house, which was more than explicit. This is not the place for someone of her stature to come.

Jane was very shocked by her like this. After all, Miss Bingley used to pretend to be friendly when facing her, and Jane had never seen her mean side.

Catherine was very happy, thinking that this was only good for Jane to see through the other party's disguise.And she was so rude, after Catherine tolerated it for a while, she no longer wanted to be humble.

When Miss Bingley once again said with distaste that there are merchants in this area, Catherine asked in an even more distasteful tone: "Speaking of which, I have always been curious. With Mr. Bingley's wealth, there should be a large manor in his family. I don't know where the manor is. Where? Are we lucky enough to visit?"

Nowadays, it is very common to visit the country estates of nobles. As long as the owner allows, visitors can have a glimpse of the luxurious life of the manor under the guidance of the butler.

Catherine's question is flattery to any true aristocrat, and tourists are only interested in very magnificent and well-known grand estates.But for someone like Miss Bingley whose family has no manor and has been vague about her identity, it is a direct slap in the face.

The Bingley family is very rich, but in this era, manors can't be bought just by being rich. They are passed down from generation to generation.

Miss Bingley blushed with anger, but she couldn't say anything to refute. She couldn't say that her family didn't have a manor. Saying this was no different from "our family is not an aristocrat, but a wealth accumulated by merchants". Miss Bingley would never Say something like this.

Catherine didn't intend to let her go, and when she was about to continue to mock her for pretending to be aristocratic, Jane touched her arm lightly, and she snorted, not embarrassing Miss Bingley again.

Jane kindly changed the topic, and Catherine sat aside. She didn't want to look at Miss Bingley, so she couldn't help crossing her eyes with Miss Darcy. With a dejected look, he couldn't help laughing.

Miss Darcy was shy again.In fact, she had listened to Mr. Darcy's many words of praise to Catherine, and she really wanted to get in touch with Catherine alone.She adores her brother, and naturally likes this young lady who can make him fall in love with her.But she really couldn't say such a thing.

Before she could come to a conclusion, Miss Bingley offered to leave.Her attitude was very indifferent, and she never mentioned such things as writing letters and meeting Jane.

When she was about to take Miss Darcy away, Miss Darcy finally said the first sentence besides greetings: "Miss Catherine, I...can I write to you?"

Miss Darcy's words surprised everyone present.Miss Bingley almost subconsciously wanted to stop her, and then satirized Catherine a few words, but she remembered that Catherine was not a tolerant character. In order to avoid making herself even more embarrassing, she could hardly hold back, and was going to tell her when only she and Georgiana were left. How scheming and unlovable this young lady is.

Catherine was reluctant at first.Although she has a good impression of a shy girl like Georgiana, she is afraid that Mr. Darcy will think that she is trying to get her when she finds out.She was so decisive when she refused, and turned around and had contact with his sister again.However, when Georgiana blushed and looked at her expectantly, she really couldn't say no.

Catherine said: "Of course, it is my honor."

Miss Darcy went away happily.

After they left, Jane and Catherine said: "As for Caroline, you and Lizzie are right. If it was before, I would definitely feel very uncomfortable, but now I won't be sad for such a thing. I think Wrong friend, but it's not my fault, all the friendships were initiated by Caroline, and I have always responded to her sincerely. I decided to break up with her and never associate with her again."

Catherine looked at Jane's gentleness and calmness when she said this, and saw that she was not forcing a smile, and her mood improved instantly.