I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

"The Nolan Manor is ahead, Colonel Dwyer, Mr. Sissel."

"Is the owner of Norland Manor surnamed Dashwood?"

"Yes, Mr. Sissel, the current owner of Nolan Manor is Mr. John Dashwood. And the ladies we are going to deal with this time are Mr. Dashwood's stepmother and his three younger sisters. According to me I understand that Mrs. Dashwood, mother and daughter have been planning to move out of here."

Lester was riding a horse at this time, overlooking the masonry buildings under the shade of green trees from the hill, and the person talking to him was a local bank clerk.

"Mr. Paddington intends to give the three Miss Dashwood a dowry of £[-] each?"

"It's stated in the agreement. As long as Miss Dashwood gets married or reaches the age of 25, Mr. Paddington will donate £[-]."

"What a generous Mr. Paddington," Lester sighed, and asked casually, "By the way, how old are the three Miss Dashwood?"

"Miss Dashwood is 19 years old this year. Second Miss Marianne is not yet 17 years old. The youngest third Miss is about twelve or thirteen years old. Well, she should be under 14 years old."

Lester looked at the bank clerk beside him in surprise, and couldn't help asking:

"You actually understand it so clearly?"

The young bank clerk smiled sheepishly:

"My aunt knew Mrs. Dashwood, and she used to compliment the three Miss Dashwoods, so I took her words down."

Lester raised his eyebrows, showing a knowing and teasing smile:

"The two older Miss Dashwood must be very pretty, I suppose."

The clerk's cheeks were a little red, and the fluent response just now suddenly became hesitant:

"Yes, yes, Mr. Cecil, er—Miss Dashwood and Miss Marianne are excellent ladies, there is no doubt about that."

Seeing the clerk's shy expression, Lester's eyes sparkled, and he began to ask more gossip, such as whether the two ladies are engaged, what kind of character they are, what talents they are good at, and so on.

Not far away, Aldrich Deville and a lawyer were also riding on vigorous horses, looking up and enjoying the beautiful pastoral scenery in this area.

Lester's messy questions and the young clerk's stumbling answers came in the wind, and Aldridge steered forward:

"Lester, let's go, it's almost the appointed time."

"Hey, I haven't finished my question yet."

Aldridge turned his horse's head and set off directly.

Lester had no choice but to follow quickly.

"Okay, Aldridge, wait for me."

The gentlemen set off again, and the sound of horseshoes went away...

In Nolan Manor, Fanny looked at Dashwood, mother and daughter with complicated eyes.She never thought that these four down-and-out women would have such good luck.

if it is real……

—Annuity of £[-] a year, oh, how well off they were with their original income of £[-].

—Eleanor, Marianne, and Margaret were to have a dowry of ten thousand pounds when they married!In addition to their original property, the inheritance they will inherit in the future is really, really quite a lot.

—Perhaps, I should write a letter to my mother, specifically explaining the current situation of the Dashwood sisters.Letting a Ferrars son marry a Dashwood girl... is barely enough, if there is no better choice.

While Fanny was thinking about her little thoughts, Mrs. Dashwood was talking nervously with her old friend James Podgett.

"Mr. Purgett, my friend, do you think this is a silly prank?"

"Probably not, Mrs. Dashwood."

The silver-haired James Podgett smiled slightly. He could understand Mrs. Dashwood's nervousness at this time, so he tried to make his voice sound more calm and peaceful:

"After receiving your letter, I asked someone to go to the city to inquire about it. A senior executive of Lloyd's Bank hinted me euphemistically that they did receive a similar business recently, but due to confidentiality regulations, I did not inquire about it. down to the specific details.”

Mrs. Purgett's words brought some comfort to Mrs. Dashwood.

Elinor on the side gently held her mother's arm, signaling her not to be too disturbed.

At this time, the butler came in to announce that the guests from afar had arrived.

Mr. John Dashwood almost jumped when he got up, when there were some soft gasps behind him.

——Since someone really came to visit at the agreed time, it means that the thing is true out of ten.

After the meeting between the guests and the host, everyone was delighted to find that not only the local young people they knew - the bank clerk, but also the lawyer from London had a few encounters with the old gentleman Podgett.

Now, all doubts disappeared.

After some pleasantries and mutual introductions, the couple, John and Fanny, were already flushed.They rubbed their hands excitedly, showing even more excitement than the Dashwood mother and daughter, with gallantry in every pore of their bodies.

Because among the visitors were not only lawyers from London, but also a colonel surnamed de Vere and a noble heir to the baron.

Aldrich didn't specifically explain his relationship with Earl de Vere, and introduced him with the rank of colonel, so the new friends thought he was just a member of the De Vere family.

Coupled with his cold attitude and reticence, everyone's attention was almost focused on Lester Sissel, the heir to the baron.

Only Pei Xiangduo looked at Aldrich several times.

She and Leicester have been exchanging letters for more than half a year, and the content of the written conversation has long gone beyond the field of painting.

I don't know from which letter, Lester began to confide the troubles in life to "Brown Paddington", and Pei Xiang gradually got to know Lester Sissel's social circle.

In addition to Lisa, the new companion, the de Vere heir occasionally appears in Lester's correspondence.Of course, Lester Sissel, who thought he was prudent, did not write Aldrich's full name, and only used letters instead, but...

Pei Xiang looked at Colonel Deville's stern and solemn demeanor, and sincerely thought that sometimes acting stupid is a skill, and it is more strenuous than trying to find the truth.

What's more, Pei Xiang thinks that Colonel Deville is really too handsome.

Broad shoulders, long legs, a thin waist, a reserved and indifferent temperament, and sharp and handsome eyebrows completely hit Pei Xiang's aesthetics.

—if only he were not the heir to the earl, but a side descendant.

After everyone was seated, Edward Ferrars regretted that he had met Lester Sissel when he was studying in Oxford.It's a pity that both parties were busy with their own affairs at that time, and they didn't have any mutual friends as introducers, so they didn't get to know each other further.

Edward mentioned this on purpose, probably out of good intentions, hoping that the Dashwood mother and daughter would feel more at ease about the next thing.

But Fanny at once put into play all her skills, chatted with Leicester, and settled an invitation to a ball in a few words.

"Mr. Sissel, please stay with your friends in Norland Manor for a while longer. You are my brother Edward's senior, and you have come all the way to work on the affairs of the Dashwood family. If you hurry If we leave, we will be deeply disturbed. This is definitely not the way of hospitality at Nolan Manor.

"Besides, just five days from now, we will hold a grand ball here. I think the gentlemen and ladies in the neighborhood would like to see Mr. Sissel's dancing style, and then talk to you about the Hunting in woods, lakes, and winter."

John Dashwood on the side immediately echoed his wife's words and invited Lester Sissel.

He was full of enthusiasm and sincere eyes, as if if Lester did not stay as a guest, he, the host, would regret it for the rest of his life.

Lester was originally out to relax and had no plans to return to London as soon as possible. He was also happy to meet a group of new friends in a new place.So, without any further hesitation, he agreed to John and Fanny's invitation.

Of course, another reason why Leicester was willing to stay was that the Nolan Manor was very close to the address of "Brown Paddington" - the Simpsons Hotel in Hemel.

It was said that the great painter was working behind closed doors in the nearby area, so Lester planned to take this opportunity to go around the city of Hemelhe to see if he could meet his pen pal.

Next comes the process of signing the document.

Elinor and Pei Xiang helped Mrs. Dashwood review the clauses in the document, and asked the old gentleman Mr. Podgett to read the overall content carefully.After that, Pei Xiang and Elinor asked the lawyer about several ambiguous details, and they all got clear and definite answers.

When the daughters had no doubts, Mrs. Dashwood signed her name cautiously.

At this point, she can really continue to live in a spacious and bright house.

Her buggy and Margaret's pony would remain, her daughters would buy lace, books, music, and many knickknacks at will, and the number of servants need not be reduced.

After lunch, it started to rain heavily outside.

Pei Xiang stood by the window of the living room watching the hazy scenery in the wind and rain, a little lost in thought.

John Dashwood said somewhat complacently that the guests were willing to accept his invitation and choose to stay for a few days, which is really wise.Otherwise, you will definitely have to ride a horse in the rain at this time, which is really a bad experience.

After a while, someone started playing cards.Elinor is now very popular with her sister-in-law Fanny, and she is drawn to play cards with her intimately, as if the sarcastic remarks of the previous days never existed.

Pei Xiang looked at Edward Ferrars, who was also called by Fanny, and after silently scrutinizing him for a while, he averted his eyes without a trace.

When she accidentally turned her head, a pair of calm black eyes broke into her sight.The four eyes met suddenly, Pei Xiang bent the corners of his lips, nodded silently, and then looked away.

Aldrich lowered his eyes as if nothing had happened, but when he looked at the cards in his hand, he was suddenly a little absent-minded.

——Those eyes are a little too bright...

The next day was a sunny day, and the unique fresh air after the rain made people feel happy. Pei Xiang took the sketch book to the lake.

However, the quiet time alone was quickly broken.

"Aldrich, are you really unwilling to help me? I know you have your own skills. If you want to find someone, you can always get what you want quickly."

"Lester, I'm a soldier, not a private detective."

"Oh, it's your holiday now, and you can change your identity temporarily. Really, Aldridge, have pity on your poor friend, who just wanted to visit his pen pal. It was a surprise, not a bad thing."

"No, I think that for Mr. Paddington, who is hiding his head and tail, the sudden appearance of a pen pal without prior notice does not necessarily mean a surprise, maybe a shock."

Hearing this, Pei Xiang raised his eyebrows.

She originally planned to remind the two gentlemen aloud, but at this time she shut her mouth because of the description of "Mr. Paddington who hides his head and tail".

"Hey, Aldrich, it's a bit too much for you to describe Mr. Paddington in this way. He has been reluctant to appear in front of everyone. There must be some difficulties."

"Since you think he has difficulties, why do you search him without permission?"

Lester opened his mouth and said awkwardly: "Well, I admit that my thoughts are a bit reckless, but I don't mean to disrespect my friend. I just think, well, if he encounters difficulties that are difficult to solve, I can come forward Help him."

Aldrich's tone was a bit mocking: "Perhaps, with Mr. Paddington's wisdom, he should not have encountered... a difficult problem that requires your intervention."

Both the words "wisdom" and "you" in this sentence were emphasized, and Lester's brows quickly gathered together, and he looked at Aldrich suspiciously:

"My friend, are you mocking Mr. Paddington, or me?"

Aldridge smiled lightly, but did not answer Lester.

Lester asked himself and answered: "Well, I see, you are mocking Mr. Paddington."

The gentleman walking in front paused slightly. He glanced sideways at the confident Leicester, pondered for a moment, and thought that he was happy.

"Happy" Mr. Lester took two quick steps to catch up with his friend:

"Aldrich, you're right. Since Mr. Paddington has been avoiding talking about the meeting, he must have his own ideas. I can't just worry about him, um, or think that he doesn't like it because of the artist's nobility. If you are willing to ask your friends for help, you will explore his hidden place on your own initiative. Just now, hehe, I took it for granted."

Aldrich Dwyer was silent.

Lester continued:

"You have always said that Mr. Paddington is cunning and thoughtful, and you should be cautious when interacting with him. Sigh, I thought you had a big opinion on Mr. Paddington, but I didn't expect...you maintain and respect him so much.

"Aldrich, I misunderstood you, but you can't blame me, right? Because you are too stingy to express your thoughts, and you always keep silent. In this way, others will always misunderstand your truth Kindly. Oh, I am so worried for you, my friend."

Aldrich tried to ignore the second half of Leicester's words, and only commented on his previous statement:

"My opinion of Mr. Paddington has not changed. I really don't think he is a pure and noble artist. However, I never said that complicated people are bad. As long as his schemes are not Based on harming the innocent, there is nothing worthy of criticism, and the most basic respect should be obtained. For example, don’t inquire about his privacy at will, and respect his choice.”

Lester took off his hat and smoothed his hair, then put it back on.He rolled his eyes and suddenly said:

"Aldrich, I understand."

"Ok?"

"Although from a secular level, when we praise a gentleman, we all love to use words such as 'sincere', 'simple', 'humility', and 'loyalty', but for you, 'cunning',' 'Unpredictable', 'pride' and 'fame and fortune' aren't necessarily pejorative terms either. As long as you don't hurt the innocent and don't abuse your intelligence, you're fine."

"Almost," Aldrich said in a low tone, "On the battlefield, simple-minded people will always suffer more injuries. If the commander is not cautious and suspicious, his soldiers will easily sacrifice in vain."

Lester asked: "Then are you willing to have a deep friendship with such a person?"

Aldrich said pointedly: "If I say no, will you alienate Mr. Paddington because of my opinion?"

"Oh, of course not," Lester shook his head quickly, "I have not admitted your evaluation of Mr. Paddington now. Dear Aldridge, you have prejudice against Mr. Paddington. If you also agree with him Talk to him and you'll find he's a very smart and kind person. Sometimes, it's not that he likes to calculate, it's just luck."

Aldrich rubbed his cane, and kept his opinion in silence.

Lester thought his good friend had listened to his advice.

He thought cheerfully in his heart, why not introduce Aldridge to Paddington, and when everyone becomes a pen pal who can speak freely, all barriers and misunderstandings will automatically dissipate.

Isn't it for better communication that human beings invented words?

The two stood by the lake and enjoyed the scenery for a while, and then Lester left beforehand, leaving Aldrich Deville alone.

Pei Xiang moved slightly, and the paper on the sketchbook was blown by the wind.

Aldrich de Vere, who was meditating alone, suddenly turned around, his eyes hidden and sharp, and he strode towards the top of the grassy slope.

The man stopped at the top of the slope, and saw the beautiful second Miss Dashwood sitting in the middle of the bushes and big trees in the low-lying place at the other end of the grassy slope, with a white notebook on the hem of her skirt.

The wind blows the notebook open, making a rattling sound.

Before Aldridge could speak, Pei Xiang said first:

"Here you can see water birds rising and falling without disturbing them. It is very suitable for sketching. However, because of the sudden appearance of the two gentlemen, those leisurely birds flew away."

Aldridge pursed his lips, and asked softly, "Should I apologize? Because I offended Miss Marianne's interest in painting."

Pei Xiang showed an innocent and tolerant smile: "Since I have no interest in disturbing the two of you talking..."

"It was my mistake, Miss Marianne."

Aldridge saluted very gentlemanly, restrained and polite, but his tone suddenly changed:

"If the lady had spoken out sooner, Mr. Sissel and I would not have stayed so long, and the birds would have flown back."

Pei Xiang got up, straightened the hem of the skirt, and packed up the painting tools, then slowly walked up the grassy slope and stood opposite Aldrich.

"Colonel de Vere, to be honest, I didn't intend to listen in on the conversation between the two of you. It's just that when I was about to interrupt, I happened to hear you talking about Mr. Paddington. Mr. Sissel is going to Detecting hideaways that Mr. Paddington, whom you call a hideaway, won't reveal."

These words made Aldrich's eyes move slightly.

Pei Xiang took half a step back, tilted his head to look at Mr. Colonel, who had a dignified demeanor, and smiled:

"Mr. Aldrich, you know that Mr. Paddington has been very kind to our mother and daughter... So, when I suddenly heard some conversations that were not good for Mr. Paddington, I felt very Panic and anger. I thought at the time, even if the act of eavesdropping is not noble, and may even damage my reputation, I have to listen quietly. If I really found out the maliciousness and conspiracy against Mr. Paddington , I must remind my dear Mr. Paddington in time."

"Even if you are likely to be harmed yourself? Whether it is in reputation or in substance?"

Pei Xiang's eyes were clear and fearless, and she looked directly at Aldrich frankly:

"Of course, compared to Mr. Paddington's kind deeds, what are my personal gains and losses?"

Facing the young girl's straightforward and sincere eyes, Aldrich sighed in his heart, and once again saw the influence of Paddington.

However, compared to the Leicester guy who was confused by a few letters, it is reasonable for this Miss Marian to admire Brown Paddington so much.

That person is indeed deep-minded, but he will repay his kindness.At the very least, he was really generous and thoughtful enough in return for helping Mrs. Dashwood, mother and daughter.

"Well, now that Miss Marianne has listened to my conversation with Sissel, she should be at ease now?"

Pei Xiang nodded, with a shy and grateful smile in his eyes:

"Of course, Colonel Deville, I have to solemnly apologize to you. I misunderstood you before. Also, thank you for persuading Mr. Sissel."

"But my opinion of Mr. Paddington has not changed. In my mind, he is not a loyal and upright gentleman."

Pei Xiang waved his hands indifferently, with a proud face:

"It doesn't matter. I don't think Mr. Paddington will mind. He is smart and kind. He must be a gentleman with a big heart."

Aldrich Deville was silent for a moment with complicated emotions. He raised his hand and pressed the brim of his hat, bid farewell and left neatly.