I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

Pei Xiang had doubts about Rebecca touching her, while Rebecca on the hospital bed regretted and hated her.

In the library, she confides her love to Aldrich, but the other party is always indifferent, and even shows obvious impatience in the end.

Rebecca has always maintained her beauty and pitiful temperament, but this indifferent man in front of her is dismissive.This made Rebecca feel ashamed and annoyed, but also very anxious inside.

Before she came to the library, Lester Sissel had sent to inform her that she must leave Sissel's house as soon as possible after she had finished talking with Aldrich Dwyer, and could no longer be Lisa's guest. stay here.

Rebecca didn't take this notice to heart at first, because she was confident in her scheming and charming tenderness, thinking that as long as she was given a chance, she would definitely get the pity and love of Aldrich de Vere.At that time, if Aldridge interceded in person, Lester would naturally agree to let Rebecca stay.

She had good ideas, but Aldridge's arrogance and callousness killed all her plans.

When she ran out of the library, she was furious and shocked at the hard heart of the black-haired man, while thinking quickly how she should stay at the Sissel's house, where she could get close to Aldrich Deville The place.

The appearance of Marianne Dashwood gave the anxious Rebecca a flash of inspiration, and she immediately thought of creating a chance to stay by means of injury.

As long as she sprained her foot in a gentle manner and let the gentlemen and ladies who were guests know her injury, then, as the host, Lester Sissel could not drive her away immediately no matter what.Instead, she will receive proper care and some people's sympathy.

Then, Rebecca immediately had a decision in her heart, she was going to fall in front of Marianne.

But at the moment when the plan was implemented, Rebecca suddenly felt strong jealousy.She thought of what Lisa had said to her before, of Lester Sissel's favor for this Miss Marianne, of the good luck of this beautiful lady...

——When I was struggling to survive, why did she have a smooth sailing?

At that moment, Rebecca's rationality was far away from her. She didn't even think about the pros and cons of it in detail, but with a long-simmering jealousy and malice, she threw herself at Marian who made way for her.

She thought, if Marianne had had an ugly scar on her shoulders and neck, if she had grown weak from the wound, if...

All kinds of malicious fantasies flashed through Rebecca's mind, and she was even a little careless.Because from Rebecca's point of view, with the training she has received, if she wanted to hurt an ordinary woman, it couldn't be easier.

However, what she never expected in her dreams was that the delicate and good-looking Marianne in her eyes was actually hiding something deep.

Marianne not only avoided the sudden accidental injury, but also pushed Rebecca backhand, causing Rebecca to fall into disfigured pain and fear...

In the dead of night, Rebecca couldn't sleep because of her illness. Just as she closed her eyes and was thinking hard, she heard a creak, and the door was gently pushed open.

A black figure walked over quietly. This person first made a gesture towards the startled Rebecca, and then walked quickly to the side of the dozing maid on duty, covering her face with a handkerchief soaked in the stun potion. The opponent's nose and mouth.

After five or six seconds, Sombra let go of his hand and put the handkerchief away again.

"Okay, this maid has been drugged and won't wake up until dawn. Rebecca, what's wrong with you today? How did you suffer such a serious injury?"

As the shadow approached, Rebecca saw clearly the shadow's appearance through the moonlight. This person was Lisa's most trusted personal maid.

Seeing that it was her own person, Rebecca sighed in relief, and complained softly:

"You just came in, what if the maid didn't doze off? Didn't someone find out?"

"It's nothing. I'm Lisa's personal maid. Everyone knows that Ms. Lisa will be sent back to London tomorrow morning, so it's not surprising that she sent her personal maid to visit friends secretly at night."

"It's good that you know it in your heart," Rebecca's voice was still a little weak, "but don't take it lightly, I suffered a dark loss today."

"What's going on?" Soi Ying sat down on the chair beside the bed.

"That Deville was very wary, and he didn't have the spirit of a gentleman to pity the weak, so he rejected me directly. In order to stay with these people, I thought of an accidental injury method. But I didn't expect that Marian Dashwood is not an ordinary lady, she is very powerful, not only dodged my sudden attack, but also took advantage of my shock to assassinate me."

The news apparently alarmed Rebecca's companions as well.

She took a cold breath, opened her eyes wide, and immediately asked:

"That is to say, the other party is very powerful, and she has enough ability to avoid your frame and counterattack, which caused you to be seriously injured? At the same time, that Marian should also have discovered that you are very agile?"

"Yes," Rebecca reluctantly twitched the corners of her lips, "Now, Marianne and I both know that the other has a secret, and she has a better skill."

Hearing Rebecca's quick confession, Sombra was silent for a moment, and then she asked Rebecca to tell her all the details before and after the accident.

After a while, after listening to Rebecca's narration, Sombra concluded:

"From your description, Colonel DeVille is obviously partial to Marianne. Tell me, did he see the whole process? Did he find out that you deliberately fell for Marianne?"

Regret flashed in Rebecca's eyes:

"If Marianne didn't save herself, even if Mr. Deville saw me jumping towards the people around me, he couldn't tell whether it was my intention. However, Marianne dodged, and after I faced the danger, I subconsciously held back If you stop walking, after doing that... it will definitely be exposed."

This answer made the room quiet for a while, and the shadow spoke again:

"So at present, both Deville and Marianne know that you have a problem, but they didn't expose you immediately, but chose to calm down. They did this, on the one hand, to cover up Marianne's unusual skills, on the other hand On the one hand, I probably want to find more of our companions through you."

"Yes, I think so too. So, if you want to contact me in the future, please be more cautious, and actions like tonight should not happen."

Black Shadow nodded, and explained a few words in a light tone:

"It's not unexpected for me to appear here tonight. Even if I was discovered, it's understandable. After all, you are Lisa's friend. Moreover, I really came here tonight under orders. Lisa was very caring about me under my guidance. Let me take a look at your condition. However, you are right to remind me that I should be more cautious in the future. "

"Don't underestimate Lisa," Rebecca frowned slightly, "that's a shrewd woman."

"I know. Rebecca, you should rest at ease and heal your wounds first, and don't leave scars on your face. After a while, I will remind Lisa to remind her of your value again. At that time, she will Will take the initiative to help you."

Rebecca hummed lightly, she glanced at the unconscious night maid, and seized the time to explain her speculation:

"Also, I always feel that, um, it was such a coincidence that Marian appeared near the library at that time, but it was a bit like deliberately disturbing me and Deville alone. And, after I was injured, Deville Not only did Weier not be afraid of Marianne's skill, but he defended her with all his strength, do you think there is something tricky between the two of them?"

Hei Ying let out a small gasp in surprise.

"Rebecca, didn't Lisa say before that Lester Sissel paid special attention to Marianne? Why did it involve Aldrich Deville again?"

"This is also what makes me feel strange. I tried to guess, you said, could it be... that Marian was actually a pawn or spy trained by Deville from the beginning to the end? And that Paddington, who gave Marianne a dowry of [-] pounds, was also mysterious. Let's think about his experiences carefully. In fact, after careful study, he has always been inextricably linked with the House of the Earl of Deville. By the way, Paddington's skills are also very powerful, you see, isn't the connection between these three people weird?"

"Hearing what you said, there are indeed many coincidences, so what do you speculate?"

"I think that both Paddington and Marianne are Deville's specially trained subordinates. Of course, Marianne is not only Deville's subordinate, but also very likely to be his lover. Otherwise, with the help of Aldrich With Deville's status and appearance, it is impossible to not even have a woman in these years, obviously, this Marianne is a lover who has been hiding in the dark."

"If your guess is correct, then, now that Lester Sissel is also in love with Marianne, wouldn't that be messed up?"

Rebecca wanted to shake her head and sneer, but when she moved a little, she felt extremely uncomfortable, so she had to keep lying in one position, which made her hate the culprit who caused all this even more.

"It's good if it's a mess. I want to see how the good friends deal with this chaotic relationship. In the end, will the two drift away, or will they abandon that Marianne at the same time?"

Sombra was not as resentful as Rebecca, so she was calmer when she considered the issue.

"You said, could Marianne be the beauty trick Deville specially arranged for Sissel?"

"Beauty trick?" Rebecca hesitated.

Black Shadow nodded slightly: "That's right, although Lester Sissel and Aldrich Deville have a good personal relationship, the political stances of these two families are slowly diverging.

"Baron Sissel tends to the conservative party, and in the Deville family, the earl has not participated in political affairs, and he has handed over all the rights to his heir Aldrich. But this colonel's political ideas are more radical, and he agrees with some The reform to limit the privileges of the great nobles seems to have made a different choice from the fathers.

"If this state continues to develop, the Sissel family and the Deville family will definitely be alienated. So, if I were Aldrich Deville, I would definitely try to change this status quo."

Rebecca thought for a moment along this serious train of thought.

"You mean that Deville's way to change the status quo is to marry the confidant he cultivated to the heir of the Sissel family, so as to add an invisible but strong bond to the two families and retain a strong ally. "

"Yes, isn't this a once-and-for-all solution? Not only can it affect Lester Sissel, but it can also affect the next generation of heirs."

"But, are you exaggerating the influence of a woman on an aristocratic family? Even if Marian married Lester Sissel, how could Sissel tolerate his wife's dictates of political affairs?"

"Rebecca, don't forget, that Marianne is not an ordinary woman. Not to mention how capable she is, there is Deville standing behind her. Rebecca, think about the rapidly rising Paddington, it's time to realize Aldrich de Vere's control and manipulation of people's hearts. Besides, what if Leicester dies prematurely by 'accident'? The baroness with an heir is very likely to die before the heir comes of age. It may influence or even determine the family's political stance."

This analysis shocked Rebecca.

Before, she only thought about the love between men and women, but she had never been connected to such a far-reaching place.Now that she heard senior's analysis like this, she really admired and felt ashamed.

"I thought things were simple, and I exposed myself because of a momentary jealousy. I'm sorry, I thought too highly of myself before."

Hearing Rebecca's sincere apology and admission, Soi Ying smiled slightly, thinking that it was worth the risk to come out tonight.

This girl is a talent they have carefully cultivated. She is very good, but she also inevitably has shortcomings such as youthfulness.And this failure did teach her a lesson.

"It's good if you can seriously reflect on yourself, but don't blame yourself too much. This miss is not all a bad thing. You see, although the unusualness of 'Rebecca' has been exposed, we have also discovered the deep hidden Is it Marianne? I also had an insight into Aldrich Deville's secret arrangement in advance."

Rebecca nodded in resignation, and something heavy in her heart slowly settled down.

"By the way, how is Mrs. Betty? Is she all right?"

"You don't need to worry about this. In a few days, when we get through the relationship, we will secretly replace Betty and send her back to China."

Hearing that Mrs. Betty hadn't been abandoned, Rebecca was completely relieved, and her sense of belonging grew stronger.

"Since we have discovered these secret things, should we do something?"

"Of course, that Deville has been eyeing us all the time, and many of our companions have fallen into his hands. Since he returned to China, our various actions have been hindered in every possible way, so we planned to send you to him, but we didn't expect , He has such a strong guard, he doesn't even care about the beauties who come to his door.

"However, it's all right now. Now that we've discovered the relationship between him and Marianne, it's enough for us to make a good plan. Heh, I have to make him burnt out and flustered, so he doesn't have the mind to pay attention to our actions."

In this regard, Rebecca fully agrees, and proposes several methods and means of retaliating against Aldrich.

The two discussed secretly in the house for a long time, until the injured Rebecca could no longer hold on, and the conspiracy ended in a hurry.

In the early morning of the next day, the people staying overnight originally planned to return to the city of London while the weather was fine, but after Leicester's earnest persuasion, most of the guests stayed behind except for a few who really had urgent matters to return to the city.

Mrs. Dashwood must go back to London, because she was worried about her little daughter Margaret who was left at home.So she entrusted Elinor and Marianne to Mrs. Jennings.

"Mom, here is a list that lists the clothing and jewelry we need. Remember to send a servant to deliver our luggage when you go back."

"Okay, I won't forget, you two stay here and spend time with Mrs. Jennings, and with your friends."

The two sisters nodded obediently, and reluctantly watched Mrs. Dashwood leave in the carriage.

When the carriage was far away, Pei Xiang and Elinor were admiring the unique scenery along the road, while discussing the Rebecca who suffered the consequences of herself.

"I went out of my way to look at the statue again, Marianne, you don't know how scared I am. God, if that Rebecca's plot works, I, I can't imagine it. So, even if I know that Rebecca may be disfigured, and I have no compassion for her. Marianne, I'm so glad that the blood doesn't belong to you."

"It makes you worry, Elinor, but you have to trust your sister, she is the most clever and intelligent little fairy in England, no monsters can hurt me."

Elinor pursed her lips and said happily: "Yes, you are a little fairy, and a vicious person can't hurt you at all."

While the two were talking, they saw a group of people hurrying past another cobblestone path.

"That's...Miss Lisa?"

"It should be her." Pei Xiang followed Elinor's gaze. "It seems that Mr. Sissel is determined to let Miss Lisa return to London."

"Eh? Lisa's personal maid has changed?" Elinor asked casually.

Pei Xiang took a closer look, and it was indeed a strange face.

She pondered for a while, and decided to ask Aldrich later, she always felt that there was something wrong.

Soon, Pei Xiang had the chance to be alone with Aldrich.

"Mr. de Vere, do you also like to admire the morning garden?"

"Occasionally, I get up early for a walk. Is Miss Marianne alone?"

"It was originally with Elinor, but she met Mr. George Messina whom she met yesterday. The two had a good chat, and I slowly fell behind."

Aldrich thought, sure enough it was the right choice to call his cousin up for a walk together.

"Mr. Deville, I just met Lisa and her party, and found that the personal maid who followed Miss Lisa has changed."

This topic was a bit abrupt. It stands to reason that Lisa is Leicester's lover. Whether the maid around her is changed or not has little to do with Aldrich.

However, as soon as Pei Xiang mentioned this matter, Aldrich immediately understood her unspoken doubts.

"I suggested that Lester keep the original maid."

"Is there something suspicious about her?"

"She was seen visiting Rebecca quietly last night. Although she did what Lisa ordered, since she has to follow the clues, she will not let anyone suspicious go away."

"Have you asked the maid?"

"No, I didn't start a warning at the moment. Lester just hinted to Lisa that a trustworthy person could be left behind to take care of Rebecca, and the maid was logically kept and took on the task of taking care of Rebecca herself."

"That's fine. If she has another identity, instead of putting her back in the crowded and troubled city of London, it's better to stay in a quiet suburb. In this way, it will be easier for us to track and investigate whenever she contacts outside secretly. .”

"Well, after yesterday's incident, I also sent someone to monitor Mrs. Betty."

Pei Xiang understood: "It is true that the long-sleeved and dancing lady should be closely guarded. By the way, let's see who are willing to take risks for Betty."

The breath on Aldrich's body was very gentle.He glanced sideways at the delicate and beautiful girl in the morning light, thinking that she is really smart, and it feels so good to talk to her without worries and at ease.

The two walked for a short distance, and the atmosphere was very quiet.

Pei Xiang waited, but before the black-haired man spoke again, she puffed her cheeks quietly, and finally couldn't help asking:

"Mr. Deville, why haven't you asked me how I acquired such agility? Or, don't you suspect that I have another identity?"

Deville was silent for a moment, and said frankly:

"I've thought about it, and I've thought about it for a long time, and the final conclusion is that you are indeed the second daughter of the Dashwood family, the Miss Marian I have always known. Now that it has been proved that your identity has not been disguised, yes If it is harmless to the country, then, although I have some guesses about your behavior that is different from ordinary ladies, I feel that I have no position to get to the bottom of it."

Pei Xiang asked curiously: "Excuse me, would you like to tell me what you have guessed?"

Aldridge didn't answer this question immediately, and there seemed to be a faint sigh overflowing from his lips.

For a long time, when Pei Xiang thought that the two of them were going to go on in silence, the black-haired man whispered:

"I guess, Miss Marianne's skills... should be taught by Mr. Paddington himself."

Pei Xiang raised her eyebrows slightly, she stopped and tilted her head to look at the man who also stopped and waited for her:

"If you guess like this, do you think it would be disrespectful for me, an unmarried girl, to learn boxing kung fu with another man who has no blood relationship, um, especially rebellious and disrespectful?"

"No, you guys..." Aldridge's eyes became dim, and he said the second half of the sentence with difficulty, "If you are already secretly engaged, such contact...is not out of line."

"Secret engagement?" Pei Xiang repeated slowly, and suddenly smiled, "No, Mr. Deville, you made a mistake. I have never had any form of engagement with anyone."