I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

"No engagement..."

Aldridge murmured, and the faintly bewildered tone disappeared from his lips.

For a moment, this usually calm and calm man felt extraordinarily at a loss.He seemed to have suddenly lost control of his mother tongue, and felt that the girl beside him was speaking a strange and beautiful language.

The melodious and crisp notes, jumping, circling, and enthusiastic, must be the lyre played by Apollo, and everything is intoxicated by it.

"Yes, I am not engaged to anyone in any form of marriage."

The unfamiliar syllables in my ears gradually returned to familiar and friendly language.

Aldrich took a deep breath, and there were deep and shallow waves floating in his obsidian-like eyes, which suddenly became calm and deep, like the quiet and vast night sky.The man regained his sanity from the trance, and the joy bursting out unconsciously was barely suppressed in his eyes.

"Miss Marianne... the relationship between you and Mr. Paddington... I misunderstood. I'm... very sorry, really, I almost damaged your reputation because of my arrogance and recklessness. Miss Marianne, please Forgive my self-righteousness and speculation, if, if there is any way to lessen the damage caused by this misunderstanding, I will do my best."

Pei Xiang smiled: "Mr. Deville, you don't have to feel so guilty. To be honest, I can understand why you have such a misunderstanding. It has something to do with my behavior. Because I am really unruly and reckless. You don't want to Thinking of me in a bad way, I think that the close relationship between me and Mr. Paddington is based on the marriage contract. Such speculation is not an offense, but a kind of maintenance and respect."

Aldrich wanted to refute Pei Xiang's self-evaluation, but he really couldn't say against his will that the girl's previous behaviors were in line with social norms and followed etiquette.

Pei Xiang didn't care about Aldridge's entanglement in silence, and said to himself:

"I cherish your maintenance and respect for me. I really can't just go wrong and continue to deceive you when dealing with such a friendship, and use a hypocritical appearance to cover up the facts. Especially this fall accident, when you have nothing When you choose to protect me without hesitation, when you give up on getting to the bottom of some things, I think instead that you should clarify some things and stop misleading you with specious language.”

"Miss Marianne, what are you going to say?"

"I think the first time you mistook me for a secret engagement with Mr. Paddington was in Sussex, when the Orient Wife revealed the secret engagement of Edward Ferrars, didn't you?"

Aldrich's body stiffened insignificantly, and he felt that he should re-evaluate the sensitivity of the people around him.

"Yes, I don't believe in those mysterious things, and I don't believe that the oriental witch can really see through fate. I attribute all the 'coincidences' to man-made designs, plus all kinds of clues and suspicious things. I guessed that it was the joint result of you and Mr. Paddington. And because... I think you have already made a more intimate commitment."

Pei Xiang intends to take this opportunity to reveal some truths thoroughly.

She did feel a desire to try out with Aldrich Dwyer, but only if he fell in love with her true nature, not his imaginary ladylike image.

"Mr. Deville, to be precise, I designed and led that matter from the beginning to the end, and Mr. Paddington only provided some small help. And, to be honest, even if Paddington and I We weren't engaged during the period, but we did communicate a lot of things in words and words, although, well, I don't think there was any ambiguity in those exchanges."

Aldrich understood Pei Xiang's implication, he bowed his head and thought for a moment, then asked softly:

"In Miss Marianne's opinion, as long as you have no evil thoughts and are frank, the communication between men and women can overcome many barriers, right? Are you against some of the current moral norms and constraints?"

Pei Xiang tilted his head and thought for a while, then said carefully:

"I don't intend to challenge the existing etiquette rules and social concepts by myself, so on the bright side, I try to be a qualified lady. However, I don't want to wrong myself, especially when I think my own When my intelligence and ability are not inferior to those of some men, I want to do more things and gain more wealth and power. During this period, it will inevitably destroy the rules and regulations set by the world for women, and will inevitably form some values ​​​​that cannot be accepted by the world Concepts, and even conflicts with the moral concepts advocated by the mainstream.”

"Miss Marianne means that you don't want to follow the life trajectory of most women in the upper class, do you? Just like today, there is no marriage contract between you and Mr. Paddington, but between you - please allow me to do it without authorization Presumably, there is some kind of cause or ideal that you are fighting for together. Therefore, you don’t care about the restriction that unmarried women do not communicate with unrelated men at will, and you will exchange letters with Mr. Paddington to plan career development together Hongtu will even meet him privately and work together for a long time, right?"

Pei Xiang nodded: "Actually, if I tell you that I treat Mr. Paddington as much as my brother and teacher, you will probably feel more acceptable. But I don't want to lie about this matter , I can only tell you now, sometimes, I will see Paddington as me in the mirror, and I have no other extra thoughts."

Aldrich was silent for a while, still tentatively analyzing:

"If you are married, you will not be willing to be a model wife, will you? You will even ask to control your own property, not the kind of control over how much pocket money or annuity you can get every year, but not allowing your husband to control you You have the right to dispose of your property - even if it is stipulated by law, right? You will continue to correspond with Mr. Paddington, meet and discuss."

Pei Xiang glanced at the serious-looking Aldrich, and continued to "expose" his "true face":

"If the situation permits, I am even willing to go to the club to spend the night, chat with the gentlemen who control the empire, criticize current affairs and politics, expand my network by the way, and inquire about some intelligence.

"If my married life is unsatisfactory, such as my husband changing his mind, domestic violence and other bad things, I will not accept it. Even if I can't get a divorce, I will ask for a public separation and try to get compensation.

"In short, I have always believed that I am a person before I am a woman. My happy life may include the roles of daughter, wife and mother, but even without these social roles, as a person alone, I It should also be free, worthwhile and happy."

After this sentence was finished, the black-haired gentleman did not reply immediately.

He stopped by the flower bed, his eyes glanced at the delicate and fragile flowers, and he recalled what he had said to Earl de Vere when he decided to join the army.

Before being the second son of the Earl of De Vere, he was first and foremost Aldrich.

Aldrich has only one life, and he cannot become a dependent or a marionette just because he was born a few years late, and he cannot acquiesce that he will live a life inferior to that of William Deville.

— We... all just want more dignity and freedom.

——I am a man, and I still have many opportunities to fight.

—and Miss Marianne is a well-born lady. If she resists a little, she will shock the world in the world's concept.

"Does Mr. Paddington know your ideas?"

Aldrich did not immediately express his position and attitude, but mentioned another man's name.

Pei Xiang frowned, and said in a natural tone: "Of course, the prerequisite for me to reach a cooperative relationship with him is that he respect my arrogance and eccentricity, and accept my apostasy."

"He understands you, and you trust him," Aldridge affirmed in a deep voice, but his tone suddenly changed, "In any case, the cooperation between you and Paddington cannot be protected by law or public opinion. So , when one day Paddington betrays you, all your hard work will be in vain."

"In life, we always have to face countless accidents. But before the accident happened, I chose to trust Paddington."

"Miss Marianne, according to your temperament, such trust is very rare."

"Yeah, so we talk about everything."

This answer first made Aldrich feel awkward, and then he suddenly realized something...

"Talking about everything?" Aldrich's voice was a bit difficult, "Miss Marianne means that Mr. Paddington will tell you about his conversations with other people?"

Pei Xiang shook his head first, and then nodded, making Aldrich's mood fluctuate.

"Of course he won't be so idle, recounting his daily life in detail. However, he will write to mention anything about me. He will say everything you said to him. informed me."

Aldrich closed his eyes, so far, he was finally convinced that Paddington was no rival in love.

The black-haired man stared intently at Pei Xiang's smiling eyes:

"So, Miss Marian also knows about my friendship?"

Pei Xiang didn't avoid the black-haired man's focused gaze, and nodded seriously:

"I made up my mind to have this conversation because I knew Mr. Deville's intentions. Mr. Deville, I can tell you frankly that I have kept a lot of things from you, a lot. About Paddington, About myself, those secrets, I will not tell you all at this moment."

These words made Aldridge frowned slightly: "Miss is so frank with me, including the surprising views just said, is it because you want me to retreat in spite of difficulties?"

"No," Pei Xiang tilted his head, his eyes were clear, "On the contrary, I think you are pretty good, and I plan to try to accept your admiration. But before that, I have to clarify some hidden 'truths'. Because I don't like the relationship obtained by cheating, and I'm not going to pretend to be a lifetime in front of my partner, so we all have to be serious before starting a relationship."

Aldridge seemed to hear Apollo's lyre playing again.The sound of the piano is so intoxicating that even Daphne, who hates feelings, is attracted, let alone an ordinary person with love in his heart.

"Miss can choose to confess later." Aldridge hoarse his mellow voice, "If it was at the time when I was most emotional, I might not even hesitate. After all, I can't be always rational and cold in front of someone. Of course."

"But that will leave hidden dangers after all, and I'm very proud."

"Yes, of course you are proud," Aldridge sighed softly, "not only proud, but also overbearing."

Pei Xiang's eyes widened slightly, a little in disbelief: "Domineering self? I've left the choice to you."

Aldrich touched his chest, with a helpless and indulgent tone:

"But this right to choose is like a reward from the queen. Who can give the answer of rejection?"

Pei Xiang froze for a moment, and his heart beat slightly faster.

From the beginning to the present, Pei Xiang finally felt a bit of shyness and sweetness belatedly.

She pretended to be calm, but looked at Aldrich with soft eyes in surprise:

"You just accept it? Don't give it a second thought? You should know, Mr. de Vere, that I haven't confessed all my secrets to you. What you've learned now, um, about me, It’s really just the tip of the iceberg.”

Faced with such a warning, Aldridge did not immediately confess his feelings enthusiastically. He glanced at Pei Xiang cautiously, and asked slowly:

"Miss Marianne, do you support monogamy?"

Pei Xiang froze for a moment, then nodded quickly.

——Has this person misunderstood me?

The hesitation between Aldrich's eyebrows was obviously much less.

"Then will you be devoted to your partner? There is no lover in any form, whether spiritual or physical."

Pei Xiang thought for a while, and promised to answer: "When I love the other party, of course I am loyal. If I don't love the other party, I will tell the other party clearly."

"Then...under what circumstances would you take back your love for someone?"

"It's hard to say. However, as long as the other party doesn't lose the traits that made me fall in love at first, they should continue to love each other. I think I still have a long relationship."

"In this case," Aldrich concluded very solemnly, "no matter how unconventional and unconventional you are in other fields, you are still very conservative and committed when it comes to marriage and relationship. If this is the case, I have no problem gone."

Pei Xiang blinked, and suddenly realized vaguely that from the perspective of social customs, the relationship between her and Aldrich was slightly misplaced.

"What about you, M. de Vere? Are you equally conservative and loyal?"

"Me too."

"So... let's express our hearts to each other now?"

Aldrich Deville showed a faint smile, which melted the color of ice and snow from his usually cold and serious eyebrows, adding a bit of spring warmth.

"Yes, Miss Marianne. I adore you and intend to continue adoring you. You are willing to accept my admiration and are ready to gradually open your heart to me."

Pei Xiang was amazed by the smiling Aldrich, and subconsciously nodded when he was in a trance, agreeing to the black-haired gentleman's words without any objection.

Aldrich was in a good mood, but he didn't immediately propose to the girl around him.

Although both of them expressed their intentions, Aldrich knew in his heart that it was too early to propose marriage, and the girl he cared about would not agree.

——Instead of being rejected, it is better to wait for a good time when things will come to fruition.

Pei Xiang and Aldridge spoke their minds, but for a while they didn't know what to say.Obviously, before expressing their feelings, the two could discuss how to calculate the enemy, but after exchanging their hearts, neither of them wanted to mention irrelevant people at such a warm and special moment.

Fortunately, the scenery along the way is good, and there are the right people by my side. Even if there is no verbal communication, a silent tacit understanding has already been formed.Therefore, Pei Xiang and Aldrich did not feel bored or embarrassed.

When the two walked around the garden path for the third time, they met Elinor and George Messina who had a good chat.

Messina doesn't like socializing and is obsessed with books and research. Elinor is also calm and indifferent. She has read a lot of books over the years, so there is no shortage of topics between the two.

"Marian, Mr. Deville, it's getting late, shall we go back together?"

"Yes, Elinor."

Pei Xiang stepped forward to hold Elinor's hand, and asked cheerfully what topics she and Mr. Messina had discussed.

Elinor repeated it softly, and Pei Xiang listened carefully.

The two gentlemen who followed fell silent.

To be honest, George Messina has long been used to his cousin's reticent personality. After being quiet for a while, he took the initiative to find a topic and said:

"Aldrich, you specially called me up this morning to admire the garden of Sissel's house, which really surprised me. Since when did you become so leisurely?"

Aldridge said lightly: "I'm just earnestly fulfilling my promise to my aunt, that is, not letting you stay in the room all the time."

George Messina believed it.