I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

At the end of September of this year, Pei Xiang followed the Grant family to the beach in Weymouth for vacation, along with the Bleiman family, the Campbell family and the Van Lair family.

One evening, Pei Xiang took a walk on the beach with his good friend Alice Van Laier. While enjoying the sea breeze, they talked about the friends on this trip.

"Adele, I really don't understand that Mr. William Grant. Anyone can see that he has a sincere admiration for you, but he just doesn't say anything, he doesn't show anything, but Not alienating you, this is too contradictory, does he have a hobby of self-torture?"

"Maybe...William thinks we should wait a little longer and take another look. After all, we are still very young, and a momentary love may not be the reason for entering into marriage. Sensible gentlemen are cautious enough in this regard. There are trade-offs to be made.”

Alice wondered: "You are 23 years old, and he is 28 years old. It is just right to talk about marriage. What are you waiting for? Also, what does Mr. Grant need to weigh? Marrying you will not lower his social status. I think His Excellency Viscount Rio will not object to this marriage."

Pei Xiang chuckled.

"Alice, what are you talking about... as if as long as he proposes to me, I will definitely agree to him. Let's not mention whether the unspoken love really exists, or whether it is an illusion of our self-righteousness. Assuming that we have guessed the gentleman's intentions correctly, he really has a special appreciation for me, but if he doesn't take any further actions, it means that he has other plans.

"As you said, marrying me won't lower his social status, but from the perspective of interests, it doesn't seem to help much, whether it's property or in-laws."

"He is already the heir to the Viscount, does he still need a more powerful Yue family to add to the cake?"

Alice's heart is still full of girlish romantic feelings, so she doesn't understand William Grant's approach.

"The person you admire happens to have equal social status, and you are childhood sweethearts. What a wonderful fate. As for the size of the wife's dowry... I think this is something Mr. Theodore Grant should worry about, not inherit All firstborns should be concerned."

Pei Xiang was looking down for beautiful pebbles and small shells. When Alice mentioned Theodore, he explained a few more words:

"To be honest, Theodore doesn't need to think about those things. After he entered university, he got very close to Earl Walpole's eldest son, and later he was appreciated by the Earl. Before he graduated, the Earl had already A very promising position has been reserved for him, and to be honest, his career prospects seem to have more potential than William."

"Why?" Alice stopped in surprise, "Adele, you are talking about Mr. Theodore Grant? He, he is in politics and has a promising future?"

Pei Xiang was puzzled: "Yes, what's the matter, why are you so surprised? If young gentlemen want to start some careers, there are only a few decent choices, right?"

"No, no, Adele, I mean, he, um, Mr. Theodore Grant's temperament... yes, his temperament. I always thought he was the kind of shy young man who liked poetry and music."

Having said that, Alice frowned in confusion, expressing her thoughts quickly:

"Every time I see him, I feel that the elf prince in the legend is probably what he looks like, with blond hair and blue eyes, a clear smile, ah, and very dignified and reserved, sitting on the stone by the stream and playing the harp every day. Really, Ah Dele, I do not associate him in the slightest with dignified magistrates, daily concerned with taxation, trade, workmen and machinery, and, oh, the practical dryness of London's sewers and French arrogance."

Pei Xiang smiled and said, "I understand when you say that. When Theodore was a teenager, I used his appearance to draw a few themed paintings of elves playing in the forest. At that time, I Nor did he expect that he would be keen to discuss complicated and complicated government affairs with a group of thin-haired gentlemen in the future, and would stand on the podium and argue with people with different political ideas. It hits the nail on the head.”

"This is too unexpected, I thought he would become the most eye-catching talent in some literary salons, the kind of fashionable and trendy figure who can create all kinds of beautiful and romantic literary works, and the social darling at various banquets. "

Alice sighed again.

Pei Xiang smiled and said nothing.

The two walked quietly for a while, and Alice slowly digested the subversion of Theodore Grant's impression in her heart amidst the sound of the waves. Suddenly, she let out a little surprise.

"Adele," Alice lowered her voice appropriately, "Mr. Theodore Grant has such an entrepreneurial spirit, His Excellency the Viscount Rio must be overjoyed, and he will definitely work hard to help his youngest son stabilize the current good situation." .”

"It's inevitable. His Excellency Viscount Rio loves his youngest son very much."

"That... I heard, I heard that Mrs. Grant has been trying to persuade His Excellency the Viscount to distribute the family property reasonably, to give all the profitable private property to the youngest son, and to leave the title and land to the eldest son.

"If this is true, now that Theodore Grant has won the favor of the Earl of Walpole by his own ability, do you think this is the reason for Mr. William Grant's hesitation? He really needs foreign aid."

Pei Xiang patted Alice's arm lightly:

"Mrs. Grant's plan is not a secret, and she has never concealed it. You don't have to be so careful. However, your analysis makes sense. If William Grant wants to get all the property of the Viscount Rio, he really needs to do something. I have increased my bargaining chips, well, at least, that's what Mrs. Bleiman, who has always regarded William as half of her son, intends to do."

"Mrs. Bleiman's plan? You mean, William Grant has no such idea at the moment?"

"I'm not sure," Pei Xiang shook his head, "but I grew up with William, and I know what he is like. He himself doesn't value those properties and powers that much, but he also values ​​the responsibilities of heirs and certain traditions. Coupled with someone agitating from the sidelines, he should have been weighing and watching."

Alice showed a headache expression:

"The situation in the Grant family is so complicated, Adele, you are so popular, you have a lot of options, it's better not to care about that William Grant. Just forget what I said just now that I think you are very suitable, you must not Tempted, I don't want to see you get hurt."

"Thank you, Alice," Pei Xiang curled his lips, "In terms of relationships, I never like to be the one who is picked on and rejected, so I will definitely not be tempted."

"That's good."

Alice breathed a sigh of relief. After all these years of dating, she thought she knew her best friend quite well. What she said showed that she was indeed not moved by William Grant's silent love for many years.

"By the way, Alice, don't just talk about my affairs." Pei Xiang looked curiously at the friend beside him. "Norton's pursuit attitude is already obvious. Are you going to respond?"

Hearing Norton's name, Alice paused, and a blush stained her earlobes.

"Adele, I'm only telling you what's on my mind. I really like Mr. Bleiman's smile, but when he stands with Mr. Grant, he always looks unsteady.

"Oh, don't get me wrong, my friend, I have nothing but simple friendship with Mr. Grant. I use him as an example, um, to say, you know, that stable gentlemen are always more popular, and the conventional wisdom is that they are Family life tends to be more responsible. And Mr. Boleman, he seems to be a little more playful and cynical."

"People's personalities cannot be the same. However, since you are still hesitant, don't make a premature decision. Wait and see how far Norton can do it and whether he can gain your trust. Anyway, as long as You are a wealthy lady, age does not matter, handsome gentlemen will not all disappear, without one, the next one will be better."

"Oh, Adele, some people ought to have heard these thoughts of yours; they have always thought you a paragon of refinement and meekness."

Pei Xiang raised his eyebrows: "Do you think my words are unreasonable?"

"No, it makes sense." Alice blinked mischievously.

The two walked for a short distance, and "ran into" Norton Bleiman, who was also walking by the sea.

"Two beautiful and elegant ladies, can you allow me to join your itinerary? I hope I am not the daredevil who interrupts the ladies talking about their hearts."

Seeing Norton smiling brightly at Alice, and Alice trying to hide the shyness and expectation in her eyes, Pei Xiang smiled and walked to the other side, letting Alice and Norton walk side by side.

"Mr. Bleimann, why did you apply to join the ladies' walks when you were afraid of being a daredevil?"

"Miss Van Lair, you and Adele are walking under the blue sea and blue sky, it really looks like a famous painting with elegant and soft tones. I was attracted by the beauty, so I couldn't help jumping out. I hope the ladies can forgive me. My recklessness."

Alice giggled: "No, Mr. Boleman, your exaggerated compliments to me will inevitably arouse my vanity, which makes me feel that I can't easily forgive your recklessness. I have to think about how to punish you." you."

"As long as I don't end the friendship between you and me cruelly, I am willing to accept Miss Van Laer's blame..."

Pei Xiang, who was gradually being left behind, couldn't help rubbing his cheeks, feeling a little sour.

She slowed down, looking down for the beautiful shells on the beach, while thinking about the main course of dinner, at this moment, an uncertain voice came from behind:

"Is it Miss Duran?"

Pei Xiang looked back and said with a surprised smile: "Mr. Churchill, long time no see. You are also coming to Weymouth for vacation."

Frank Churchill strode forward and walked to Pei Xiang's side.

"Miss Dulan, fortunately I didn't recognize your back, otherwise I would have missed this wonderful encounter."

"I'm also very happy. Did Mr. Churchill come with your uncle and aunt?"

"No, I came with some friends," replied Frank Churchill, "when I was in London last month, I met Miss Fairfax and Miss Campbell, and they said you were back in Highbury , I was still thinking, this is really a pity, I may not see Miss Duran this year, I didn't expect there would be a surprise."

"Don't Mr. Churchill plan to go back to Highbury? I heard that Mr. Weston is getting married soon. You are his only son. Don't you plan to attend your father's wedding?"

Frank Churchill paused for a moment, then shook his head helplessly:

"I originally had this plan. I am very happy about my father and Miss Taylor's marriage. However, in order to take care of my aunt's mood, I guess... I will not attend my father's wedding. You You know, my aunt has always been in poor health, and I don't want to make her feel unhappy."

On the surface, Pei Xiang expressed his understanding, but in his heart he was somewhat disapproving.

The temperament of the Churchills is indeed not very kind and tolerant, especially Mrs. Churchill, who has been suffering from illness all year round, is quite paranoid and strong.However, they are definitely not the kind of people who strictly prohibit adopted children from attending their biological father's wedding.

Besides, if a son plans to attend his father's wedding, as long as his attitude is firm, who can stop and blame him openly?

The reason why Frank Churchill was unwilling to return to Highbury to attend the wedding of his biological father, Mr. Weston, may be that he did not like his biological father to remarry after 20 years, or maybe he did not care about this marriage—after all, the bride was just a tutor Women of birth.

Regardless of the reason, it was his own decision, but he put all the responsibility on his adoptive parents. This kind of behavior made Pei Xiang's smile even more unfamiliar and polite.

She had contacted the Churchills, not, of course, as Adele Duran, but as Dr. Peter.

The purpose of contact is naturally to see a doctor for Mrs. Churchill.

Speaking of Frank Churchill and the Churchills of Yorkshire, this brings us back to Highbury.

A few years ago, Captain Weston of Highbury married a lady from the Churchill family, a prominent Yorkshire family.

What's more unfortunate is that the ending of this marriage is sad.

Mrs. Weston died of depression within a few years after giving birth to her child.In order to revive the family business, Mr. Weston did not have the time and ability to raise his only son, so he handed over his three-year-old son to the Churchill couple who had never had children.The two parties agreed that after the child became an adult, the child's surname would be Churchill, and he would officially become the adopted son of the Churchill family.

This child is now Frank Churchill, who is 23 this year and has grown into a handsome, eloquent and pleasing young man.

The Churchills gave him a good living environment and good educational resources. If nothing else, they will let him inherit Enscombe Manor in the future.

Of course, the final succession has always been in the hands of Mrs. Churchill, so Frank Churchill did not dare to go against the wishes of his adoptive mother and aunt in major matters.

Mrs Churchill of Yorkshire was always spoken of in Highbury with discontent.Because this lady is arrogant and strong, she always uses many excuses such as poor health to prevent her adopted son Frank Churchill from having too much contact with his biological father, Mr. Weston.

In Frank Churchill's letter, he missed his hometown of Highbury very much, but because Mrs. Churchill always complained that he was in poor health, as an adopted son and nephew, he had to bear his nostalgia and stay away from his biological father.

Through these letters, people in Highbury agreed that Mrs. Churchill was faking illness, and she used various excuses to prevent Mr. Weston from getting together with his own son.

In the original book, when Mrs. Churchill died suddenly, people realized that the lady was really suffering from illness.Sometimes, she may have done it on purpose, but other times, she was genuinely ill.

However, because of Pei Xiang's appearance, things took a small turn, because under her treatment, Mrs. Churchill's body has recovered.At least within ten years, if there is no accident, the lady will live well.

"Miss Duran, are you on vacation at the beach with Viscount Rio's family?"

"Yes, with the Bleimans, the Van Laeres, and the Campbells."

"Oh, so Miss Campbell and Miss Fairfax are here too? What a coincidence, my father wrote to say that Mrs. Bates and Miss Bates have always missed Miss Fairfax very much and cared for her." However, Miss Fairfax's letters always report good news but not bad news, which makes people very worried. This time I am on vacation at the seaside, I must personally observe Miss Fairfax's mood and health, and then Write it down in the letter."

"Colonel and Mrs. Campbell have Miss Fairfax as another daughter, and I think she must be comfortable and happy with them."

"God, I slipped!"

Frank Churchill immediately showed an annoyed expression, and quickly explained:

"Miss Duran, don't misunderstand me. I didn't mean to accuse Colonel Campbell and his wife. We all know that they are generous, kind and noble people. How could I doubt them? Of course I believe that Miss Fairfax is in good condition." Therefore, it is all the more important for me to record the fine details of my observations for the reassurance of Mrs. and Miss Bates of Highbury. I think those two sentimental ladies will be relieved to have other people's evidence. Yes, I believe even more that my niece has a carefree life and a good mood.”

"With Mr. Churchill's letter of proof, Mrs. and Miss Bates will surely smile, and will tell your neighbors about your kindness, so that everyone can share the joy of the well-being of their loved ones."

Pei Xiang was not aggressive. She knew that what Frank Churchill said just now was not to blame anyone, but he just wanted to find an excuse to get close to Jane Fairfax.

She pretended not to perceive the truth, and told the young gentleman a little more about Highbury.

But as she had been avoiding the personal affairs of Miss Jane Fairfax, the exuberant Churchill Frank soon lost her spirits.It was evident that he cared nothing at all about Highbury, and was only interested in Jane Fairfax.

Pei Xiang glanced at the people beside him, and thought to himself, in the case of Mrs. Churchill's healthy and long life, how should this young man with no financial freedom insist on his relationship with Jane Fairfax?

In the original book, Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax were secretly engaged. He was worried that Mrs. Churchill would look down on Jane Fairfax’s identity and would not allow the future mistress of Enscombe Manor to be a poor girl. And then disinherited his adopted son Frank Churchill.

Therefore, they dare not disclose their feelings and try their best to conceal them.

Frank Churchill even used the heroine Emma Woodhouse as a shield, making people think that he was pursuing the other party, causing many small twists and turns.

At the end of the story, Mrs. Churchill, who blocked "true love", died of illness suddenly. Frank Churchill consolidated his position as the heir. At the same time, the love between him and Jane Fairfax also came to fruition.

In this regard, the actor Mr. Knightley ridiculed Frank Churchill as a "lucky young man".

But Pei Xiang, who devoted himself to making money by practicing medicine, seemed to have accidentally weakened Frank Churchill's luck.Because, she cured Mrs. Churchill...

Pei Xiang talked to Frank Churchill for a while, and the man left in a hurry.

When she was about to return to her residence, Alice Van Laer, who was walking in front, met several distant relatives and left the walking team.

Therefore, Pei Xiang took Norton Bleiman's arm and listened to him praise Alice Van Laer in a fancy way.

Unlike the avoidance just now, Pei Xiang gave Norton some small suggestions this time, and won Norton's sincere gratitude.

He looked at Pei Xiang with burning eyes, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but twitch.Because he knew that Pei Xiang must have obtained permission from Alice Van Laier to take the initiative to talk about these small suggestions, that is to say, this relationship was not wishful thinking on his part.

"Adele, you are so kind. You have lived up to the care I have taken for you since childhood."

Pei Xiang cast a cold glance at his cheeky friend, warning him not to get carried away.

The twinkling eyes of the beautiful woman made Norton suddenly excited, and the pictures of getting along with each other in the past few years came to his mind, making him show the most intimate and flattering smile immediately.

The blond-haired Norton Bleiman began to flatter Pei Xiang for his empathy. Of course, the final theme was to ask the benevolent Miss Duran to show her respect and not to make his relationship more difficult.

Pei Xiang smiled and didn't say yes or no.

Norton took her as her acquiescence, and when he thought of the bright future between himself and Alice, a gentle look of expectation crossed his brows.

At this time, the Grant brothers came from the opposite side. The handsome faces of the two brothers were somewhat similar, and they both had the same tall and slender figure, but their temperaments were very different.

The two people, one behind the other, noticed the tenderness in Norton Bleiman's eyes at the same time, and frowned in unison.

William Grant stopped in his tracks, his heart sinking slightly.

Theodore Grant turned his eyes, walked briskly past his brother, and walked to the other side of Pei Xiang.

"Adele, did you enjoy your walk? Mrs. Boleman asked about Norton just now. I don't know if I have anything to ask him now."

Pei Xiang grabbed Theodore's arm, turned to Norton and said:

"Since Mrs. Boleman is looking for you, you can go there quickly."

Norton nodded, greeted William, and entered the room first.

"Adele, I picked up a few starfish and some stones with unique patterns, and put them in the study. Do you want to go and have a look with me?"

"Well, where did you find the starfish?"

"Let's think about it, hey, I'm a little unclear, I'll take you there tomorrow, it's not too far away."

"Well, you just need to remember the route."

When passing by William, Pei Xiang nodded slightly at him, and then walked into the room while chatting with Theodore.

"I'm sure I remember the route. The scenery there is beautiful. Adele, you will like it."

"I believe in your appreciation. By the way, what business does Mrs. Boleman have with Norton?"

"Not sure, maybe just asking casually."