I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

The day after the party, Frank Churchill left Highbury in a hurry on the grounds that his aunt, Mrs. Churchill, was ill again, and he had to rush to the ill-tempered lady to take care of her and comfort her.

Churchill's sudden departure made Highbury's neighbors feel very disappointed. People don't believe Mrs. Churchill's illness is such a "coincidence".

"Every time Mr. Churchill intends to visit his father, she must be ill. This really makes people wonder."

While everyone was secretly condemning Mrs. Churchill for faking illness, Jane Fairfax was really ill.

"It must have been a cold wind on the night of the party," Miss Bates said with some self-reproach when talking about her niece's illness with others. "When I went out, I forgot to put on my scarf, and Jane gave up her cloak Me, well, I thought sitting in the carriage wouldn't be cold, but I didn't expect Jane to feel a little unwell the day after leaving Hartfield House, and then she fell ill."

"What did Dr. Perry say?"

"Oh, he said that Jane did catch a cold, and she wasn't very emotional. According to his years of medical experience, Jane should be frightened and needs to rest for a few days."

"Scared? God, did something terrible happen?"

Miss Bates shook her head blankly to show that she didn't know either.

Mrs. Elton's eyes lit up, and she guessed in a low voice:

"Could it be because of that piano?"

The speculation immediately piqued the interest of some.

Just a few days ago, Miss Jane Fairfax received an expensive new piano, but the sender did not leave his name, and behaved very mysteriously.So Highbury residents are left wondering who exactly paid the bill for that piano.

"Shouldn't it be a surprise to receive such a lovely and precious gift? How can you still be frightened?" Mrs. Goddard spoke.

Mrs. Elton beamed and analyzed:

"It would indeed be a very thoughtful and precious gift if you knew who gave it to you. However, the person who gave the piano to Miss Fairfax did not leave a signature, so he sent the gift to Highbury, How surprising is it? An unmarried woman must think a lot when she receives such an unknown gift. If she thinks of some scary possibilities, she will be shocked."

"I see."

The simple-minded Miss Bates nodded. She didn't understand the deep meaning hidden in Mrs. Elton's words, and she was only concerned about the health of her niece.

"Thank you for reminding me, Mrs. Elton. After I go back, I have to persuade Jane that I can't live up to the kindness of the gift giver just because of my wild thoughts."

After saying this, Miss Bates left in a hurry.

Seeing Miss Bates walking away, the remaining wives all showed meaningful eyes.

"I heard them say that the piano may have been given by Mr. Dixon."

"Mr. Dixon? Isn't that Colonel Campbell's son-in-law? Jane and Miss Campbell, oh no, Mrs. Dixon grew up together, how could..."

"People say that Mrs. Dixon is mediocre in appearance and average in talent. When she is with Jane, she is always compared. That is to say, Colonel Campbell and his wife are kind-hearted and let Jane live with her own daughter all the time. I guess, Mr. Dixon must have fallen in love with Jane, so he gave her the piano anonymously."

"Oh, indeed, if it wasn't for Mrs. Dixon's dowry of 1 pounds, Mr. Dixon might not have proposed to whom? Hey, now that you put it that way, I can understand why Jane didn't go to Ireland with the Campbells. , must go back to Highbury to live a poor life."

"why?"

"Is she avoiding Mr. Dixon's immoral feelings?"

"Perhaps." Mrs. Elton smiled mysteriously. "Of course, this is all our guesswork. We can't say for sure what the truth is. But why is Miss Fairfax so frightened? Could it be...she I guessed that the gift was from my good sister’s husband, so I felt restless.”

"Oh, if this is true, then Jane is too pitiful. To avoid suspicion, she has already left the Campbells and her comfortable living conditions, but she is still missed by Mr. Dixon."

"It's really pitiful."

"Oh, everyone is just gossip. Maybe it's not from Mr. Dixon? What if it's Colonel Campbell and his wife or Mrs. Dixon? They just want to surprise Jane."

"In that case, there's really no need for anonymity."

"That's true. I'm afraid Miss Fairfax knows the truth, but she obviously doesn't want to reveal a thing or two."

"Anything that cannot be made public is not above board."

"Oh, this is a bit absolute..."

Pei Xiang naturally noticed all kinds of gossip about Highbury, and in the letter to Theodore, she told Theodore the whole thing as a joke.

"The piano was delivered by Frank Churchill. Obviously, what this gentleman did was really inappropriate. He probably wanted to express his love in a romantic way, but he almost brought his fiancée into disrepute.

Watching the two of them 'fleeing' Highbury in a panic, and the other sick in bed with fear, I decided to ignore their attempts to use me as a shield.

As far as I know, Mrs. Churchill's body has returned to health—it was treated by Dr. Peter himself, and there is no problem at all if she lives for more than ten years.As long as that lady is alive, the emotional path between Mr. Churchill and Miss Fairfax will be full of ups and downs, and I will quietly watch their ending. "

After Theodore Grant, who was far away in London, read Pei Xiang's letter word by word, the joyful smile in his eyes gradually dissipated.

His slender and cold fingers lightly tapped Frank Churchill's name, and the handsome young man lowered his brows and eyes coldly.

——Sister Adele is still too easy to soften her heart. Some people will easily get carried away if they don't let him feel really afraid.

Therefore, when Frank Churchill returned to Highbury again, Pei Xiang got a more expensive piano sent by Theodore Grant.

He gave the gift aboveboard, for reasons both legitimate and enviable.

"Miss Duran, Mr. Theodore Grant said that an oil painting you created earlier was loved by the Earl of Walpole. Thanks to your generous gift, the Earl's collection has added a touch of charm.

"In order to express my gratitude to you and my love for your works, Mr. Theodore Grant specially entrusted Mr. Theodore Grant to order this piano. He hopes that this melodious and warm sound will bring you richer creative inspiration .”

The reason relayed by the person who sent the piano caused a burst of envious exclamation.

The residents of Highbury have always known that Pei Xiang has excellent painting skills, but they never expected that her works would be appreciated by the Earl of Walpole.

Facing the congratulations and compliments, Pei Xiang showed a subtle and gentle smile, and said some humble words.

But he was like a mirror in his heart. This high-sounding reason was definitely fabricated by Theodore Grant.

——However, since he dared to say such a reason in public, he must have obtained the permission of Earl Walpole, and he is not afraid of being exposed.

——It seems that he has completely gained a foothold in the earl's camp.

——But, why does this guy deliberately come up with such a lie?

When the people who watched the excitement left one after another, Pei Xiang, who was alone, opened a letter sent by Theodore with the piano, and read the contents carefully.

"Dear sister Adele,

I happened to pass by a musical instrument store and heard the warm tone of this piano, which suddenly reminded me of my teenage years.

That year, we spent long autumn days in the Maplewood Manor of the Bleiman family. You sat on the orange-red fallen leaves and concentrated on describing the light clouds of Daishan in the distance, while I lay under the big tree and read boring legal works.

The autumn sun shone on my body, and it felt very warm.As the autumn wind blows through the leaves of the maple trees, there is a soft, slow rustling sound with a wonderful rhythm in my ears.

When a lucky red leaf falls on your white skirt, I think that scene is fresh and warm, just like your sweet smile when you unwrap presents under the Christmas holly wreath.

Adele, I wanted to give you a piano as a present.

For you have inadvertently mentioned that you have played many pianos, in France, at Thornfield, at Highbury, at school, at the Viscount's House in Rio, and in the homes of many acquaintances.

But I suddenly discovered that those moving movements that carry the joys and sorrows in your heart have never flowed out on the keys that only belong to you.

When you talked about the experience of learning the piano, your eyes were brisk and calm, full of love, but I was a little inexplicably sad.

I thought, why?Both Miss Van Lair and Miss Campbell, who are mediocre, unpracticed, and untalented, have beautiful pianos of their own.

When they played ingenious and not smooth notes in front of me, I hoped so strongly that I could give you the best piano in the world!

It's a pity, I know, I can't give you such an expensive gift, and you won't accept it either.

Therefore, this wish has been stranded in the depths of my heart, and even, I thought I had forgotten the difficulty of my youth.

Until the other day, I learned from your letter that Frank Churchill gave Jane Fairfax a piano (well, even Jane Fairfax can have her own piano, I I really feel sorry for that piano.), the moment I read those few lines, I thought again of a thought that never faded away.

Sister Adele, I am dissatisfied, I feel unfair, I want the best for you, you deserve the best.

Therefore... without your permission, I rashly gave this gift that I wanted to give a long time ago.And... also made up an excuse that you couldn't return the gift in public.

Adele, will you be angry?Will you refuse to write to me again because of my assertion?

I am a little worried that you will punish my impulsive behavior in a cold and distant way, and I am afraid that you will ignore me.So, please allow me to use a little subterfuge so that you don't punish me right away.

Sister Adele, in this letter, I will not explain to you in detail how I got the support of the Earl of Walpole. If you are willing to write to me, I will definitely know everything in the next letter. .

Yours, ever faithful Theodore. "

Pei Xiang closed the letter and sat down in front of the new piano. After a while, she lightly pressed a key...

In the early morning of the second day, Pei Xiang wrote a line with the first ray of morning light:

"Theodore, it's not an example. Also, thank you, I like it very much."

Before breakfast, Pei Xiang handed the thin reply letter to the housekeeper and asked him to send it as soon as possible.

In the morning, Pei Xiang went to the store in the town to pick out new lace and buttons, and got a piece of news that surprised her.

On the other side of the hat rack, two ladies were whispering. Pei Xiang's five senses were keen, and he heard their conversation clearly.

"Have you heard?"

"what?"

"Miss Fairfax's piano . . . was a gift from Mr. Churchill."

"Mr. Churchill? Frank Churchill?"

"Yes, that's the one."

"How is this possible? Where did you hear this news? Is it accurate?"

"Very believable."

"Just tell me, my God, this is really big news."

"Yesterday, yesterday, didn't someone deliver a piano to Miss Duran? One of the employees who delivered the goods had been to Highbury before. Yes, as you imagined, the porter had also given Fei Miss Elfax worked."

"and then?"

"Well, he drank, and he slipped his mouth during the chat. He said that a young gentleman surnamed Churchill was very generous when he tipped him. Afterwards, the porter explained to those who did not believe that Mr. Churchill Ordered a piano from their musical instrument shop, and ordered them to be delivered directly to Miss Fairfax's house."

"Oh, oh, that's right? Really Frank Churchill?"

"It's him. Besides him, is there any young man named Churchill who knows Miss Bates' niece? Besides, they have known each other for a long time, and the relationship must be closer, don't you think?"

"I think... well, didn't the porter say what that Mr. Churchill was called?"

"No, he said he didn't know either. However, he described the other person's appearance a little bit. After hearing about it, everyone present at the time was sure that the person was Frank Churchill."

"Well, then, Mr. Churchill and Miss Fairfax..."

"Should we not congratulate Mr. Weston?"

"This... don't be too busy, they are so secretive, there may be accidents. Let's wait and see the reaction of the Weston family in the Landaus house."

"That's right, oh, I thought Mr. Churchill was interested in Miss Duran before, but I didn't expect it to be Miss Fairfax."

Hearing this, Pei Xiang turned around quietly, changed her position and continued to choose trinkets. She didn't notice anything on the face, but felt that it was a bit too coincidental in her heart.

——This guy Theodore...is he venting his anger on me?

A little later, through the shop window, she saw Miss Bates coming across the road.At the intersection, Miss Bates chatted with a certain lady for a while, then her face changed immediately, and she immediately turned and walked back, looking very flustered.

—Sure enough, in a place as simple as Highbury, there are no real secrets at all.

After choosing the things he needed, Pei Xiang walked home after paying the bill. When he was passing through the woods, he happened to meet Mr. Rochester who was also out for a walk.

"Sir, have you heard the latest gossip about Highbury?"

"Why, after you have been appreciated by the Earl, will we have a queen here? If not, what big news can overwhelm your limelight yesterday? Adele, I think that in the next few days, You and your piano will always be the center of conversation."

Pei Xiang showed a smile: "Unfortunately, I was a little disappointing and failed Mr. Rochester's deep expectations. Alas, neither I nor my new piano kept that high-profile position, not even for a day."

Rochester raised his eyebrows, and there was more or less curiosity in his eyes.

"Adele, I suppose you would like to explain yourself the reasons for the defeat?"

Pei Xiang took Rochester's arm and repeated to him the conversation he heard in the store.

"Sir, since ancient times, unofficial history has been easier to talk about than official history. Obviously, the play I starred in was too open and aboveboard, lacking some mysterious and ambiguous drama conflicts, so I was unfortunately defeated by Mr. Churchill's bold move. down."

"Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax... This is really unexpected. A few days ago, I thought that Mr. Churchill had a crush on you?"

"He's using me as a shield," Pei Xiang said bluntly. "When I was in Weymouth, I noticed that there was a closer relationship between him and Miss Fairfax. For this reason, I specially told Fei Miss Elfax had mentioned Mrs Churchill's temper. Evidently they were afraid of Mrs Churchill and wanted to hold on to their feelings."

Rochester frowned. He knew that Pei Xiang couldn't care about Frank Churchill, so he analyzed rationally:

"If you want to find a shield as the reason for Frank Churchill to stay in Highbury and deceive Mrs. Churchill, then wouldn't Miss Woodhouse with a generous dowry be more suitable?"

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

"Probably because I met Mrs. Churchill. You know, as long as I am not intentionally hostile or my own position is opposite, everyone who has been with me likes me very much. I guess, it may be that Mrs. Churchill praised Me, I was heard by Frank Churchill again, so he chose me as a shield."

Rochester was too lazy to laugh at Pei Xiang's thick skin for ten years.He skipped the subject of Churchill and bluntly mentioned a matter he had been considering recently.

"Adele, what do you think of Mr. Knightley?"

"A very typical English gentleman with many virtues, a sense of responsibility and tolerance, and a trustworthy person."

"You think highly of him." Rochester said in a deep voice.

Pei Xiang was startled for a moment, and then immediately noticed Rochester's deep meaning:

"Mr. Knightley is such a man, sir, that few can single out great faults, and very few minor ones. I am glad to be Mr. Knightley's friend, forever."

Rochester paused slightly, then sighed:

"If you can marry him, you will have no worries for life."

Pei Xiang smiled and said: "I believe that Mr. Knightley will definitely become a good husband and father, but I am not the best wife candidate in his mind."

When Rochester heard this, he raised his eyebrows and joked:

"Adele, haven't you always been the most confident? You always feel that you are the little fairy among little fairies. I believe that as long as you put in more effort, you will surely make George Knightley willingly propose to you."

"Little Fairy is very proud," Pei Xiang snorted softly, "Is it very sweet to be calculated? I'm still waiting for others to show their courtesy."

"Then don't wait until you become an old fairy with a weird temper, you will be laughed at."

"The ones who are ridiculed are poor fairies. If I live a rich life, I will be very popular even if I am single until I grow old."

Rochester knew that Pei Xiang had managed a lot of assets for himself.

He didn't ask in detail, but he had a rough estimate in his mind, plus the dowry he prepared for her, so he wasn't worried that Pei Xiang would face financial difficulties in the future.

"You are only 23 years old this year, and the future is still very long. Don't take a negative view of married life so early."

Pei Xiang shook his head: "I'm still full of expectations for married life, as long as I meet the right person."

"What if we don't meet?"

"Better deficiencies than excesses."

"Good luck, then, dear Fairy Adele."