I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

No matter what the men who stayed in Liverpool were thinking or doing, Pei Xiang, who was sailing with his brother, was very relaxed and happy.

While admiring the vastness and magnificence of the blue sea and blue sky, she listened to her brother recalling his experience as a sailor when he was young, smiling brightly every day.

Edward was immediately filled with pride to see that his sister had no signs of weakness from seasickness, nor any difficulty in adapting to the inconveniences of sea voyages.She thought she was indeed his sister of Edward Hoffman, who was born close to the sea and had great potential to become an excellent sailor.

Under the influence of Pei Xiang's good mood, Edward's laughter gradually returned to being hearty and cheerful, and he no longer pondered the plots of the mastermind behind the scenes all the time, and no longer worried too much about the twists and turns in business.

"You are right, Lucy, troubles can always be solved, and life needs to be passed day by day. We don't need to disrupt our life rhythm because of unworthy people and things. If I get angry and frown because of it, That is the real trap of the enemy."

When Edward said these words, Pei Xiang was standing on the deck looking at the general outline of the land not far away.

At this time, she was wearing a brand-new Italian wide-brimmed satin hat, a navy blue fluffy dress and a thin coat with a lapel of the same color. She was wearing long white lace gloves and holding a delicately embroidered The little parasol looks elegant and beautiful, very different from the casual and comfortable clothes of the previous few days.

"Edward, we are about to go ashore soon. I hope that by taking this opportunity, we can not only solve the business troubles, but also expand the Hoffman family's own network. And, I found that you still like the ocean, like The chic and adventurous life of sailing. Brother, I think if Rhett can be Captain Butler, you can also be Captain Hoffman."

Edward opened his eyes slightly, a little moved.He did miss life at sea, the heaving of the waves and the murmur of the sea breeze, the simple days and nights spent with nature.

"But……"

"Eh, not that many 'buts,' Edward."

Pei Xiang broke up Edward's hesitation with a smile, and persuaded:

"Of course I am not suggesting that you spend years at sea, nor that you become a real captain or adventurer. To be honest, sooner or later we will slowly become independent from Rhett's business. At that time, you have to Alone.

"So, whenever you miss your life as a sailor, you can command the ships of the Hoffman family to ride the wind and waves in the vast ocean. You can do business around the world in person, and you are no longer limited to an island. , in a city."

Edward walked to Pei Xiang's side, and looked at the approaching port and the crowds with her:

"What about you, my sister? What kind of life do you want?"

Pei Xiang supported the wide-brimmed sun hat, looked sideways at Edward, and said as a matter of course:

"Because you are always worried about my safety, of course I want to travel with you. You see, I have learned so many languages ​​in such a short time, how can I not play a role? Brother, in view of you Only English and Spanish, I think you need a reliable translator. And because you are not as clever as I am sometimes, I believe you absolutely need a resourceful helper like me."

Edward showed an expected expression.

He reluctantly acquiesced that he was not as clever as his sister, but he still couldn't help asking:

"Don't you want to marry a prudent and reliable gentleman, and then live a leisurely and stable life? I believe that my sister has enough means and brains to manage a family well and become a respected and loved Mrs. So-and-so. She can also firmly Hold on to the heart of a lucky man, let him love you, care for you, and grow old with you with all his heart."

Pei Xiang shook his head, glanced at the seabirds circling in the air, and said leisurely:

"At the moment, I don't yearn for that kind of life. Brother, our family can be regarded as an upstart who made his fortune through business. In the United States, especially in the north, we may be more comfortable, but in the UK, we will always be in an inferior position.

"I think, even if I have the ability to get the sincere recognition and respect of the upper class, I will not work hard for it. Because that kind of life is too exhausting and maybe a little depressing. It is definitely not what I pursue. and yearning.

"Brother, I am not going to turn myself into a standard lady, nor am I keen on being recognized by certain powerful groups. I just want to live a loose life. Of course, brother, if you have the ambition to enter the upper class I will support you as much as I can."

Edward shook his head, expressing with great firmness that his energy and abilities were limited, and he had no idea of ​​a leap class.

"Let's make good money, Lucy. In Great Britain, there are quite a few aristocrats who earn their living by borrowing money and selling their properties. How much real respect can such people get, even though they have a family background and ancient blood inheritance?

"Since the invention of those rumbling machines, the obedience that many of our ancestors had to follow has long since disappeared, and now there are more and more people who can run and shout with a loud voice. Besides, I always think that, When wealth has accumulated to a certain level, some troubles are no longer troubles.”

Pei Xiang looked at Edward pretending to be surprised, and couldn't help but whistle a little, which suddenly broke the image of a lady she had built all morning.

"Wow, Edward, I didn't expect you to have such a powerful idea. Didn't you always regret when you were a child that our family didn't have the kind of ancient genealogy that can be hung on the wall? You also imagined that our ancestors might be exiled nobles from a small country Descendants. Of course, even though Dad has been seriously denying your speculation, you always secretly ask Mom...haha...and write it in your Christmas wish, I hope Dad will be more honest..."

Edward rolled his eyes, he turned sideways to block Pei Xiang's playful and lively expression, and interrupted her teasing with a blushing face:

"Lucy! That's all happened when I was a child. Oh, I don't want to expose each other's faults as childishly as you. Lucy, I have studied a lot in the past two years, and I have met more people with Captain Butler. Occasionally, I will listen to you discussing issues with Professor Rexxar, and I will always see something clearly."

"Well, I admit that my brother has become more mature and stable."

The brother and sister chatted and laughed for a while, and also talked about Edward's marriage.It wasn't until someone came over to say hello that the two of them suspended their daily chat belonging to the Hoffman family, and began to socialize politely with the passengers on the same boat.

Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

At the ball, Pei Xiang had just finished a waltz with a handsome rich boy, and was listening to the other party's witty recounting of a horse race event last summer when he heard a somewhat hesitant question behind him.

"Is...Miss Hoffman?"

Hearing the sound, Pei Xiang turned around, and saw the elegant and elegant Ashley Wilkes standing beside the crystal wall lamp.Against the backdrop of thick golden-brown eyelashes, his pair of gray eyes looked extraordinarily deep and melancholy, and also full of a sense of alienation that made people want to explore.

"Mr. Wilkes," Pei Xiang smiled joyously as an old friend reunited, "I'm so glad to meet you in Atlanta, which makes me feel more familiar with this vibrant and beautiful city."

After Ashley Wilkes confirmed that he had not mistaken the person, he stepped forward to talk to Pei Xiang and the young people around her.

After a while, new dance music is about to start.Seeing that Pei Xiang had no intention of stepping onto the dance floor for the time being, the young man turned around and left to invite other girls to be his dance partners, leaving behind Pei Xiang and Ashley, the reunited friends.

"So, you've been in Atlanta for more than a month. Hey, you should have written to me, and I'll be right over from Clayton County. By the way, Mr. Hoffman is also at the Elsing's dance tonight." Yet?"

"Edward is here too," Pei Xiang looked towards a corner where men gathered, "He's over there, probably talking to Mr. Meade."

Ashley followed Pei Xiang's instructions and found Edward. It happened that Edward also glanced towards his sister, and immediately recognized the man beside Pei Xiang.

After a while, Edward came over with a glass of wine and greeted Ashley warmly.

"Why didn't Miss Hoffman go to Twelve Oaks Manor? You know, my house is always open for decent guests."

Edward raised his glass and said with a smile:

"If you haven't met our brothers and sisters today, you will definitely receive a letter from us to visit next week. We have been staying here in Atlanta for a while. Not only have we successfully resolved our small business problems, but we have also met Many generous and upright friends.

"Really, my friend, I should not have left charming Atlanta so soon, if I hadn't thought of you and the beautiful Twelve Oaks you have described."

This happened to be overheard by Mrs. Elsing who was passing by. She now particularly likes the Hoffman brothers and sisters from England, and feels that they should be born in Georgia or Virginia.

"Oh, Edward, you and Lucy can't leave here at all."

She waved her fan and said slowly:

"You brothers and sisters must not know that Mr. Wilkes is a cousin of the Hamilton family. He often comes to Atlanta. Speaking of the Hamilton family, God, you don't know Melanie and Charles, do you? I must introduce you to the Hamiltons. Lucy, I am sure you will get on very well with Melanie, for you are both sweet young girls."

Edward said curiously:

"The Hamiltons? Well, I know Mr. Henry Hamilton. He helped me a lot with legal matters. Mrs. Elsing, my friend Mr. Wilkes and Mr. Henry Hamilton are Relative? What a coincidence."

"Of course." Mrs. Elsing nodded with a smile. "Mr. Henry Hamilton is the uncle of Melanie and Charles. He is a very reliable and stable barrister."

Ashley said: "Although I can stay in Atlanta for a short time, I can't take Twelve Oaks with me. So, I still have to invite my friends to Clayton County as a guest, and then introduce them To the generational neighbors of Jonesboro and Lovejoy."

"Speaking of Twelve Oaks Manor, I really miss your family's summer barbecue dinner..."

At this time, another very famous lady in the city of Atlanta came over, holding a thin and delicate girl.

This Mrs. Merriweather and Mrs. Elsing had always been at odds with each other, but they worked together on some things.Therefore, as soon as Mrs. Elsing proposed to introduce Melanie Hamilton to the Peixiang brothers and sisters, Mrs. Merriwether brought them.

"Miss Hoffman, this is Melanie, Melanie Hamilton. She's Ashley's cousin."

After Pei Xiang and Melanie greeted each other, they heard Mrs. Merriwether ask about their acquaintance with Ashley.

Naturally, Ashley Wilkes would not hide the fact that he had been helped. He immediately talked about how the Hoffman family helped him find his wallet, and how his friend in England, Lord Pepys, also knew Hoffman. The Fungman brothers and sisters.

After listening to Ashley's narration, Melanie looked at Pei Xiang and Edward more kindly, and expressed deep regret for Mr. James Hoffman's failure to come to Atlanta.

"My brother Charles and I picked out that wallet as a gift for Ashley. It's such a blessing to have lost it."

With this relationship, Pei Xiang almost immediately won the sincere friendship of Melanie Hamilton.

Of course, even if there was no previous help, this Miss Hamilton would not reject or perfunctory Pei Xiang.Because, she is really a gentle and kind little girl who is willing to give everyone the greatest kindness.

After the ball, Pei Xiang and Edward visited Hamilton's house on Peachtree Street the next day with gifts.

There are currently three permanent residents in the Hamilton family, besides Charles Hamilton and Melanie Hamilton whose parents died young, and their aunt, Miss Pittypat.

Miss Pittypat had lived with her nephews and nieces since a violent quarrel with her brother Henry Hamilton many years before.However, her innocent temperament cannot bear the responsibility of taking care of and raising two children.

The family was able to run in an orderly manner, partly because of Henry Hamilton's fulfillment of the responsibility of property custodian, and partly because of the shrewd and capable black slave, Uncle Peter.

The visit went well, and the family were kind and hospitable people.

The host, Charles Hamilton, is a very handsome young man. He has a fair and full forehead and beautiful brown curly hair. He has a slightly shy personality. Every time he talks to Pei Xiang, he blushes slightly and becomes a little excited .

Pei Xiang talked with Charles for a few words, and found that after this man overcame the tension caused by shyness, the content of the conversation was not boring at all.In literature, art and poetry, Charles has his own opinions.It can be seen from this that he has completed the advanced classes at Harvard University seriously, and he does have a lot of knowledge in his head, but he doesn't have many opportunities to reveal it.

The younger sister, Melanie, is smarter and more careful, and she is even more pragmatic and firm than Ashley and Charles in her views on certain issues.

Although she often doesn't talk much because of shyness, she never looks dull, and her big brown eyes are always full of joy and happiness.

After the visit, Pei Xiang and Edward returned to the hotel, and then they were busy with their own affairs.During dinner, the brother and sister talked about what they had seen today, and naturally mentioned Ashley and the Hamilton family.

"During the dance that day, I vaguely heard that the Wilkes family and the Hamilton family have always been accustomed to cousin marriage, and this has been the case for many generations. Therefore, they all thought that after another two years, Melanie might would be engaged to Mr. Ashley Wilkes, and, well, Mr. Charles Hamilton might marry the Wilkes daughter."

"Miss Hamilton is only 15 years old this year? Besides, she doesn't seem to be in good health."

Edward said while cutting the lamb chops:

"However, Mr. Wilkes is very lucky if he can marry Miss Hammerton. Although I don't know much, I can judge that Miss Hammerton is a very typical Southern girl, with all the things they admire. virtue."

Pei Xiang glanced at Edward and smiled:

"I didn't expect you to have such a high opinion of Melanie. When I visited in the morning, I don't think you said a few words to her."

Edward shook his head: "That girl looks too timid and shy. I'm worried that if I talk to her all the time, it will increase her nervousness. I can see that she is more comfortable talking to you Cheerful, especially when you're talking about poetry and literature, she's focused."

Pei Xiang thought, Melanie Hamilton is not weak, she is a really strong and brave girl.Of course, this is the impression she got through the original work.

——However, after the first acquaintance at the dance last night and the conversation this morning, I think the other party's temperament is really good.Maybe if you go deeper into the relationship, you will see the toughness and courage covered by her thin appearance.

"Edward, you don't seem to have a high opinion of Mr. Wilkes?" Pei Xiang tilted his head and asked, "I can see from your expression that you really think that if Mr. Wilkes can marry Melanie , He took advantage of it."

Edward thought for a while and said seriously:

"Mr. Wilkes is pretty good as a friend. But when it comes to marriage, Lucy, I think a slightly clumsy lad like Charles Hamilton is better than everything. Mr. Wilkes is strong. He... seems a little too passive and closed, and he is a little self-deceiving and unwilling to make changes. Of course, this is my intuition, and there is not much basis for it."

"I quite agree with your intuition, Edward." Pei Xiang raised his eyebrows slightly, and quietly agreed with his brother's point of view.

"Well, I'm just telling you, I just know that my sister doesn't like that kind of man. As for Miss Hamilton... maybe she knows her cousin better than we do."