I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

Letters from Captain Butler came one after another, covering both business discussions and greetings and care among friends.And there was only one letter from George Rexar, and there was no more news after that.

However, even though he didn't write to contact Pei Xiang, his presence in Pei Xiang's heart has never been weak.Because whenever Rhett described the bad situation of Baron Pepys or the labor movement in Liverpool and other places in his letter, the first person Pei Xiang thought of was George Rexar.

"Although, he only mentioned that he went to London and found some evidence," Pei Xiang thought to himself, "but he didn't mention anything about what he did afterwards. However, as long as I read Captain Butler's letter, as long as I Knowing some current political news between Britain and the United States, how can you not guess who planned the dismal end of Baron Pepys?"

Walking on the dark red winding road with yellow jasmine and dogwood in full bloom, Pei Xiang wondered how much that person Rexxar helped him this time, and how he should thank him.

In the clear blue sky, there was a little light cloud and light white clouds, and the wind blew the clusters of fresh green rustling, and the sound of horseshoes gradually became clear, and Ashley Wilkes appeared on the hill alone, riding one by one.He rode his horse and leaped over several high and low fences outside the ranch, and only slightly slowed down his riding speed when he saw Pei Xiang walking alone.

"Lucy, I heard from Edward that you plan to return to Atlanta? Stay a little longer and see more of the scenery here."

Ashley reined in the reins and got off the horse, stood on the side of the road and waved at Pei Xiang.

Pei Xiang walked to Ashley's side, and said briskly:

"Ashley, I really like being a guest at Twelve Oaks Manor. It is quiet, beautiful and comfortable. If possible, I think it would be nice to live in such a manor for a long time."

Ashley said with a smile: "I guess, there must be a turning point after this praise."

Pei Xiangyanran: "My compliments are definitely sincere, so-haha, well, it's time for a turning point. But, cough, but ah, Edward needs to return to Atlanta to discuss business, and I also want to spend more time in the city Turn. Soon, we, brother and sister, should return to Liverpool. Wouldn’t it be a pity if we didn’t visit Atlanta completely?”

“Atlanta is busy, active, and thriving, but it lacks the elegance and grandeur of Macon or Charleston, and it doesn’t have the mottled historical traces of ancient European cities. I can’t always find some lingering charm and style there. .”

"Ashley, my friend, although you sincerely appreciate those elegant cities full of artistic and literary flavors. But I know that you deeply love the fertile land full of vitality in the South."

"Yes, I deeply love the South at this time, and I am willing to sacrifice my life to protect a civilization that is about to die. Although... I know that she has many disadvantages and that she is backward."

Ashley looked at Pei Xiang's peaceful and calm eyes, and sighed:

"Melanie also understands my contradictory thoughts. Compared with those partners who grew up together and firmly believe that the South will win, I can only show my true emotions in front of you."

Pei Xiang also sighed. As a bystander, she didn't say those superficial comforting words.

After being quiet for a while, the pessimistic Ashley showed a gentle and refined smile again, and started a new, more relaxed topic.

The two talked while walking, from Scott's romantic poems to Dickens's wonderful stories, and they came to the intersection after a while.

Looking at the sight beyond the patchwork of white fences and lush green bushes, the magnificent building located in the center of the Twelve Oaks Manor broke into the eyes of the two.

"It's beautiful," Ashley murmured, "but I don't know if it will last forever."

"How can there be absolute eternity? It is a fluke to have some beautiful things. Fate is impermanent. Even if it is lost, it will be good to create a new paradise."

At the same time, several familiar figures came in twos and threes from the tree-lined path not far away.

"Ashley, ah, and Miss Hoffman, are you coming from the direction of the wetlands by the river? This is a walk together."

The tall and long-legged Stuart Tarleton strode over, greeted the two and approached Pei Xiang with a smile on his face.His twin brother, Brent Tarleton, threw the whip to his close companion, and ran to the other side of Pei Xiang with his long legs.

Pei Xiang looked at the red-haired brothers who were courting her around her, and chatted with them without saying a word.Until the ladies who were a little behind also approached, she quickly walked a few steps and took the arms of Melanie and India.

The Tarleton brothers did not feel that they were not attractive enough when the pretty and funny English lady avoided them.They attributed this graceful dodging posture to the shyness in women's nature, and they all laughed at the same time, thinking that such a girl is cuter.

However, as soon as they turned their heads, they caught sight of a pair of bright green eyes, and immediately felt that a lively and delicate southern girl like Scarlett was also very charming...

Seeing that the brothers of the Tarleton family no longer focused on Pei Xiang, Scarlett's annoyance and grievance at being thrown away faded a little.

If it was normal, Scarlett might have to talk more with the boys of the Tarleton family to completely draw their minds to her side.

But now, when she thought of Ashley and Pei Xiang walking together talking and laughing, she panicked.

So, after briefly proving her charm to men, Scarlett immediately went to Ashley's side, trying to capture the heart of the blond man with the sweetest smile.

Scarlett thought, it would be great if Ashley could propose to herself, in that case, her life would be perfect.She would be the happiest and most beautiful bride in all Georgia, the envy of all young girls, and Suellen would have no reason to laugh at her.

— But why has he never proposed?Does he not like me?No, I can feel that Ashley cares about me, he appreciates me!In this regard, my intuition has never been wrong.

——But, since he likes me, why doesn't he propose?Why should I suffer so much?

—Is it because of that Lucy Hoffman?Is Ashley hesitating?Oh no, why should that hypocritical woman occupy Ashley's heart, Ashley should be mine!

At this point, the sense of crisis in Scarlett's heart has risen one step further.

This anxious mood prompted her to show more obvious admiration, so obvious that except for the young, careless and confident Tarleton brothers, several young girls present were aware of Scarlett's thoughts, including of course Melanie.

Once Melanie realized Scarlett's full of emotion, she couldn't help paying attention to the performance of her cousin Ashley, and then she couldn't help frowning at Ashley.

The girl knew Ashley, knew what he meant by the admiring look he gave Scarlett.But she didn't understand why Ashley had to be so restrained, nor did she understand his strange attitude of being neither active nor distant.

Melanie has always been unwilling to think of people in a bad way, so she found a plausible excuse for Ashley almost as soon as she felt something was wrong.

——Is it because Ashley is concerned about my cousin, who is not in good health, that he is unwilling to pursue love?

The leisurely days passed quickly, and three or five days later, Pei Xiang and Edward bid farewell to Twelve Oaks Manor and returned to Atlanta with the Hamilton brothers and sisters.

The four found Uncle Tom who came to pick them up outside the train station, and then returned to the Hamilton House on Peachtree Street together.Yes, after returning this time, the Pei Xiang brothers and sisters no longer lived in the hotel in the city, but became the guests of the Hamilton family.

Afterwards, Edward and Charles went out to do errands, and Pei Xiang accompanied Melanie and Miss Pittypat to the gatherings of the ladies in the city.

Another week passed in a flash.After breakfast that day, Charles received a letter from his former classmate, inviting him to go north to Saratoga for vacation.

Saratoga is a hot spring town close to New York. The environment is quite good. The hot springs, horse racing and shops lined up on the street attract tourists from all over the world.It's not that big, but it's always full of tourists.

"A vacation to a hot spring town? That's a nice idea. I don't want to go out alone, though, so why don't we all go together."

This suggestion aroused everyone's interest, and while circulating letters from Charles' friends, they discussed hot spring trips enthusiastically.

Both Charles and Melanie tried their best to invite the Hoffman brothers and sisters to go with them, and Miss Pittypat, who likes to be lively, also tried her best to persuade them, and the breakfast room suddenly became lively.

"Lucy, come to Saratoga with us. You and Edward have come to the United States with great difficulty. You should visit a few more places."

"Melanie is right. Edward, please leave the matters in Atlanta to Uncle Henry first."

Charles was not worried about his uncle being tired at all, and he happily offered the invitation:

"Lucy, when I went to Saratoga with my classmates, I found two very good bookstores there. I guess you will definitely like them. Moreover, among the classmates I met this time, there are The person who wrote to you last time to answer your question, don't you want to discuss it face to face with him?"

Pei Xiang asked curiously: "Charles, do you have similar class reunions every year?"

"Oh, of course not."

The young gentleman shook his head and explained:

"The classmate I mentioned works in a university after graduation. He mentioned in a previous letter that there will be a semi-official academic exchange meeting in Saratoga recently. More than a dozen professors in related fields at home and abroad Get together and share your recent research results.

"Well, my classmate is currently working as an assistant for an old professor, and he will go to Saratoga to participate in the exchange meeting with him. After reading the questions in my letter, he thought I had the opportunity to do academic research again. Interested, that’s why I invited me to listen in.”

Melanie smiled and said, "Is there such a reason? In that case, Lucy, you must go to Saratoga with us. Charles has no intention of continuing to study, let alone you Those whimsy. If you don't go, his classmates will make fun of Charles, and Charles is the worst at dealing with it."

Both Pei Xiang and Edward were unwilling to refuse the host's gracious invitation. After the two brothers and sisters looked at each other, they agreed to the vacation trip to the hot spring town very simply.

Later that day, Henry Hamilton, who was asked by his nephew for help, knocked on the table with some dissatisfaction, and asked knowingly:

"Why don't you want to invite me to Saratoga as well, instead ask me to help that kid Edward."

Charles has always been close to this uncle, he asked with a smile:

"Uncle Henry, you know that Aunt Pitty will definitely go out with our siblings. Are you sure you want to travel with her?"

When Miss Pittypat was mentioned, the old gentleman who had been at odds with his sister since childhood immediately turned black.He would rather face stacks of boring documents in the office than spend a long time with his little-brained younger sister.

Charles went on to say: "Besides, I hope Miss Lucy can spend more time with Melanie. With her around, Melanie is always in a good mood. This trip is just for Melanie to relax. After all, About Ashley..."

At this point, Charles sighed and swallowed the last half of the sentence.

Henry Hamilton snorted lightly, and said in a light tone:

"Our family doesn't have to marry the Wilkes family, so why are you hesitating. Besides, Melanie's relationship with Ashley is a brother-sister relationship, and she doesn't have other thoughts. Otherwise, she wouldn't be so calm I would like to persuade you and me, and ask the Hamilton family not to take the initiative to mention the marriage of the two families in the future, so as not to burden Ashley."

Charles leaned back in his chair a little depressed, with more sadness in his brows:

"I originally thought that Ashley had a good personality, was well-bred, and was a cousin of our family. He would definitely not treat Melanie wrongly in the future. Moreover, Melanie and him read the same books and received similar family education. The two have been very close since childhood...I never expected that Ashley would fall in love with other girls after returning from his study tour."

Henry asked coldly: "Charles, do you know whose daughter Ashley likes?"

Charles shook his head: "Melanie will never reveal it. She is so kind, how could she reveal the truth before Ashley proposed to the other party? She will definitely do her best to protect the other party's reputation."

"But the other party may not have considered her at all," the old lawyer said in a deep voice, "the Wilkes family's tradition of marrying cousins... Forget it, don't mention it, it is not a rule that must be followed. Similarly, You don't have to marry the Wilkes girl, do you? But, you were a guest at Twelve Oaks before, didn't you see anything?"

Charles did have some guesses in his mind.

To be honest, from the perspective of being an older brother, he thinks his younger sister, Melanie, is the best.But from the young man's point of view, he had to secretly admit in his heart that Miss Scarlett O'Hara was very attractive, and she simply knew how to catch a man's heart by nature.

Seeing the change in his nephew's expression, Henry Hamilton knew that he knew something, but he was reluctant to say it because of his upbringing, so the old gentleman stopped asking.

He considered quite optimistically that discovering some signs in advance may not be a bad thing for the Hamilton family.Whether marriage is good or bad is hard to predict.

Thinking of this, the old gentleman took another careful look at this shy and gentle nephew.

He suddenly discovered that Charles's brows had become a little more determined and mature since some time, and he finally looked like a shadow of an iron-blooded soldier of the Hamilton family.

——Well, although there is only such a superficial trace, it is better than the original blind naivety.

This new discovery made the old gentleman feel relieved.

Of course he knew why these changes had come about.Therefore, he was not at all opposed to handling some trivial matters for that Edward Hoffman in the following days, and was even willing to use his personal relationship to help him settle some minor troubles.After all, the influence that the brothers and sisters from the UK have on their own children is very good.

Two days later, a group of people who had just returned to the city from the country manor left Atlanta again.This time, I headed north to Saratoga, a hot spring town near New York.

Skip the scenery and knowledge along the way, let the time fast forward to the day when you arrive at the destination.

After Pei Xiang and the others settled down in the temporarily rented holiday villa, they were ready to go to the most famous restaurant in the town for dinner.However, just as they walked out of the townhouse, they happened to run into neighbors who were also planning to go out for dinner.

Charles Hamilton recognized his former classmates and professors among several well-dressed and well-behaved gentlemen, and immediately went up to say hello.

And Pei Xiang also found a familiar handsome face among a group of strangers.

"Miss Lucy, long time no see."

This man possessed a very charming calm demeanor. He walked unhurriedly through the crowd and approached Pei Xiang, and stood opposite her, with a melting smile in his dark gray eyes.

Pei Xiang recovered from his surprise and astonishment.

She returned the salute generously, her eyebrows curved:

"Long time no see, Professor Rexxar, what a coincidence."

After finally finding a suitable excuse to run back to the United States, the professor nodded slightly, with a little satisfaction and sigh in his tone:

"Yes, what a coincidence, even across the blue and vast Atlantic Ocean, I can still have a surprise reunion with my old friends. It's like... I appeared here just to see you."