I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

Four years later, in June, London social season, Viscount Godrich's residence.

At the grand ball held by the Viscountess Goderich and his wife, Miss Bingley had just finished a dance, she retreated from the dance floor with a rosy face, and walked coquettishly beside her sister, Mrs. Hurst.

"Louisa, why have you been sitting here tonight instead of dancing?"

"I've just met an old friend for a little more recent chat. She was a girl's schoolmate of mine, Miss Ingram. Do you remember her, Caroline?"

Mrs. Hurst handed her sister a glass of wine and asked with a smile.

"Miss Ingram? Oh, I remember her. Why, their family went back to England? I thought they were going to settle in America."

Miss Bingley responded with little interest. Although she was talking to her sister, Mrs. Hurst, her eyes had been searching the ballroom. Soon, she found the tall figure that fascinated her.

Mrs. Hurst knew that her sister Caroline Bingley had a heart for Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, so she didn't care about her looking around, and just continued:

"They plan to come back and settle down. After all, this is England, isn't it? Who would be willing to leave this beautiful and prosperous country?"

Miss Bingley noticed that Mr. Darcy had not danced all the time, nor did he particularly favor any lady at the ball, but stood and talked with several gentlemen, relieved, and inevitably became more interested in his sister's topic.

"Louisa, I remember you mentioned at the dinner table at home that the Ingram family owed a lot of debts before, and they sold all the family's ancestral land and sold it to the nouveau riche. It was a shame, so That’s why I had to go to the United States to avoid the limelight.”

Mrs. Hurst nodded:

"That's true. However, those old things are in the past. It is said that Mr. Ingram made a fortune there, and his family has money again, so he came back.

Just now, from Miss Ingram's tone, I seemed to want to buy back the land that my family had previously sold. "

"Oh, that's not easy, people nowadays, if they don't have a hard time living, who would want to sell the land?

However, if she didn't lie, then their family has made a fortune. Is this a comeback? "

Mrs. Hurst curled her lips, snorted, and then said slowly:

"Doing business is not a glorious thing, but the blood of the Ingram family's ancestors is decent enough, so we don't have to care about Mr. Ingram's involvement in business. Look, the Viscount's ball tonight, no Did you invite their whole family?"

Miss Bingley followed Mrs. Hurst's line of sight and saw Mrs. Ingram and Miss Ingram not far away.

The mother and daughter who came back from the United States were talking to a handsome gentleman. During the conversation, Miss Ingram laughed wildly, and looked at the gentleman with shining eyes.

"Who is that? Louisa?"

Miss Bingley was also attracted by the gentleman's gorgeous demeanor. If she hadn't always had Mr. Darcy in her heart, she would probably be jealous of Miss Ingram at this moment.

Mrs. Hurst understood her sister's curiosity very well, because when she caught a glimpse of the gentleman just now, she also wanted to know the identity and name of the gentleman very much.

"I just chatted with Miss Ingram, and more than half of the topic was about that gentleman. According to Miss Ingram, that man is Mr. Bernard, a descendant of French nobles who settled in America."

"French?" repeated Miss Bingley, startled.

Mrs. Hurst shook her fan, and told her sister Caroline Bingley exactly what she had learned.

"Louis Bernard was born in France, the son of a count, and when he was ten years old there was a terrible riot in France.

At that time, their family quickly left their hometown and ran to North America to seek refuge.Who would have thought that it has been 20 years since they left their hometown, and now, the Bernard family has settled in America. "

Miss Bingley counted the time, and a look of sympathy and regret suddenly appeared on her face:

"Ah, it was when the Great Revolution broke out in France, right? I heard that many French nobles died in those years, and even the king was beheaded. It's terrible!

In order to survive, many people have indeed fled their hometowns. I think Mr. Bernard's family has encountered those terrible things. "

Mrs. Hurst agreed with Miss Bingley's statement, and she sighed a few more words:

"Hey, it should be, it's a pity that their family's land and property in France should have been divided up long ago.

The title or something may not be recognized by the current French emperor. It's a pity, it's a pity that such a noble blood is said to be distantly related to the royal family. "

At this time, another lady who was sitting not far from the sisters came over, and happened to hear the two talking about Louis Bernard, a new face at the ball, and quickly told the inside story she had learned.

"What are you sorry about? Their family is very smart. My natal nephew has some connections with the United States and knows a lot about the Bernard family."

"What is it, my dear Mrs. Winston, since you have opened your mouth, don't keep it to yourself."

"Haha, it's not a secret, it's just that their family has been investing overseas before, but they don't have much property in France, so after fleeing, their net worth is still rich.

Moreover, it is said that this Mr. Louis Bernard is very skilled. After inheriting the family business, he invested in several plantations in the southern United States, and also participated in the shipping business. Tsk tsk, life is happy. "

The lady's words seem to prove that the handsome Mr. Louis Bernard is not a descendant of a down-and-out French aristocrat, but a wealthy gentleman with a decent background. He is not only good-looking, but also capable and wealthy. The golden turtle son-in-law.

Mrs. Hurst subconsciously glanced at her sister, Caroline Bingley, and felt that if all these news were true, it would actually be a very good marriage.

She knew that Caroline's heart was devoted to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire, and Caroline had been fascinated by Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy since their brother Charles Bingley introduced him to the two sisters.

However, that Mr. Darcy was always indifferent to Caroline and never gave her any ambiguous response. He just regarded Caroline as a good friend's sister and an acquaintance, and occasionally said a few words and danced a song. Wu, but absolutely no further expression.

Counting the time, the two families have known each other for more than four years. If that Mr. Darcy had planned to marry Caroline Bingley, he would have proposed to her long ago, and there was no need to delay until now.

As the older sister, Mrs. Hurst could see this fact clearly, and their optimistic brother probably knew it too.

Only the person concerned, Caroline Bingley, did not give up. She has been deluding herself that she is the young unmarried lady who is closest to Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy will respond to her affection sooner or later.

Mrs. Hurst didn't stop her sister before because there was indeed no younger and more promising gentleman than Mr. Darcy around them. Fitzwilliam Darcy was undoubtedly the youngest among her peers in terms of wealth, character and appearance. superior.

However, at today's ball, the new Mr. Louise Bernard also seemed to be good. If Caroline Bingley was willing to find another man to fall in love with, she might marry herself soon.

Mrs. Hurst had a new plan, and she was determined to find out the situation for her sister.

"Mrs. Winster, you are still well-informed. However, this Mr. Bernard has such excellent conditions, he must have already married. I wonder if his wife has come to London? Or stayed in the United States."

Mrs. Hurst expects to hear Mrs. Winston deny and tell her that Mr. Bernard is still single, but, to her disappointment, Mrs. Winston delivers a piece of news that she regrets.

"No, this Monsieur Bernard is not married, but he is engaged.

His fiancée is a very charming and elegant blond beauty, who also came to the ball at Viscount Godrich's mansion today.

However, I just noticed that it seems that a waiter accidentally knocked over the wine glass and stained her skirt. She went to the guest room to change the spare dance skirt, and she will be back soon. "

"Well, but she was unlucky to get her dress dirty at the ball. By the way, where is that lady from?"

"I haven't inquired about this in detail, but judging by her words and deeds, she looks like an elegant lady in England. By the way, the process of meeting Mr. Bernard and his fiancée is still an interesting story."

"Oh, what kind of anecdote?"

Just as Mrs. Hurst was about to listen to Mrs. Winster's story, Mr. Louis Bernard, whom they were talking about, came in this direction.

Beside Bernard was Charles Bingley. This cheerful gentleman who was willing to make friends had already known Mr. Bernard and had a good conversation. He led him here at this time, probably because he wanted to introduce his sister to this new Funny friends I know.

"Louisa, Caroline, this is Mr. Bernard, let me introduce you to each other."

Mrs. Hurst got up, and the two sides saluted. Miss Bingley also stood up with her sister and said hello with a smile.

"Hi, Mr. Bernard, nice to meet you."

"How do you do, Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley, it is an honor to make your acquaintance."

After a group of people introduced each other, they naturally talked about Mr. Bernard's recent situation in London.

Everyone asked him if he was used to the climate and food here, and asked if he planned to settle here in England?

Afterwards, Mrs. Hurst specifically asked about Mr. Bernard's fiancée, asking him to introduce her to everyone.

"We must see what kind of lady, both beautiful and talented, has captured Mr. Bernard's heart."

"Haha, Lucy is the most intelligent and beautiful girl I have ever seen, Mrs. Hurst, you will definitely envy me when you see her later."

In advance of his fiancée, Louis Bernard showed an affectionate smile, and he made no secret of his love for his fiancée.

"I came here this time mainly to accompany Lucy to see England. Of course, if there is a chance, I will look for her relatives by the way."

This topic immediately aroused the interest of the people present, and they all asked what happened to Bernard.

Louis Bernard sighed helplessly, as if he didn't want to talk about certain past events at the ball, but in the face of repeated requests and inquiries from the ladies, he had to reveal the cause and effect.

"There are no secrets that can't be told here. It's just that it's a sad past. If I say it, it may affect everyone's interest in dancing and having fun. I don't want to be a spoiler."

Mr. Bingley said quickly: "Bernard, you have misunderstood us. If we know that a lady is separated from her relatives, we must help enthusiastically. If you don't say anything and don't allow us to help, then That's what spoiled our interest in going to the dance."

Hearing this, Bernard smiled gratefully, without any further hesitation, and slowly told the story of his fiancée.

"My fiancée's last name is Wilkes and she grew up in America.

Only when her mother passed away did she know that her mother, my mother-in-law-to-be, was not the biological daughter of her grandparents, but was adopted.

It is said that the lady was separated from her family when she was a child. Before she was sent to the poorhouse, she was very lucky to win the affection of a couple from a well-to-do family. She became the adopted daughter of the family and was brought up as a lady.

Later, Lucy's mother married to the United States, spent her life with her husband and children, and was very happy. The only regret before she died was that she was lost when she was young.

After Lucy learned about this incident, she has always wanted to find relatives for her deceased mother. I knew what was on her mind, and I couldn't let her grieve alone, so I accompanied her back to find relatives. "

Mrs. Hurst was surprised: "So, your fiancée was not born and raised in our UK?"

Louise Bernard shook her head: "But she is definitely an authentic English lady, because her parents, her tutor, and her neighbors are all British.

Although they liked the vitality and democracy of America, they respected English standards in the upbringing of their daughters. "

"This is really the most wise decision." All the ladies present agreed with each other.

Just when they wanted to ask for more specific details, Louis Bernard's fiancée reappeared in the ball hall.

She looked around for a while, and soon found where her fiancé was standing, and she immediately showed a sweet smile, and then, she came in a hurry, and walked lightly in front of everyone.

"Come on, Lucy, and I'll introduce you to some very nice and sincere friends."

At this time, Pei Xiang has revealed her original facial features without any modification to cover them up. After four years of baptism, her temperament has undergone great changes, and her figure has become taller and more well-proportioned.

However, those who used to know Jennifer Gray can still see the similarity in appearance between the two.

"This is Mr. Bingley, and Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, Mr. Bingley's sisters."

"This is my fiancée, Miss Lucy Wilkes, from America."

After Pei Xiang and everyone saluted and greeted each other, they quickly merged into the atmosphere of friendly conversation.

Mrs. Winster, whom she had known before, asked about her dress, and Pei Xiang praised the thoughtfulness and enthusiasm of the hostesses of the ball, the Viscount and his wife, which saved her from being in a particularly embarrassing situation.

While talking, another lady came to talk to Mrs. Hearst. This is a lady who has been living in London. She is very sociable and popular, so she has met Jennifer Gray.

Therefore, when she met Pei Xiang face to face, she couldn't hide her surprise.

"This lady is..."

Mrs. Hurst quickly introduced Pei Xiang to the other party.

However, the status of Mr. Bernard's fiancée did not weaken the shocked expression on her face. At this moment, even Mr. Bingley, who had always been careless, realized that something was wrong.

"Mrs. Clare, what happened?"

"Oh, oh, I'm sorry, I was just too surprised, I was really rude." Mrs. Clare carefully looked at Pei Xiang's appearance, her expression was inexplicably complicated:

"It's really...Miss Wilkes looks so much like a person. When I first saw her appearance, I was really surprised. You know, that lady will never appear at the ball again."

While everyone was surprised by Mrs. Clare's explanation, they couldn't help but think of what Louis Bernard said before.

He said that it was a coincidence that Miss Lucy Wilkes had come to England to look for her mother, and Mrs. Clare obviously knew someone who looked like Miss Wilkes. Maybe it was Will. The person Miss Elks is looking for.

Therefore, Mrs. Hurst hastily clarified the origin of Miss Wilkes' search for relatives in a few words, and asked Mrs. Clare to be merciful, and must tell everyone, among the people she knew, who was the same as Wilkes? Miss Si.

Pei Xiang and Louise Bernard looked at each other, and tacitly moved away their secret communication eyes. They knew that such a scene would happen, so they did their homework on Pei Xiang's new identity.

Four years ago, when Pei Xiang left England, she used the identity of Lucy Brad. Around that time, she had been wearing a black wig and makeup that concealed her real facial features.

Therefore, most of the people she knew in London at that time, including the West couple who applied for her false identity, did not know what she really looked like.

Only Darcy knew about her blonde hair color, but was also fooled by her make-up.

Later, she left by boat, because of the warm care of the captain, she had to get acquainted with many first-class passengers, so she didn't show her true colors.

She didn't show her true face until she was out of sight of all the British and planned to stay firmly behind Murray, but it didn't take long for Louis Bernard to find her.

That day, the two had been negotiating tit for tat for a long time. Bernard needed Pei Xiang to do things for him, distract some people's attention for him, and share the necessary risks.

Pei Xiang naturally raised the issue of remuneration. Apart from monetary compensation, Pei Xiang was most concerned about her identity.

After some cautious probing, the two temporarily reached a preliminary deal.

After that, Pei Xiang began to help Bernard with things. During the four years, the two experienced a lot of ups and downs.

From stumbling and being vigilant to each other at the beginning, to now they have a tacit understanding and live in harmony. The good relationship between the two of them has been developed along with many times of danger. Now, they can probably be regarded as friends.

When he came to England this time, Bernard had important things to do, and Pei Xiang, as an important role in covering him, naturally had to follow his footsteps and land on the British island again.

However, Pei Xiang's identity was always a hidden danger when he returned to Britain.

Before departure, Louis Bernard handed a stack of documents to Pei Xiang.

"Lucy, look at your new identity. This time, I guarantee that no one will be able to find out the loopholes. I did everything myself. That is to say, no one in this world can find out the truth except you and me. .”

Pei Xiang bowed his head and read through it, memorizing the content in his heart.

If it was four years ago, she would definitely not have believed Louis Bernard's words, and would have even felt that this was a trick to make her feel at ease and work hard, so just listen and don't pay attention.

However, after going through countless adventures, Pei Xiang is now willing to believe what Bernard said.

He still concealed many important things, and still prevented Pei Xiang from really participating in the forces behind him, but there was no need for him to deceive her about such things.

She had saved him many times, and he had also blocked a fatal attack for her. Even though the relationship between the two had never been honest, they had a basis of trust.

The indifference and vigilance they had at the beginning of their cooperation has already quietly changed. Up to now, they are unwilling to see each other not have a good ending.

"Bernard, where did you find this identity? It's so suitable. Moreover, Miss Wilkes' relatives are all dead. In the United States, there is really no flaw in the investigation."

Louis Bernard smiled triumphantly, looking very proud:

"I've been thinking about this since two years ago. I threatened you with the identity of Doris Gray, but I don't want to see other people use this to persecute you, so I just help You got a more secure identity.

And, the most wonderful thing is, I sent someone to inquire. Among your mother's previous generation of relatives, there was indeed a beautiful blond girl lost, but their family was not very rich at the beginning, and they didn't try their best to find the lost child. Now it is convenient for me to do some small movements. "

Pei Xiang nodded thoughtfully:

"You arranged for Lucy Wilkes to be the grown-up daughter of that little girl, and that blood connection would explain what I look like.

In this world, strangers without any relationship can look very similar, let alone relatives who share the same blood.In this case, it makes sense. "

"Besides, excluding those who have met Jennifer Gray, there are even fewer people who have seen Doris Gray. Moreover, your temperament has changed a lot over time, and no one will compare you to her. linked together.

What's more, you are now the fiancée of a descendant of a French aristocrat, and if you appear on social occasions in this capacity, even if someone whispers in their hearts, it is impossible to openly question you.

Because they have no proof, and we can justifiably sue anyone who doubts, suing them for defamation. "

Pei Xiang chuckled: "Well, it really is a typical way of solving problems of Mr. Bernard, rascal and bastard."

"Thank you. Compared with Lucy, I still lack the acting skills that can stretch and shrink."

Louis Bernard took a sip of coffee comfortably, squinted his eyes and basked in the sun, suddenly feeling much more relaxed.

Four years ago, he forcefully involved Pei Xiang in his own troubles, but he didn't apologize much at first, because he had a selfish and self-willed temper, and he didn't want to be more considerate of other people's difficulties.

However, his heart is fleshy after all, after a period of getting along day and night, especially after he was rescued several times by Pei Xiang, when he thought of his original choice, he felt a lot of guilt in his heart.

He often thinks that he must do something to make up for it.

So, there is this secure identity that has been carefully prepared for two years.

Pei Xiang was naturally very satisfied. She put down the materials in her hand and poured herself a cup of coffee.

"In this case, when I return to England, I will be Miss Lucy Wilkes, and at the same time, Louise Bernard's beloved fiancée."

Bernard hooked the corners of his lips and smiled wantonly:

"Dear fiancée, you must help your fiancé to make more contacts, and let people believe that I am a French man who would rather settle in England for love.

Well, I have no ambitions, I only like art and business, and I have absolutely no grand plans for the restoration of the royal party, and I am not the spy of His Majesty Louis XVIII who took refuge in Italy. "

Pei Xiang smiled lightly and raised his eyebrows: "Naturally, in the past few years, you have done a lot of ridiculous things for me, an English woman, and you will almost make old Bernard so angry that you can't eat."

"Miss, when it comes to irritating people, your contribution cannot be ignored."

In the afternoon of that day, Pei Xiang talked with Louis Bernard for a long time, and confirmed the various arrangements and plans for the two after they returned to England. The identity of Bernard's fiancée is hidden.

Therefore, after they arrived in London, the first time they chose to appear in public was the ball held by the Viscount Godrich's mansion.

Sure enough, Pei Xiang's appearance aroused the curiosity and suspicion of some people.

I only heard Mrs. Claire say: "Oh, maybe I remembered wrongly, after all, it has been several years.

You know, memory can be deceiving sometimes.The person I was talking about is no longer alive, so I was so surprised.

Sometimes, maybe only three or four points are similar, but there will be an illusion of seven or eight points, which is inevitable. "

Hearing that the man had passed away unfortunately, everyone immediately showed regretful expressions, not knowing whether to continue asking.

Louise Bernard was obviously very worried about his fiancée and was about to digress.

However, Lucy Wilkes shook her head slightly, expressing that she needed to clarify the matter, so she looked sincerely at Mrs. Clare and asked her to tell her the name of that person.

Mrs. Clare hesitated, feeling that Miss Wilkes would know about it sooner or later, and that it would be of little use for her to conceal it, so she uttered the name Jennifer Gray.

Now that four years have passed, it stands to reason that not many people in London should remember a mistress who died unexpectedly.

However, a lot of people and things were involved behind her death, and it was a sensational case at the beginning, coupled with some violent reactions from Councilor Marlborough later, many people still remember this name.

Mrs. Hurst was one of them, and her face changed immediately.

"That Jennifer Gray who is connected with MP Marlborough?"

"It's her, Louisa, you haven't seen her since you don't live in London.

To be honest, she and Miss Wilkes look very much alike, even the color of their hair is exactly the same, such a beautiful pure golden color is rare. "

The conversation between the two made the blond girl look confused. She glanced at her fiancé and found that the other person looked different. Obviously, he had also heard of Jennifer Gray.

"Do I look like that unfortunate lady? Then maybe I really have a blood relationship with her.

Bernard, you have met my mother. You should know that my mother and I look very similar. This is the wonderful power of blood. "

While talking, Pei Xiang turned to look at Mrs. Clare, and asked sincerely:

"Mrs. Clare, can you tell me something about Miss Jennifer Gray? Does she... have any relatives living in London?"

Mrs. Clare looked embarrassed, and Louise Bernard hurriedly smoothed things over:

"Lucy, we are at the dance now. Everyone is out to have fun, but we don't have much time to talk about those past events. Why don't we send someone to inquire carefully after tonight's dance is over."

Pei Xiang also seemed to realize that something was wrong, and it was really not a good time to ask the bottom line, so he apologized and nodded to Mrs. Claire, expressing that he was rude and rude.

Everyone was relieved to see that she no longer asked about Jennifer Gray.

After all, having a murdered mistress as a relative is not something everyone is happy to accept, and there is really no need to discuss these unpleasant things in depth when you meet them for the first time.

A new round of dance music was about to start. Mr. Bingley looked around and felt that it would be awkward for everyone to continue talking, so he simply invited Pei Xiang to dance.

At the same time, the personable Louis Bernard also invited Mrs. Hurst to dance, and also booked the next dance with Miss Bingley.

After everyone dispersed, the conversation in the corner of the ball gradually dissipated and subsided.

However, rumors that Lucy Wilkes came to England to look for her relatives and that she resembled the deceased Jennifer Gray, unsurprisingly, spread and aroused some people's interest and attention.

Finally, Fitzwilliam Darcy, who had been sitting idle in another corner of the ball hall, also heard the vague discussion.

— A woman who looks like Jennifer Gray?

——From America...

—Her name is Lucy?