[comprehensive] superior skills

The night is fleeting.

When the first morning bird chirped, the young lady who was curled up in the warm bed was awakened by a beam of mischievous sunlight sneaking into the bedroom through the cracks in the corrugated curtains.

"Oh, it seems that Bethany's worries are unnecessary. The dark clouds that lingered and refused to leave last night must have been blown away by the wind."

Song Ci mumbled and turned over, trying to buy himself more time to be lazy on the bed.

"My lady, why are you still lying on the bed!"

Mrs. Jiang Jinsheng hurriedly pushed the door and yelled in disbelief: "Have you forgotten your appointment this morning? Being late is not something a lady should do."

After she finished speaking, she emphasized again: "Eight o'clock! You and Mrs. Collins have an appointment to meet at eight o'clock, which means that you have to set aside at least half an hour for your journey!"

"But I bet it's up to 06:30!"

Sitting up with the thin quilt in his arms, Song Ci said in a daze, "I can definitely use the saved breakfast time to rest for a while."

"OK, dear."

Mrs. Jiang Jinsheng opened the door for Bethany, who was carrying the hot water bottle, and then peeked out before closing it, "We all know that you missed your sleep last night because of a gentleman who was not very considerate. But this is not the case. Not a reason to snub Mrs Collins, is it? Not to mention it's your first appearance at Meryton, we can't screw it up."

"First appearance?"

Finally, the young lady, who was completely awake, took the soaked soft towel from the personal maid, "You can't forget the party at Lucas's house in just this time, right?"

"It's been a long time since people are always forgetful."

Mrs. Jiang Jinsheng walked back and forth in front of the closet and dressing table like a hardworking bee, "Since you were absent from Colonel Fausto's invitation, people in the town have been rumoring that you are a sick man Yangzi, they also said that even at Lucas's dance that night, you went to the banquet with your sick body!"

One of the strong proofs is that the most popular Miss de Boer actually only danced with the least popular Mr. Darcy. If there is nothing tricky in it, it will not satisfy people's curiosity.

"I dare say Miss Bingley's choreography would have been part of it!"

Bethany, who was also busy cleaning the little master's skin, couldn't hold back her thoughts, "Otherwise, how would people outside know that Miss Anne stayed in the room all day to recuperate from her illness."

The outspoken little maid didn't know that she had inadvertently revealed the truth and exposed a hideous and immoral conspiracy hidden in the false name of true love.

"So I really should have gotten up earlier."

Not taking this gossip to heart at all, Song Ci turned his face slightly to the mirror and applied skin care lotion, "It's best to run around Meryton before Mrs Collins arrives, so that those who are hiding in the dark The conspirators in the corner who pity Madame de Boer are disappointed."

"God, you bad prankster, how can you make such a scary joke!"

Mrs. Jiang Jinsheng stretched the folds of her dress and pretended to complain: "Do you want the poor governess to be fired by the furious mistress and watch her starve and freeze?"

"My dear lady, you know perfectly well that this cannot happen."

The young lady who was about to put on a new dress put her arms around her shoulders and kissed her cheek, "As long as you want, Rosings will always have a room that belongs to you."

"Then what can I say, dear."

Mrs. Jiang Jinsheng tried hard to hold the upturned corners of her mouth, "But don't think that this sweet talk will change my mind. Let people pay more attention to your healthy and rosy face is the goal of this trip."

After she finished speaking, she served the little master to put on a long flowing dress decorated with tender green leaf prints, and pinned a little daisy gold ornament on the flowing and lustrous hair.

"Don't forget the parasol, miss!"

Bethany found a small rose-colored umbrella that matched her little master's clothes, "Are you sure you don't want me to accompany you on the trip?"

"Yes, I'm pretty sure."

Song Ci lowered his head and buttoned his thin coat, "You've been busy around me for long enough, it's time to enjoy a leisurely vacation. If possible, I hope you can follow Tess' example and have a romantic date."

It is conceivable how embarrassing Mrs. Jiang Jinsheng must have been by such a bold and witty remark. The young lady who ran away under her glaring only had time to blow a kiss to Bethany, who was covering her mouth and giggling, and then hurried to down the stairs.

At this time, the guests of honor in Netherfield, whether they were taking care of themselves or just woke up, had no chance to exchange greetings with the guests who got up early and went out, which made Song Ci, who didn't like to say polite words, feel at ease.

She took the carriage of Rosings Manor alone, and arrived at the four-hole bridge where she met Charlotte as originally planned.

This is the only way to Meryton, and it is also the border of several nearby villages.

The morning mist and sunshine make the moss-covered arched stone bridge and its reflection on the water extremely poetic, and even the crystal-clear flowing water has clusters of vibrant greenery in silence in full bloom.

Of course, it is not the lady's turn to enjoy such a beautiful scenery alone. Long before she came, a group of regular customers had taken over the site that had long been optimistic about.

"Good morning, what a group of eye-catching little guys!"

Song Ci smiled and stretched out his arms, throwing the crushed slag in the river water, teasing those beautiful waterfowls to peck.

Because she refused to eat the breakfast that Bethany brought, Mrs. Jiang Jinsheng could only find some small snacks that did not take up space and put them in her handbag, so that the lady would not suffer too much when she was hungry.

Now this iron box with a robin pattern is full of oatmeal and nut biscuits, which is just right for Song Ci and his new friends to have a full meal.

"Annie, you came so early!"

Seeing the figure standing alone in the middle of the stone bridge from a distance, Mrs. Collins hurriedly followed up with her lively and active younger sister, "I thought I was the one who went out first."

"Who told you to travel with two people?"

Song Ci patted off the last bit of biscuit crumbs, "Sometimes four feet may not be better than two."

"Indeed."

Charlotte looked in the direction of Longborn helplessly, "I think we have to spend some time here."

"Annie, what do you think of Netherfield, is it comfortable to live in?"

Maria looked at the waterfowl that hadn't dispersed, "Recently, everyone has been rumoring that there will be a dance there soon, and Mr. Bingley specially organized it for the Bennett family."

"I'm afraid you're not hearing rumors."

Song Ci turned sideways slightly, and let the parasol not much larger than the hat shield him from the cold wind, "It is not difficult to see from Mr. Bingley's various behaviors that he really has a deep affection for Miss Bennet. As for Netherfield Gardens, I It can only be said that for the guests, even living in a resplendent palace is not as comfortable as your own home."

"Or everyone knows it in their hearts, but they just don't want to believe it."

Mrs. Collins explained the key point in one sentence, "If Mr. Bingley has a rich man, it will be a great loss to the unmarried girls in Meryton. You must know that not every rich person yearns for country life. Even There are people who prefer to stay in the stinking city in the hottest season, so that they don't have to be far away from the social circle of high society."

"That's a real pain."

Glancing at the hands of the pocket watch, Song Ci half-jokingly half-complainingly said, "It's a good thing we're not waiting on the streets of London, otherwise I can only pretend to forget about this date."

"They are here!"

Maria, who had been staring at the path, suddenly murmured: "This is really interesting. All five of the Bennett sisters have appeared, and even Mary, who doesn't like to go out the most, is not absent!"

"Dear sister, I'm afraid you have missed one."

Mrs. Collins frowned imperceptibly as her eyes fell on a handsome man in a red uniform in the middle.

"Oh yes!"

The innocent Maria only noticed the man's bright military uniform, "Who would have thought that there would be a man in the Bennett family with only five golden flowers. Sorry, I shouldn't have forgotten Mr. Bennett."

"This joke is not funny."

Mrs. Collins whispered next to the lady: "The man walking with the Bennet sisters is George Wickham. He was once fortunate to have Elizabeth's favor but he did not cherish it."

"Why, could it be that someone interfered with it?"

Song Ci said curiously: "Elizabeth is also a very pleasing girl. Even Colonel Fitzwilliam could not resist her charm in Rosings."

When mentioning the love affair that ended without a cause, Mrs. Collins' expression suddenly became extremely subtle, "It's not so much that Wickham moved on, it's better to say that Elizabeth lost to Almighty Money."

"Almighty money..."

Song Ci raised his eyebrows slightly, "Charlotte, I like your metaphor! I don't know what happened to the girl who came from behind?"

"I think she must be a very devout believer."

Mrs. Collins couldn't hide the smile in her eyes, "Because before she fell into the hunter's carefully woven love network, she was brought back to her hometown by another responsible elder."

Having to cheer up and face the appointment-seekers who set foot on the stone bridge, Song Ci concluded unsatisfactorily: "This lady is really lucky."

"Charlotte!"

Lydia Bennett, whose face was full of pride, raised her voice and shouted: "You must have never thought that I would find the most handsome Patronus in Meryton for you!"

She held the officer's arm and smiled coquettishly, "This is simply a meeting trip arranged by God. We met Wickham when we walked near the ranch. He just came out of the master's house after visiting!"

"Lydia!"

Unlike her younger sister who feels good about herself, Elizabeth still cares about her sister's presumptuous behavior of recruiting people into the gang without notifying her, "It just so happens that Wickham is going back to Meryton, I think Miss de Boer should Would you mind having one more fellow traveler?"

"of course not."

Song Ci put the pocket watch chain back into his handbag, "Won't you introduce me, Miss Bennet?"

"Don't bother."

What is surprising is that before Elizabeth could say yes, the officer who was still on Lydia's arm couldn't bear to take a step forward, "Although it's a bit presumptuous to say so, Miss de Boer and I can be regarded as the reunion after a long absence. gone."

"Reunion?"

The lady holding the parasol heard this and couldn't help looking up at the handsome and elegant man, "Please forgive my mistake, would you like to tell me where you met me before?"

"That was five years ago. You were wearing a black silk dress embroidered with dark patterns."

Wickham's eyes seemed to be immersed in an extremely sad past event, "The situation at that time was really unbearable to look back on, and it is understandable that you forgot me."

Although the few words in his mouth could not piece together a complete story, they aroused the strong curiosity of everyone present.

Especially Lydia, who was most obsessed with officers, her eyes almost made a hole in the bewildered young lady.

"Half-concealment is the most deceptive, and this is the most beneficial means of the cunning man. If he is satisfied, I am afraid that it will not be long before Meryton has to spread the words that have to be said between the heir of Rosings and the officer of the militia. Two or three things."

After listing the red uniform in his heart as a refusal, Song Ci lowered his head and pondered for a while, and then said with red eyes: "I remembered, Mr. Wickham. If possible, I will do it again in my life." I don’t want to suffer the same pain.”

She turned around and wiped away the tears that didn't exist, "That day at old Mr. Darcy's funeral, you stood beside Mr. Darcy as a godson, right?"

"Yes. It's been five years, and I can't believe you are still the same as before."

Wickham's eyes rested on the young lady and refused to leave, whether it was out of remembrance of some venerable old man through her, or because of the comfort of someone sharing the unspeakable sadness of the past.

After this conversation came out, the girls who were still thinking about the relationship between the two all consciously quickened their pace. Even Lydia, who was reluctant, was forced by her sister to walk with Mrs. Collins.

Song Ci didn't notice this immediate change, and now she focused all her energy on one thing, which was to try her best to bite the corners of her mouth at this moment of sadness, lest she couldn't help but let out an astonishing laugh.

Of course it wasn't because of the funeral that the innocent lady reacted this way, and even though she had just joined in at that time, she would not turn a blind eye to the pain of others.

What really made Song Ci laugh was Wickham's compliment from the heart. If someone said how beautiful she is now, she would be willing to accept it.

But when mentioning the original owner five years ago, Song Ci would inevitably think of that pale and thin body and the terrible sickness like iodine.

You must know that when De Boer's mother and daughter traveled all the way to Pemberley to attend the funeral, the exhausted grandmother Reynolds almost thought that she had to secretly prepare an extra coffin.

As for the costumes that Wickham still remembers, it is even more ridiculous. Although she has only attended one funeral, the young lady who has just arrived has never seen a second color appearing on the scene.

"The charm of money is truly irresistible."

After silently laughing at himself, Song Ci winked at Mrs. Collins who looked back several times, and asked the silent officer beside him, "Since you are old Mr. Darcy's godson, why didn't you stay in Derbyshire? I think that old man If a gentleman still lives, he would like you to live as close as possible to him."

"It's really hard to say."

Wickham showed a sad and melancholy look again, "To be precise, there was a small mistake in it, so I left my hometown and came to Meryton."

His side face looked even more beautiful than his front face, his black eyes glistened with water, and a little more would drip out from his long eyelashes.

Seeing that he had no intention of talking further, Song Ci could only sincerely admire this gentleman's superb storytelling skills, and he always likes to hang people in mid-air.

The two walked quietly for a while, until Lydia, who had a bad temper, no longer wanted to watch other women occupy the red uniform, and then rescued the young lady's mouth that was about to grow moss.

When the attention of the group turned to the shops on the street, Song Ci also bought some fudge from one of the candy shops to distribute to the children who refused to leave around, leaving only the old books for packaging It is good to provide a material for Mrs. Jiang Jinsheng who likes flowers and birds.

"That's not a wise decision."

Mrs. Collins leaned over and looked at the page with the picture of a bird on it. "When you come down this street next time, there will be more children begging for food from you. Their little heads It can't turn slower than adults."

"Then let them come."

Raising his chin at the red uniform struggling to cope with Lydia's entanglement, Song Ci pointedly said: "You must know that I would rather face honest children than face those double-dealers."

"There are mostly sanctimonious people in this world."

Mrs. Collins's words are very similar to the pastor's wife, "If God is willing to take back the invincible weapon that has been given to them, maybe there will be fewer people who suffer for it."

Song Ci knew that the biggest disadvantage of this intelligent friend beside her was the lack of a good looks, so it was not surprising that she would come to such a conclusion.

On the contrary, Elizabeth, who once had an intersection with Wickham, has an ambiguous attitude. She seems to neither hate the former's betrayal nor object to his association with the younger sister at home.

"Perhaps the clever Elizabeth realized long ago that with Lydia's meager dowry, it is impossible to impress the officer's heart as hard as gold, so she let her ask for trouble and learn a long lesson."

After roughly guessing the psychological activities of the Bennet sisters, Song Ci, who was not interested in those beautiful hats and cloths, turned his attention to the residents of the small town, trying to find one or two people who had been in the street from the pedestrians on the street. Familiar faces seen at the dance.

After chatting and chatting for a few hours, the lady who hurried out finally paid the price for her waywardness.

The kind Jane immediately suggested that everyone go to Mrs. Philip's house to have a rest after hearing her companion's belly sounds because of hunger.

This proposal was unanimously approved by Lydia and Wickham. At this time, the entourage also included an officer who joined halfway, Danny who had danced with the Bennet sisters at Lucas's house.

Kindness is hard to come by, just when Song Ci was in a dilemma, a familiar voice slowly turned from the corner of the street.

Gradually approaching with the sound of the wheels were two gentlemen on horses, the host and guest of Netherfield Gardens.

"Mr. Darcy!"

Before today, Song Ci never felt that seeing that stern face was such a happy thing, "Are you here to pick me up?"

"No."

Mr. Darcy paused, "It was Bingley who heard that you and Miss Bennet had an appointment for a trip, and wanted to invite you to Netherfield for afternoon tea."

"Netherfield? God!"

Lydia excitedly ran to the front, "Jiying, we don't have to go to Mrs. Philip's house now! If you didn't insist on going home to the dance, my mother would have taken me to Netherfield to see you a long time ago!"

She looked up at Mr. Bingley with a smirk on his face, "Don't think you can fool me with just an afternoon tea, don't forget about the ball!"

"I will never forget."

Mr. Bingley couldn't wait to walk up to Jiying, "Actually, I'm planning to use the afternoon tea time to discuss the date of the dance with Sister Ling."

"Great!"

As soon as Lydia thought of the grand ball, she immediately pulled the stiff officer up and jumped up, "Wickham, you must dance the first two dances with me that night!"

"Bentley!"

I don't know when it started, Mr. Darcy's face suddenly became as cold as the harsh winter wind, "Miss de Boer and I will go ahead, please take care of my horse."

He didn't even give the other party a chance to refuse, he got off the horse as fast as he could, and aggressively stuffed the lady who was still in place into the carriage and roared away.

The author has something to say:

Song Ci: Girls, did you set off firecrackers? The cowardly scumbag author played with a box of throwing cannons and extended hand-held fireworks~~_(:з」∠)_

I have you along the way, okay~~