Dear Mr. Darcy [Pride and Prejudice]

It was a pleasant visit.

As soon as Emma entered the door, she was surrounded by five sister flowers. Everywhere she looked was nephrite jade and fragrance, each of which was beautiful in its own way.Lydia and Kate are familiar characters. Although they didn't speak when they met last time, they asked various questions curiously after Emma sat down.One person said one sentence, the voice was clear and fast, it really sounded like chirping birds.

"Are you and Mr. Kentra coming to Longborn for the holidays?"

"Where is Yorkshire? Is it beautiful?"

"How long will you be staying at Longborn?"

"I heard that Mr. Kentra is the Earl? Have you ever met Her Majesty the Queen?"

"What kind of skirts are popular in London this year? I heard that many ladies now wear fans with feathers."

If other people may be in a hurry to answer, Emma has her own way of coping. She can answer the questions that she can hear clearly, and it doesn't matter if she can't hear clearly. If the two ladies really want to know, they will ask again.

Jane secretly tugged the two younger sisters.Obviously such a gentle reminder has no deterrent effect.Lydia and Kate continued to chirp and ask questions as if they didn't feel it.Elizabeth frowned, put two cups of tea in front of Lydia and Kate, and gave them a warning look. "I think you must be thirsty after talking so much." She emphasized on so much.

For the two little sisters, the sometimes tough second sister is obviously more authoritative than the temperless elder sister.The two obediently took a sip of tea from their cups, and then spoke more politely.

Emma picked up the tea and took a sip. According to the habit of the 21st century, she doesn't really like adding too much milk to the tea.

Emma is happy to leave in the flowers, but George does not have such a good treatment. Although there are beauties around him who are enthusiastic, they are beauties from 20 years ago, and the enthusiasm is a bit too much.George very much hoped that Mrs. Bennet would inquire about whether he had a favorite object. If it was normal, Mrs. Bennet would definitely inquire about it. But yesterday, Mr. Bennet warned his wife not to be too impatient, otherwise the suspicious nobleman might You will suspect that she has other plans.So Mrs. Bennet didn't ask the question.She didn't ask, and George couldn't say abruptly that I have a lady I like, and it was very hard to endure.

Fortunately, Mr. Bennet is very considerate of the difficulty of the guests. "Honey, I think it would be difficult for the cook to make that authentic roast beef without your guidance."

"Oh, God, I forgot." Mrs. Bennet weighed it up and decided to leave temporarily.Roast beef is her most confident main course, which is related to the success or failure of lunch, and no hostess can tolerate such an important dish with flaws.Besides, some observation time should be left for George.No matter how extravagant the future mother-in-law says, it can't match the smile of the young lady.Mrs. Bennet understood this very well.Before leaving, she checked the situation with the ladies again.Several daughters have a bit of her youthful demeanor.I believe George will fall under the skirt of one of them after seeing their demeanor.But the three young daughters were a little in the way.Only Jane and Elizabeth are of marriageable age in the family. Jane is too introverted, and with the lively Lydia and Kate beside her, she has no chance to show herself.

Mrs. Bennet coughed lightly. "Lydia, Kate, Mary, didn't you say in the morning that you wanted to pick some flowers and put them in your new vase?"

Lydia and Kate are reluctant to go, they haven't finished listening to the collocations that are popular this year.If they can master all the skills, they will be able to shine at the ball.But the two little girls knew when it was okay to act coquettishly with Mrs. Bennet, and when Mrs. Bennet had no room for maneuver and had to obey, and now it was obviously the latter case.They pouted and left.Mary followed calmly.

George did not pay close attention to the situation of the ladies as Mrs. Bennet hoped. He chatted with Mr. Bennet about the investment he was more optimistic about recently.This is a wise choice.If George talks about politics with him, they don't necessarily have the same views.But who would not be interested in making money?It's not that Mr. Bennet doesn't plan for his daughters, but his way of planning for his daughters is different from Mrs. Bennet's.He hopes to earn more dowries for his daughters.The two chatted happily.

Mrs. Bennet made a lot of painstaking efforts, but Emma got the benefit instead.Mrs. Bennet said that Jane was the most beautiful girl at Longborn, and Emma agreed with it.There is an old-fashioned gentleness and dignity in Jane's eyebrows and eyes.The sun shines on her rolled up bun, and flows down the hair on her sideburns.When she gazed at her sisters quietly, she was like a statue of the Madonna.Emma really wanted to look at the beauty more, but with Lydia and the others constantly asking questions, she couldn't talk to Lydia while staring at Jane.Now that the two chirping birds have flown away, she can finally get her wish.

Elizabeth joked: "Looking at the way you talk to Kate and the others, it doesn't look like you don't have a sister."

Emma shrugged. "My relationship with George is like this. Sometimes he will babble a bunch of words. At this time, I just have to keep smiling. If he really has something important, he will repeat it."

Jane was a little surprised. "I can't see that the Earl of Kentra will do this." After blurting out these words, Jane paused, and two red clouds flew up on her cheeks.Mrs. Bennet had insisted for a long time last night that she should seize this opportunity.But Jane had no feelings for George, and George apparently had no interest in her.She did not want Emma to misunderstand what she meant by this.

Emma sighed in her heart, it was not easy for Jane, and Mrs. Bennet's behavior made her have to be cautious in her words and deeds. Fortunately, her true destiny will come to Longborn soon, and such days will soon be over. "My brother will pay attention to his words when he is outside, but we will always behave differently in front of our relatives. A dignified lady will not always be exactly 45 degrees when she smiles in front of her relatives."

Elizabeth thought so. "Yes, it would be terrible to bring home the social etiquette and etiquette of the outside world. Last year a gentleman took his wife to Lumborn for a holiday. The lady passed him a drink with one hand. Without that glass of wine. I just can't imagine."

The relationship between husband and wife in the eighteenth century was not as close as that in later generations, and couples generally slept in separate rooms.If both husband and wife are persons of status, and pay special attention to rules, there may be strict regulations on the time of intercourse. Religiously prohibited days and menstrual periods must be removed, and days that are easy to conceive are selected from the remaining dates.Elizabeth said the situation is more extreme, but it is not impossible to see. "It sounds like this gentleman has a master named Manners."

"What an apt description."

Elizabeth is a bit of a rebellious spirit who despises authority, and it happens that Emma also has many incomprehensions about the eighteenth century.Whether it is against excessive emphasis on etiquette or against excessive control of women, both of them have a sense of meeting their confidants.

But considering Jane, the two criticized reality for a while, and then turned the topic elsewhere.Jane doesn't have many opinions of her own, but she is definitely a good listener. She doesn't often raise objections and is very tolerant.Emma always feels like being spoiled by her sister when chatting with her.

A good time always flies by.It's lunch time.

The roast beef cooked by Mrs. Bennet herself is really delicious.So when Mrs. Bennet was very enthusiastic to add another portion for Emma, ​​Emma almost forgot to shirk.Generally, ladies will never ask for a second serving when they are guests at other people's homes. Although there are no rules for etiquette, everyone generally thinks that such a large amount of food is terrible.George had no such worries and ate to his heart's content.His appetite is the best compliment to his master.Not to mention that George also used all kinds of rhetoric to praise the hostess's meticulously prepared dishes.Mrs. Bennet looked at George with growing kindness.

Fortunately, George is not the kind of person who will be bought by a dish, he still remembers his original intention.After dinner, when Mrs. Bennet complimented his cuffs on their fashion, George covered them with a little embarrassment. "Ah, thank you."

Emma knew that it was time for her to appear on the stage, and joked: "I didn't even notice it. My brother used to say that only ladies care about French fashion, and that a man's tidy appearance is the best attire."

George glanced at Emma unnaturally: "Emma."

Mrs. Bennet swears on her delicate nerves, there's something wrong in it.A sudden change in a man's taste is 70.00% due to a lady.And the lady who can make a man change is probably his sweetheart.

Mrs. Bennet grew suspicious, and dismissed Mr. Bennet's advice.But she still remembers not to inquire about such things in front of the ladies. "Perhaps you want to have some entertainment? Miss Kentra, what do you usually like to do?"

Lydia didn't feel the meaning of Emma and George's performance just now.Before lunch their mother sent them to pick the flowers, which were already picked.It is estimated that mother will send them to arrange flowers now.She hoped that she could arrange flowers with Emma, ​​so that she could listen to Emma's talk about popular fashion. "Miss Kentra, do you like flower arrangements?"

Kate was a little less clever than Lydia, and she also wanted to play with Emma, ​​but she didn't expect her mother to send them to arrange flowers.So Emma was strongly invited to participate in her favorite activities. "Or a tablecloth?"

Mary wants to recommend her favorite activity to Emma—reading.Before the words were spoken, the two sisters knew what she was going to say. Jane gestured with her eyes, and Elizabeth shook her head slightly.In their impression, except for nerds like Mary, first-time visitors would never choose to spend their time reading, even if they don't engage in entertainment activities, chatting is more suitable than reading.Mary regrettably switched to another recommendation: "Play the piano and sing?"

Emma did not want to choose any of them.Arranging flowers, decorating tablecloths, playing the piano and singing are good ways for ladies to pass the time, but Emma basically never does them.If you are more tolerant of the evaluation, Emma's artistic attainments are considered average.First of all, she is not used to the aesthetics of the [-]th century, and secondly, she has no extraordinary talent. Compared with the ladies who have been influenced by art and music since childhood, Emma can only say that she has mastered the basics, so she will not be ashamed.Ask her to use art as a pastime, her heart refuses.

George noticed Emma's embarrassment and said with a smile: "You always complained that there are too few varieties for flower arrangement. This is a good opportunity." George remembered that the shy younger sister seldom communicated with her family, and flower arrangement was one of the few one of hobbies.Now that Emma finds it difficult to choose one to reject others (George imagines it), then it's time for the empathetic elder brother to act. He believes that the choice he made for Emma is not wrong.

It was sweet of me to think that George could help.Emma despised herself in her heart.Every time she pins her hopes on George, Emma can deeply understand what it means for dreams to be reflected in reality.

George had already made up her mind, and Emma had to choose the flower arrangement.Mrs. Bennet said that it was more lively for everyone to make flower arrangements together, so she drove the remaining daughters to arrange flower arrangements, and asked about George's relationship status by herself.

Generally speaking, flower arranging is not a lively activity that everyone does together.This is also a novel experience.The unexpected feeling is not bad.Lydia and Kate were bickering, as usual, over their favorite flowers.Mary finished her work meticulously with a straight face.Jane is the best at it, very skilled in doing it, and is occasionally guided by Lydia or Katela.Elizabeth took the freewheeling route.Her style is most similar to Emma's. Emma's purpose is: just be happy as long as you don't violate the big principles.From Emma's point of view, the finished product is not bad.

As soon as Emma had finished, Mrs. Bennet came to tell the ladies to go back, for there were guests to come.

Emma was a little puzzled, how could she entertain two groups of guests at the same time?I went out and asked George to find out that Mr. Darcy and Georgiana had arrived in the morning, and the servants from Netherfield Gardens were sent to report after lunch.George wanted to leave, but Mrs. Bennet tried her best to persuade him to stay, saying that Mr. Darcy and Georgiana could come over and have afternoon tea together before going back.George is no longer likely to become the son-in-law of the Bennett family. If he is released, it will be difficult to invite him again for a period of time.It would be inadvisable to invite Mr. Darcy to the house directly, without going through George.Mrs. Bennet would never tolerate such a golden bachelor being preempted by others.

George couldn't hold back Mrs. Bennet's enthusiasm, so he asked the servant to go back and inquire. Mr. Darcy hoped to see Emma as soon as possible, while Georgiana was curious about Emma's new friends and understood her brother's feelings.She was in good health and felt much better after taking a rest after lunch, so the two accepted the invitation.

I don't know if the news was too sudden, but Emma suddenly felt a little flustered, and at the same time, there was also sweet joy.

Mr. Darcy was in the same mood as Emma.On the surface, he still has a serious face, but before going out, he made an exception and stayed in front of the mirror for a long time, practicing how to say the greetings of the long-lost reunion more naturally.

Georgiana waited a long time, and just when she felt that she could no longer pretend to ignore the matter, Mr. Darcy came to the door.Georgiana was very relieved, feeling that her brother's emotional intelligence was good, and he would soon be able to make a difference.In her imagination, after the meeting, Mr. Darcy held Emma's hand, and told Emma his thoughts after parting very naturally and affectionately.

However, the truth is...

Mr. Darcy touched Emma's hand, and let it go at once.The expression was as serious as ever, after a moment of silence, he said in a dry voice: "Long time no see."

Georgiana was a little desperate.Could she really see her brother chasing Emma in her lifetime?Maybe next year Emma will marry another romantic gentleman, leaving her brother to die alone.

Mr. Darcy was also a little desperate.During the period when he couldn't see Emma, ​​he was firm in his belief in continuing to pursue Emma, ​​and Mr. Thomas was enthusiastic about doing off-site assistance, so he thought he had made great progress.However, after entering the door, I saw Emma, ​​who was a little thinner than half a year ago, looking at him with still bright eyes, her eyes said: Long time no see, so happy to see you again.Mr. Darcy suddenly felt a warm current rushing to his cheeks from his heart. He didn't know if he was blushing, anyway, all the lines he had memorized evaporated from the heat, and there was not a single word left.Thousands of emotions and things to say surged in my mind, but in the end I only said dryly: "Long time no see."

Was Emma disappointed?not.In everyone's eyes, the scene just now was: Mr. Darcy touched Emma's hand and let go immediately.The expression was as serious as ever, after a moment of silence, he said in a dry voice: "Long time no see."

In Emma's eyes, the scene just now was: after a long time no see, Mr. Darcy seemed to have lost some weight, and his cheek lines became more distinct.He was looking for her as soon as he entered the door, watching her slowly walking towards her, his eyes full of joy of reunion and deep love.He shyly touched her hand, he didn't know where to start with so many emotions, after a moment of silence, he said: "Long time no see."

Regardless of their feelings, George stepped between them and shook Mr. Darcy's hand firmly. "Fitzwilliam, long time no see." George is a typical Mr. Ye and a good dragon. If he had a choice, he would match Mr. Darcy and Emma, ​​but he was still a little uncomfortable seeing the two of them exchanging feelings in front of him.

The communication with Emma was interrupted, and Mr. Darcy was naturally unhappy, but it was Emma's brother who made this move, and he dared not have any opinions, so he chatted with George.

Mrs. Bennet felt that there was something wrong with Mr. Darcy's attitude. He stared at Emma as soon as he entered the door.But she also felt that if a gentleman pursued a lady, it would never be such an attitude.So he still regarded Mr. Darcy as a candidate for his son-in-law, and approached him enthusiastically.

Mr. Darcy's attitude was much worse than George's.It was okay at the beginning, although Mr. Darcy would not praise what he thought was not good enough, but his attitude towards the elders was quite tolerant.But after he realized that Mrs. Bennet wanted to sell her daughters, he almost turned his face into a steel plate.

During tea time, Mrs. Bennet specially placed the girls' flower arrangements on the tablecloth, and invited Mr. Darcy to watch them.To show the ingenuity of several daughters.Mr. Darcy's aesthetics belongs to the academic school. In his opinion, there are fixed rules for the collocation of various colors, and the overall layout and style must be unified.Such arbitrary flower arrangement is simply eye-catching to him.Mrs. Ren Bennet boasted about the flower arrangement, and Mr. Darcy shut his mouth like a clam, without uttering a word of praise.

Mrs. Bennet's passionate flame hit the iceberg-like Mr. Darcy, struggled a few times and extinguished.

Georgiana knew that Mr. Darcy had such a temper, but Elizabeth and the others were Emma's new friends, and she felt that Mr. Darcy should be a little more tactful.

After enjoying afternoon tea in the garden, on the way back, Georgiana deliberately walked two steps behind with Mr. Darcy, and gently tugged Mr. Darcy's sleeve. "elder brother."

Mr. Darcy knew what Georgiana meant, he didn't think too much, and said lightly: "It is enough for others to praise the master against his will, I don't think I need to add more flowers."

Elizabeth was not far away, and when she heard this sentence, her eyebrows immediately raised.She had never seen such an arrogant and unreasonable gentleman.When you come to the host's house as a guest, isn't it a basic etiquette to offer compliments?Even if their flower arrangement didn't meet the noble gentleman's aesthetics, it wouldn't make him lazy to comment!But now go up to refute, maybe this gentleman with high eyesight will accuse her of eavesdropping.Elizabeth slapped the wind twice with her hands, and the flush of anger on her cheeks faded away.

Elizabeth thought it was bad enough to have such a disinterested visitor, but there was worse.She noticed that Emma turned her head to look at Mr. Darcy from time to time!Elizabeth asked about the relationship between the two cryptically, and Emma bluntly said that she hadn't decided yet.Not sure yet means it will be determined later.Elizabeth was genuinely worried about Emma. "Is this an agreement between your parents?" Elizabeth felt that Emma was not the kind of lady who would ignore a gentleman's character and show courteousness to him for [-] pounds, and she didn't need to be like this as Emma.Why, then, did Emma take a fancy to such an insolent gentleman?Maybe this is what the parents of both parties meant.

Elizabeth did not express her attitude towards Mr. Darcy, but Emma still got the emotion in her words.Elizabeth will not feel hostile to a person for no reason, probably Mr. Darcy said something unpleasant and Elizabeth heard it.Emma showed a slightly surprised expression: "No, we didn't get married out of family needs." Emma really wanted to talk to Elizabeth about how cold-faced and warm-hearted Mr. Darcy is, and she didn't want Elizabeth to be deceived again.

At this time, Georgiana came over.Emma had to put aside the idea for a while.Cherub Georgiana was very perceptive, and for no reason she would not give Mr. Copdassi the advantage of an unmarried lady whom she had not seen a few times.She did not want Georgiana to perceive Elizabeth's attitude towards Mr. Darcy.