I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

Fitzwilliam Darcy Confessions!

Fitzwilliam Darcy still wanted to propose, but Pei Xiang stopped him.

"Darcy, the place where we first met was at the Grove Manor where the funeral was held; the place where you expressed your heart to me clearly was in the house of "former fiancé" Bernard.

I hope that the place where you propose to me will be in a beautiful place free from the haze of the past.

Lest in the future... when we are old, um, holding hands and remembering the proposal, we have to think of Louise Bernard. "

Pei Xiang's words successfully cooled Mr. Darcy's romantic passion. Although the love in his chest was still boiling hot, he really couldn't kneel down on one knee to propose to his sweetheart at this time.

Under Pei Xiang's reminder, Darcy finally remembered that this is Bernard's house.

——Actually, I can express my heart again in another place!

He couldn't help but darken his face at first, but the next moment, he was dispelled by his sweetheart's bright and bright smile, and slowly revealed a smile:

"Lucy... you! Of course, I will solemnly propose to you in the most beautiful place in England, Lucy, and we will hold hands and walk through the rest of our journey together, I promise."

Pei Xiang frowned: "I also promise, Mr. Darcy."

The two looked at each other and smiled, and after expressing their feelings for each other, the atmosphere between Pei Xiang and Darcy became more intimate and warm.

As a newly born couple, the two of them, like all the couples in the world, are eager to stay together with their lover all the time and fully enjoy the deep love of love. Unfortunately, the reality does not allow them to continue to enjoy this A tacit companionship.

"Darcy, please don't make our relationship public. Whether it's for me or for you, we have to endure for a while."

"I understand, let's deal with the follow-up troubles left by Bernard first, and during this time in London, I will try my best to restrain my feelings for you and not let gossip hurt you.

In summer, I will ask Georgiana to invite you to Darcy’s Pemberley Manor for summer vacation. After a social season, we will slowly reveal the intimate relationship between you and me to relatives and friends in autumn. .

Then, I will choose the most opportune moment to announce our engagement, Lucy, without worrying about it, I will make you Lady Darcy with everyone's blessing. "

Pei Xiang nodded, held Darcy's hands and kissed them lightly.

"Dear Mr. Darcy, choose and choose. You chose a girl who is in trouble. I can imagine how many strange and puzzled looks we will face when we make our relationship public, as well as rumors from some people.

But, Darcy, I would rather face these things with you than push you away. I am used to self-willedness, and I will definitely continue to be self-willed in the future. Darcy, don't regret it. "

Darcy didn't respond immediately, he only paid a little attention to Pei Xiang's voice at this moment, and most of his feelings were concentrated on the fingers that were gently kissed.

"Darcy?"

"Ok?"

"What are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking... very soft..."

"..."

Fitzwilliam Darcy sat up straight suddenly, coughed lightly, and turned his head quickly, as if he was very interested in the decoration in this small living room.

But in less than half a minute, he couldn't help turning his eyes back to Pei Xiang's face, his eyes passed over the soft pink lips, and landed on the hands that they held and kissed each other. Bits of happy smiles flowed from the corners of his eyes and brows, and finally gathered into a gentle and doting Chunhong.

Warm and sweet silence permeated between the two, the grandfather clock made a ticking sound, and the sun illuminated their eyes, clearly showing their sincerity and nostalgia for each other.

After a while, Darcy suddenly said: "Lucy, I think you should have guessed it. In my opinion, the most beautiful place in England is Pemberley in Derbyshire. I think you will like it too."

"Although I have never set foot there, I believe that I have fallen in love with it."

Finally, when Darcy had to get up to bid farewell to leave, he had an extra wooden box that Pei Xiang gave him.

Pei Xiang told Darcy that in the past few years, when she worked with Bernard, she quietly collected and recorded some corners and corners of the news.

Some news has been confirmed and lost its timeliness, but still has a certain reference value, while some news is in a state of speculation and has not been confirmed, but it has some impact on her situation.

"They are all suspicious people outside the organization, please send someone to help me keep an eye on these people.

After a while, when the Bernards and I officially disassociate, some of them may be overwhelmed.

If they make small moves, we can catch them. If they ignore me, it means that the possible follow-up troubles have been resolved. "

"It has been resolved? Do you mean that Bernard will make a move?" Darcy frowned.

Pei Xiang shook his head and denied: "Bernard is definitely planning to help me, but he is probably not going to provide a helping hand very quickly.

He will probably choose to resolve the trouble slowly in order to make me appreciate it, but I have already terminated the cooperative relationship with him, so there is no need for new involvement, so I am not going to trouble him. "

Darcy naturally supported Pei Xiang's decision. He thought to himself, and immediately began to investigate the list Pei Xiang gave him after returning home. He believed that with his current ability, he could naturally protect his sweetheart.

However, out of caution and his understanding of Pei Xiang, Darcy continued to ask:

"In addition to asking me to help, you should have made other arrangements?"

Pei Xiang nodded and admitted without hesitation, but she didn't immediately tell Darcy the specific plan.

She looked at the tired face of the young gentleman, thought of his behavior of riding back immediately after hearing the news of Bernard's "death", and patted his arm lightly:

"That's a long story, Darcy, you've been visiting for too long today, go back and rest, next time, when I meet alone next time, I'll tell you that these things are not urgent."

Darcy glanced at the time with helplessness in his eyes.

"Then we have made an agreement, Lucy, from now on, you, no, me and you, we all have to learn to share each other's responsibilities and difficulties, and we can no longer bear the wind and rain alone and rush forward alone. "

Pei Xiang knew that this suggestion was actually mainly for exhorting her. Darcy's thoughtfulness in his words warmed her heart and made her look forward to the trip to Pemberley Manor in summer.

In the end, under Pei Xiang's insistence, Darcy ended the visit very reluctantly.

More than 20 days later, the people sent by the Bernard family finally arrived in London.

The person who came was the second son of the Bernard family——Philip Bernard. When he appeared in front of Pei Xiang, Pei Xiang didn't notice any sadness and heavy emotions from him, although he tried his best to create a memory The solemn expression of mourning the eldest brother, but the joy and elation in his eyes still cannot be concealed.

From the second son to the heir who can inherit the family property, for Philip, it is definitely a blessing from heaven.

Pei Xiang didn't quite know how much the accidental death of his highly respected eldest son would deal a blow to old Bernard, who was far away in the United States. The people in charge of the Nader family really don't know about their son's rebellion and the tricks caused by this accident?

But Pei Xiang knew very well that this Philip Bernard was definitely not as shrewd as his brother. In other words, he was quite easy to deal with.

"So, Miss Wilkes has moved out of my brother's house? And, is she not going to inherit part of my brother's property as a widow?"

"Yes, Mr. Philip must have inquired about it. It's about... Mr. Bernard's performance before his accidental death.

Therefore, although I am willing to remember the happy past, I have no intention of continuing to maintain this marriage contract that exists in name only. With this unfortunate accident, I think that I can no longer accept the blessing of the Bernard family. "

Philip Bernard didn't care much about how Pei Xiang would choose his future life, but he was very happy that the other party was willing to draw a line with the Bernard family and not continue to occupy any resources of the Bernard family.

"It's a pity, Miss Wilkes. I always believed that you and my brother would have a happy and stable married life."

Philip made an exaggerated expression of regret:

"I think at the beginning, when he made you his fiancee, my father was very opposed to it at first, but I don't know what method he used to make him acquiesce in your marriage contract, and allowed my brother to bring you to England to find relative.

Oh, of course, an accident happened. None of us expected this unfortunate event. After my father heard the bad news, although he never mentioned you or made any special explanations, I believe that he was just too sad . "

Pei Xiang looked at Philip Bernard and judged very easily that His Excellency the old Bernard did not tell him that his family supported the restoration of the royal party.

Otherwise, he should have known that Lucy Wilkes was just a cover for Bernard to come to England, just a vase decoration, and old Bernard naturally wouldn't care about her.

Philip Bernard took Pei Xiang's silence as disappointment and sadness, but he did not understand her plan. Philip Bernard had a more important goal for this meeting and conversation.

"Miss Wilkes, I heard that you have been in charge of my brother's estate?"

Pei Xiang nodded, bowed his head and took a sip of tea, but didn't immediately say what Philip Bernard wanted to hear.

So, the other party immediately asked: "In this case, Miss Wilkes is really hard, but since I am here, I think Miss Wilkes doesn't need to worry about it anymore, I can take over the tedious vulgar work. chores."

Pei Xiang didn't refuse, but just mentioned Philip Bernard:

"Before I received your call letter, I wanted to hand over these jobs. You wait for a while, and in about half an hour, the estate agent and lawyer hired by Bernard before his death will come over, and we can hand over in person.

However, I estimate that the accounting issue will not be handed over immediately, and it may take a lot of time. Mr. Philip, you may have to stay in London for a while. "

Pei Xiang was willing to hand over the custody of the property without hesitation. Philip was very happy and didn't pay much attention to the twist in her words.

In his opinion, ladies are completely laymen in managing property, and they are even more unfamiliar with those boring accounts. It is normal for Pei Xiang to find it difficult and troublesome.

Moreover, it is also possible that those cunning property managers were acting as a hindrance, wanting to take advantage of the time when Pei Xiang was in charge of the property, secretly greedy for some small money, so they messed up the accounts on purpose.

——But now, here I am, I am not easy to fool, and all problems will be solved.

Pei Xiang glanced at the confident Philip while drinking tea, and felt that compared with the sinister and cunning Louis Bernard, he was so cute and silly.

——Well, it doesn't look like a real brother at all.

It suddenly occurred to her that this Philip Bernard was the son of the second wife of His Excellency Bernard, who grew up in a peaceful environment loved by his parents. It is understandable that this person is not as shrewd and powerful as Bernard things.

The two sat and drank tea for a while. Pei Xiang introduced some tourist attractions near London to Philip, and told some new anecdotes. Philip talked about the various changes in the United States and his journey when he came by boat. knowledge.

After a while, three attorneys and two lawyers arrived. After greeting everyone, Pei Xiang played the role of listening and accompanying the chat. Unless she had to, she easily refrained from speaking, and left the home of the discussion to the men present. .

"Why are these accounts in such a mess, and there are so many outstanding payments..."

"Mr. Bernard, these are all instructions and decisions made by your brother before his death. We did not operate indiscriminately. If you don't believe me, you can ask Miss Wilkes."

Pei Xiang nodded, and proved to several agents:

"Yes, we've been planning to set sail back to the United States since January this year, but because many of your cargo ships have been detained by the British Royal Navy, Bernard wants to buy some things to bring back.

He traveled to many places and placed many orders, including batches of goods and unique boutique treasures.

When he is too busy, I will personally receive these agents according to his instructions in advance, so I can prove that the confusion in the accounts is not their fault. "

"That shouldn't be so confusing."

Pei Xiang tilted his head and thought for a while, then suddenly acted like he suddenly realized:

"By the way, several suppliers had problems during this period, and the approval of the ocean transportation side was also delayed. In addition, Mr. Bernard seems to have some special requirements. Bernard Purchase some special items.

Oh, those are not clearly recorded in the account books, but I have the documents here to check and check, and I will hand over the sorted information to you in a while, Mr. Philip, you can check it slowly, and then talk to London agent discussion. "

Afterwards, Pei Xiang mentioned the names of several suppliers and some general data, and the agent also patiently explained various problems in the accounts to Philip. In short, in the evening, Philip Bernard It just feels like a mess in my head, all the dates and amounts are tangled together.

Sometimes he feels that this is the same thing as the profits of this industry, and there is no need to check the accounts too much, but the next second, he feels that there are big loopholes hidden in the accounts. If he does not check and investigate carefully, he will be caught by these cunning He felt fooled and scorned by the Brits who were greedy for money.

——No, I can't let these people fool me, I must carefully review and check these records.

——And this Lucy Wilkes is not a pure and innocent lady, she must have done something wrong, maybe she colluded with these agents, deliberately messed up the account books, and wanted to embezzle the property of the Bernard family .

——I'm absolutely going to investigate all the tricks here.

Seeing that Philip planned to check the accounts carefully and check them out, Pei Xiang felt satisfied and relieved. She always smiled lightly, and occasionally said a word or two, which aroused the anger and unwillingness of the second young master of the Bernard family.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with these accounts, it's just that the records are extremely chaotic. This was carefully prepared by her in order to delay the time. In two or three months, Philip Bernard would not want to sort out all the figures.

As a result, the members of the Bernard family stayed in London and fully took over Louis Bernard's ostensible property, and Pei Xiang completely let go of it.

While Philip Bernard carefully checked the accounts, he resumed his wandering style in the United States, and even intensified it.

He began to linger in the brothels and casinos in the streets and alleys of London, making friends with a group of idle, flashy dudes.

He escaped from old Bernard's supervision and was promoted to be the new heir of Bernard's family. This gave him a lot of money to spend and the conditions to enjoy himself. Day after day, he couldn't think of leaving.

At this point, even if there is no problem with the accounts of the property, he does not intend to return to the United States quickly.

During this period, Pei Xiang has completely completed the layout of the new home, and also informed his close friends of the new contact address.

The funeral of Louise Bernard made it inconvenient for her to hold a party with laughter and laughter at home. However, some acquaintances began to visit her one after another. It can be seen that after losing her fiancé, Pei Xiang's interpersonal relationship has not been particularly affected. big impact.

There are many reasons for this, and one of the most important reasons is that after returning to London, Pei Xiang has been making friends with all her heart except for those whom she purposely made friends with in order to complete the task. Friends, you don't have to worry about the world's inconsistencies such as people taking tea and throwing stones at you.

What's more, Pei Xiang has a lot of wealth, and if he is rich, he will always be popular.

On this day, Darcy was invited to Pei Xiang's house for dinner. There were only the two of them at the dinner, so they could talk about some private matters at will.

"I noticed that you sold all the properties in the United States and withdrew all the investment."

"Well, it's too far away, and it can't be managed. It's better to re-operate here."

"Is the agent unreliable?" Darcy looked concerned.

Pei Xiang shook his head, and frankly expressed his thoughts:

"Darcy, I think Britain and the United States are about to go to war. During the war, the policies and situation are ever-changing. I think it's too late to keep the industry in North America, so I decided to withdraw the investment urgently."

Darcy slowed down the speed of eating, he was naturally aware of the tension between the two countries, but as a British, he did not want to see the outbreak of this war:

"Most of our troops are currently trapped in the European continent. If we really fight, it will definitely be a bit difficult in the early stage.

Moreover, as far as I know, someone in the parliament has proposed that the trade friction between the two countries need to be moderately eased. "

Pei Xiang understood the position and mentality of the British. After thinking about it, she told Darcy some gossip she heard from Philip Bernard:

"The hawks over there have been fighting, they feel that England has not respected America's neutral status.

Moreover, the Royal Navy is too overbearing and domineering, wantonly detaining cargo ships in North America, arresting English-speaking sailors, regardless of whether they are British or not, this is a disrespect for sovereign countries.

In addition, there are some things in the colonies. I think that even if England does not want to ignite the war with the United States at this time, the United States is very likely to declare war first. "

Darcy showed a thoughtful expression, Pei Xiang let him think alone, while he ate the delicacies slowly.

What she just analyzed with Darcy is partly because she has known the history for a long time and is sure that Britain and the United States will fight in June this year, and the other part is her guess, so she used the word "possible".

For historical events, she only recalled this level from memory.

As for how to start the war, why the war started, who declared the war first, and the details of the battle, it was beyond her memory to tell her.

The following specific speculation and analysis are the inferences she made through some long-existing practical problems after time travel, and are the predictions and predictions she made through real life experience.

After a while, Darcy put down the knife and fork in his hand, and took a sip of the wine.

"Lucy, it is also because of your speculations that you must keep Philip Bernard in London?"

"Well, those people are now watching the Bernard family's attitude towards me. Once Philip leaves England and announces that I and the Bernard family are no longer involved, those people should do something.

Although you and I can solve these problems, there is no way to guard against thieves for a thousand days. I hope they can automatically dispel some bloody thoughts. "

Darcy didn't quite agree with this plan of letting the enemy go lightly.

Pei Xiang persuaded him: "It's not that I let it go lightly, but I don't want you to make a big move to help me solve the trouble. Not to mention wasting manpower and material resources, it is very likely to alarm other people.

The reason why I gave you the information is just in case and as a backup, but if you can use your strength to make use of it, why not do it. "

Darcy immediately understood, and at the same time tasted another deep meaning of Pei Xiang:

"Do you think that if I deal with those youngsters in advance through my hands, after Bernard receives the news, he will inevitably suspect that you have detected more information. In this way, it may arouse his anger again. alert."

Pei Xiang nodded: "Yes, we are not afraid of him, but there is no need to provoke him. If we can solve the problem without a trace, let's follow the trend."

"Follow what trend? War?"

"I estimate that the war will break out in the next two or three months, Philip should sort out the books before the war, and then return to the United States in a hurry.

However, the situation at that time was already turbulent, and it was not easy for him to deal with all Bernard's properties and take them away. "

Why is it not easy?

It suddenly occurred to Darcy that in the days before Bernard's "death", Pei Xiang had been busy, and she seemed to be shopping for something, of course, under the banner of doing things for her fiancé Bernard.

Darcy had guessed before that she was working so hard not necessarily to manage the property for Bernard, but to manage her own investment in the United States, but judging from the current situation, she has already withdrawn The investment plan, then, his previous guess was wrong.

——Since she is not busy with her own property, is she really doing her best for Bernard?

——No, she should have another purpose in the name of Bernard.

Darcy looked up at Pei Xiang: "Which suppliers did you contact in the past two or three months? What goods did you order?"

Pei Xiang smiled, not surprised that Darcy grasped the point at once.

"Nothing special, they are all very basic supplies, such as first aid medicine, cotton gauze, and some necessary living supplies."

"Medicines, gauze, necessary living supplies? Since they are necessary, are they also indispensable when marching and fighting?"

Pei Xiang just smiled and said nothing.

Darcy continued to analyze: "So, at a time when the situation is tense and sensitive, you let Bernard's industry purchase military supplies on a large scale? Considering his nationality and the Bernard family in the United States..."

Pei Xiang went on to say: "Yes, he, no, it's his younger brother Philip Bernard now, he will definitely be targeted, and my former fiancée, who took care of the property instead of Bernard The lady—Miss Wilkes, is also really suspicious."

Darcy frowned slightly: "You're just a lady! You simply obey Bernard's orders and take care of things for him temporarily.

Besides, as soon as Philip Bernard came to London, you handed over the management right away, and you didn't manage those properties any more.Recently, he even withdrew his investment in North America, which is completely prepared to settle in England. "

Pei Xiang nodded seriously, and looked at Darcy with a smile:

"Look, I just said that I was suspicious, and you gave me so many reasons and excuses, all of which are true and reliable. So, although I'm suspicious, I'm not so alarming, is it?"

Darcy changed his sitting position, with a calm expression, unable to tell whether he agreed or not:

"However, for prudent authorities, no one, if implicated, should be left alone.

Lucy, I think, although no one will restrict your freedom on the surface, your whereabouts and the people you come into contact with will be monitored. "

Speaking of this, Darcy suddenly remembered that Pei Xiang had mentioned to him before that he needed him to be her guarantor, and suddenly realized that she had already been making preparations at that time.

"I will talk to them, Lucy, I can assure you that you have not been involved in any international disputes. It just so happens that this summer, I will take you back to Pemberley Manor. In Derbyshire, no one will make things difficult for you."

Pei Xiang showed a natural expression: "Darcy, I didn't ask for this before, but now, I have to say, of course you have to help me argue and defend me seriously, my dear.

However, once you come forward, our relationship cannot be completely concealed, and it will surely surprise some government officials, who, um, may secretly tease you. "

Darcy raised his eyebrows: "I'd rather let them tease me than give them an excuse to come and harass you. However, even if I mediate and guarantee, there will be no less monitoring, but I guarantee that those people will never affect you everyday life."

"As long as I'm being honest, being watched isn't a bad thing."

Pei Xiang took a sip of wine and said in a good mood:

"Under the situation where I was under surveillance, those little guys naturally didn't dare to make casual moves, they were very cautious and shrewd, good at weighing the pros and cons.

When they found out that Miss Wilkes, who only caused a small hidden danger, was actually not easy to deal with. If they did it rashly, it would very likely attract extra 'attention', they would naturally stop . "

Regarding Pei Xiang's statement, Darcy did not show overly optimistic mood:

"This is just your speculation, Lucy. Sometimes people's hearts are not so easy to predict. Maybe there are idiots who like to take risks, or they simply don't realize that you have received extra 'attention'."

Pei Xiang smiled slightly, looking at Darcy with shining eyes:

"At this time, shouldn't it be the powerful Mr. Darcy's turn to take action? Could it be that with your attention, there will still be a fish that slipped through the net and dare to hurt me?"

Darcy, who was being flattered and trusted, couldn't help showing a smile, but he quickly straightened his face:

"Lucy, sweet talk can't kill my reason. From what I know about you, you don't just rely on me. You have other arrangements."

Pei Xiang pursed his lips and laughed: "Of course, but if you are so sharp and shrewd again, I have to wonder how much charm I have left in your eyes? Now, even sweet words won't work anymore."

Darcy glared at Pei Xiang, if it wasn't for the connivance and tenderness in his eyes, the eyes would still be very intimidating.

"So—Lucy, what's your backhand?"

Pei Xiang lowered his eyes slightly, avoiding Darcy's gaze and confessed:

"Of course I'm not a defensive person. In the past few years, when I was working for Bernard, I, um, 'accidentally' turned against a few smart people.

Well, if there is really that kind of stupid and vicious person holding me, I will definitely strike first, Darcy, and then there will be a new bloodshed, the kind of bloodshed where he lives and dies . "

While Pei Xiang was talking, he felt the back of his hand get hot, and a big warm hand covered it:

"Lucy, why are you avoiding my sight, do you think... I won't like your counterattack?"

Pei Xiang raised his curled eyelashes and carefully looked at Darcy's subtle expression.

The British gentleman raised his eyebrows slightly, and his voice was low and sweet:

"Lucy, I have never been a purely upright person. Before I can be polite, I have to protect my family and wealth, and I have to protect my relatives and friends.

So, Lucy, don't think of me too kindly, I just don't want to raise the sharp sword to attack easily, but I have never lost the will to swing the sword to fend off the enemy.

Before I was a gentleman, I was a man first, a competitive and predatory man, Lucy. "

——Don’t think too well of me, Lucy, in that case, I’m afraid that one day I’ll be unable to bear it any longer, and personally smash the illusory perfect image in your mind, so that you have to face the real me, full of all kinds of things. kind of flawed me.