I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

Before Bingley and others came to visit, Miss Georgiana Darcy returned to Pemberley Manor first.

Not long after arriving home, she learned from Mrs. Reynolds that her own brother had successfully proposed to Miss Wilkes, and she would soon have a kind and elegant sister-in-law.

"Congratulations, Lucy!" Miss Darcy excitedly held Pei Xiang's hand.

"I am so glad to hear the good news. If I had heard the good news sooner, I would not have stayed too long in London. I would return to Derbyshire without stopping, and I would like to say goodbye to you and Congratulations brother."

These words made Pei Xiang burst into laughter, and she glanced at Mr. Darcy standing by the round table with a smile, and the other party was also looking at her.

When the eyes of the two met, Fitzwilliam Darcy slightly raised the corners of his mouth, and when Georgiana turned her head to look over, she resumed her usual calm and seriousness.

"Lucy, I'm sorry, I was supposed to come back in June, but it has been delayed until now."

How could Pei Xiang blame this quiet and sweet little girl? She was completely tripped up in London by her brother, Mr. Darcy.

The reason why Darcy did this was partly because of his selfish desire to be alone with Pei Xiang, and partly because he was afraid that his sister Georgiana would be hurt and affected.

Since the outbreak of the Anglo-American War, there have been a lot more surveillance sights around Pei Xiang, and the few dark lines left by Bernard have also moved quietly, as if trying to muddy the water.

Pei Xiang's life in Pemberley Manor was indeed leisurely and carefree, but in the entire Derbyshire, her every move was actually subject to invisible constraints, and even Mr. Darcy, who was by her side, fell into the sight of some caring people.

Darcy is willing to accompany Pei Xiang at this time, but he hopes that his sister Georgiana can stay in London away from Pemberley Manor, away from the surveillance and troubles hidden in the dark.

Most importantly, both Darcy and Pei Xiang wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to fish out all the remnants of Bernard's lineage.

Whether it is those who were abandoned by Bernard, or those that were controlled by Bernard's remote command, all must be eradicated, and no hidden dangers or potential threats will be left for themselves.

And in this process, neither of them can guarantee that they will be absolutely silent and will not startle the snake.They were worried that some people would jump over the wall and hurt the innocent and ignorant Georgiana in her dying struggle.

"I'm with you, I'm guarding you, and no one can take advantage of my guarding. But if Georgiana is in Pemberley, I'm probably overwhelmed, and I'm afraid I'll lose sight of the other."

One day, the two were drawing a list of suspicious persons in the study room. Darcy crossed out the two names with red ink, then looked up and explained to Pei Xiang.

"I understand, Darcy."

Pei Xiang gently squeezed Darcy's finger, said with a smile:

"I just didn't expect that you would prepare to attack those people so soon, and choose the Pemberley Manor side. According to my own plan, it may take another one or two years."

Darcy pursed his lips, and said in a firm tone, "Lucy, you can bear it, and when you endure it until you feel safe, another blow is sure to hit.

But I couldn't bear it any longer, and I was still in fear for one more day.

Although intellectually, I know that they will not act rashly, and you are also prepared for various responses.

But since I have the strength to fight back, I naturally hope that I can eliminate the threat for you and me as soon as possible, even if there will be some risks in the process. "

Pei Xiang raised his head and kissed Darcy's chin:

"Well, my dear Fitzwilliam, I am more reserved and forbearing than you are, and you are more decisive.

I think this is not a flaw, but it will make us do better, as long as we can listen to each other's suggestions. "

Darcy smiled lightly, and kissed Pei Xiang's forehead back:

"How dare I disobey Miss Lucy's advice?

As long as you think that Bernard's property left in London has been "contributed" to the government by you, and now all the hidden lines left by him have been exposed one by one, and it has nothing to do with you.

Then I fully understood that the future Mrs. Darcy is resourceful, resourceful, and vindictive, so she really can't offend at will. "

Therefore, from mid-June to early August, while enjoying the warm days of being together, the two always paid attention to the small movements of all parties.It wasn't until the last few days that all suspicious persons were thoroughly investigated and "life arrangements" were made for them.

So far, Pei Xiang is really safe and sound. Neither the remnants of the French royal party in London nor Bernard in Paris can continue to affect Pei Xiang's future life.

At this time, facing Georgiana's apologetic and sincere eyes, Pei Xiang hurriedly made up for a certain brother's loopholes:

"Georgiana, when I was in London, Darcy told me that you couldn't return to Pemberley immediately, so I thought, should I wait for you first.

But you know, because of Mr. Bernard's business, I don't really want to stay in London during the social season, because people always look at me with sympathy, and it makes me uncomfortable.

It just so happened that Mrs. Ingram and Miss Ingram wanted to visit the Lake District and would take a detour to visit Derbyshire, so I set off with them.Of course your brother Darcy is with us.

On the way, your brother expressed his heart to me and said that he hoped to propose to me in Pemberley Manor, and I agreed.Ingram and the others also saw the friendship between Darcy and me, and blessed us one after another.

They were going to come to Pemberley with us, but unfortunately, just as the convoy was about to leave, Mr. Ingram suddenly received a letter from London asking him to return immediately to attend to some urgent matters.

So at last it was only me and Darcy who returned to the manor.So, Georgiana, everything is so well arranged, it happens for a reason and with reason, and you don't have to feel sorry for it. "

"So that's how it is." Miss Darcy breathed a sigh of relief: "Brother said he would arrange someone to take care of you, but when I came back, I found out that there are only two of you here, which shocked me."

Pei Xiang nodded affirmatively: "We only got along after we got engaged. Before we communicated with each other, we had been traveling with many friends. However, your brother likes Pemberley too much, so we made up a little love here. ceremony."

When Pei Xiang left London, he was indeed with Ingram and others.

But at that time, she did not know that Georgiana would be delayed for nearly two months, and she only thought that they would reach Pemberley one after another.

Of course, she didn't know that Darcy had already made preparations in advance and planned to do it secretly.

It was the day before the formal proposal that Darcy confessed to Pei Xiang the plan he had been pondering for a long time, and wanted to ask for her opinion.

Pei Xiang was surprised at first, she was surprised by the strong aggressiveness in this steady gentleman's temperament.At the same time, I also feel that Darcy has always been resolute and resolute, proud and confident, and chooses to take the initiative instead of dormant, which is also expected.

However, Pei Xiang, the person involved, prefers to weave the net slowly and wait for an opportunity. She thinks some of Darcy's ideas are too aggressive.

So, the two sat down and had a serious discussion for a long time, and the final result was that they no longer endured it, but chose to cut the mess quickly.

Although there will be some risks, the benefits are also obvious.

In the general direction, Pei Xiang agreed with Darcy's plan, but in terms of the specific details of the implementation plan, some of Darcy's proposals were rejected by Pei Xiang.

When the two cooperated for the first time, there were inevitably some bumps in the process. Darcy would express his displeasure with a sullen face, and Pei Xiang would jump up to protest, but judging from the final result, it was satisfactory.

It can be said that during Georgiana's stay in London, Pei Xiang and Darcy had a further adjustment, and they had a deeper understanding of each other in terms of concepts and tempers.

When there is nothing to do, they watch the moon and listen to the wind and talk tacitly. When dealing with important matters, the two have their own persistence and know how to compromise with each other. Although there have been quarrels and disputes, they can always talk and make up in the end.

At the same time, because they have accomplished a secret matter that cannot be talked about by outsiders, the distance between their hearts has become closer.

Although they have just got engaged, they feel like an old couple is in love with each other.

Of course, Georgiana couldn't tell the ins and outs behind these hidden things, but Pei Xiang knew what Georgiana was guilty of, and it was nothing more than worrying about the reputation of her sister-in-law.

So Pei Xiang told Georgiana in detail how she arrived in Pemberley from London.

Most of it is true, but Darcy's behavior of "cutting first and playing later" is slightly blurred, as well as the order in which some key things happened.

Sure enough, after listening to Pei Xiang's explanation, Georgiana became much happier. Before, she was afraid that these things would affect Pei Xiang's reputation.

"Then Mrs. Ingram knows that you and your brother are engaged? Oh, do many people know, but I don't know, brother, why didn't you write to me?"

Darcy cleared his throat: "Mrs. Ingram and the others do know, but they will not take the initiative to mention these things to outsiders for the time being. You know, some good news still needs to be announced solemnly by the person concerned, so that it will be taken seriously."

These words made Pei Xiang raise her eyebrows slightly, and she couldn't help "missing" the vibrant London social circle.

——After Mrs. Ingram and the others return to London, they will definitely reveal some rumors, just to give everyone a psychological preparation.

——Wait until the eve of the wedding, what should be known, already known, and everyone will not be surprised.

——Public opinion and gossip still need to be brewed and revealed slowly, so that things can be moistened and silent, which will help improve the acceptance of everyone.

Georgiana stamped her feet at Darcy's words: "I'm not an outsider."

"If I had told you, you would have put down the manuscript and illustrations regardless, and hurried back.

That is very bad, Georgiana, and I cannot indulge you so much as to give you a disposition to do things halfway, and that would be disrespectful to your teacher, too. "

Facing her brother's righteous words, Georgiana shrugged.

Although she understood that what Darcy said was very reasonable, she felt that things were not that simple.

This time, Pei Xiang didn't want to make excuses for Darcy to cover up.

She patted Georgiana's hand lightly, and gave her a small wink, which was their signal.Pei Xiang is telling Georgiana that there will be only the two of them in a while, and she will tell her in detail.

After receiving Pei Xiang's silent hint, Georgiana also blinked her eyes tacitly, knowing that after a while, Pei Xiang would definitely tell her more inside information.

Darcy pretended not to see the eye contact between the two women, he drank tea calmly, and then stared at Pei Xiang's smiling face in a daze.

A few days later, instead of welcoming Bingley and his party, the hosts living in Pemberley Manor welcomed Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who was traveling with her uncle and aunt.

After exchanging greetings, the two sides talked about each other's current situation.

Pei Xiang once again learned the good news about Jane and Bingley from Elizabeth.She told Miss Elizabeth that if she could stay in the nearby town of Langton for a few more days, she might meet Bingley and his party.

In this case, the Bennett sisters may have met by chance during the journey.

Elizabeth had indeed begun to miss her sister. After discussing with her uncle and aunt, she happily accepted Pei Xiang's proposal and agreed to Pemberley's invitation.

During the few days she was waiting for her sister, she was going to take a good look at this beautiful and elegant manor.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth senses some undisguised truths.

She noticed that there is a very intimate and natural way of getting along between Pei Xiang and Darcy, and there is a tacit understanding and warmth beyond ordinary friends.

Elizabeth hesitated to speak to Pei Xiang several times. To be honest, she was really curious about how far the two of them had developed.

——At the beginning, I still felt sorry for the two of them, but I didn’t expect...

Until the end of the visit, Elizabeth did not get a clear answer. However, she saw Darcy's care and enthusiasm in taking care of Pei Xiang, as well as the various intimate exchanges between the two, and she had a faint understanding in her heart.

——It should be that good things are coming.

On the third day after Miss Elizabeth Bennet visited Pemberley Manor, Bingley and her party also arrived.

Sitting in the spacious and bright living room of Pemberley, the reunited Bennet sisters naturally had a lot to talk about. Compared with the smiling expressions of the two sisters, Miss Bingley's complexion was very ugly.

As soon as she entered the door, she noticed the intimacy between Pei Xiang and Darcy, which gave her a vague premonition.

"Miss Wilkes, long time no see, do you still miss Mr Bernard?

In my opinion, the best way to relieve sadness is to go out to travel, and to relieve the depression in the heart through the scenery of lakes and mountains.

Miss Wilkes, I sincerely hope that you can join us on the trip, and don't be afraid of a long journey and stay in a manor just because Mr. Bernard had an accident during the trip. "

As soon as these words were said, the lively atmosphere in the living room became silent.

Everyone present knew the affairs that Bernard had created, and they all witnessed the changes in Pei Xiang's attitude. They knew very well that she didn't have much nostalgia for her ex-fiancé.

Now, it's really inappropriate for Miss Bingley to rashly bring up this scarring topic on such an occasion.

Pei Xiang pressed Georgiana, who wanted to defend her, and nodded politely to Miss Bingley:

"Thank you for your concern, Miss Bingley, I really appreciate it. However, I have already got out of the haze of that relationship, and I don't need to deliberately relieve the depression in my heart."

Caroline Bingley noticed that Miss Darcy wanted to speak for Pei Xiang, and her expression became even worse.She took it for granted that Mr. Darcy must have instructed Miss Darcy to protect Pei Xiang in this way.

Jealousy and hatred instantly hit my heart.

She turned her head to look at Darcy who was standing not far away, and found that the gentleman was staring at the seductive woman whose fiancé had just died.His eyes are full of affection, even a blind person can see that they are eyes of admiration and appreciation.

Jealousy made Miss Bingley's voice a bit harsh: "You forgot your fiancé so quickly? That's a bit heartless..."

"Caroline!" Mrs. Hurst stopped her sister from speaking.

But this unfinished sentence completely annoyed Darcy, and he said coldly:

"Lucy doesn't need to be sad for someone who doesn't deserve it, she deserves someone better.

How Mr. Bernard died unexpectedly, we all know why Miss Bingley is so aggressive in this premise. "

Miss Bingley was heartbroken by the reprimand from her sweetheart. She suppressed her heartache, not letting herself lose her composure because of jealousy, but the malice in her chest was deeper.

"It's true that I made a bad statement, but Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bernard is Miss Wilkes' fiancé after all, how can he be regarded as an unworthy person?

Even though some unpleasant things happened later, I think that the two of them must have gone through a lot of tenderness to get to the point of engagement.

Since she had truly loved each other and died unexpectedly early, there is really no need for Miss Wilkes to worry about Mr. Bernard's badness and ignore the once sweet past. "

When Miss Bingley said these words, she actually wanted to imply that Darcy, Lucy Wilkes, had another man in her heart.

She loved the other party so much, agreed to the other party's marriage proposal, trusted him, and traveled across the ocean to England with him. She had experienced such an affectionate past, could Miss Wilkes really forget it after she finished talking?

If she really let go completely, then her feelings will change too quickly. Is such a woman really worthy of Fitzwilliam Darcy's love?

— Mr. Darcy, are you not afraid of becoming a second Bernard?

Pei Xiang wanted to say hello to Miss Bingley's words.

She thought to herself, if it wasn't for Darcy's understanding of the matter between her and Bernard, if it wasn't for the special acquaintance between her and Darcy, these words might really have some effect.

Perhaps, it will leave a shadow in the hearts of a pair of men and women who have just made love, and even generate some unfounded doubts.

Darcy also understood the deep meaning of Miss Bingley's words, his brows were gathered together, and he glared at the instigator:

"Miss Bingley, I know more clearly than you about the past between Lucy and Bernard. Whether she chooses to miss or forget, it will not affect her good impression in my heart.

What's more, I hope that Miss Bingley can be careful not to make my fiancée miss some irrelevant people in Pemberley Manor. In that case, I will feel that you are offending the Darcy family. "

There was a gasp of surprise at Darcy's words.

Although everyone faintly noticed the special friendship between Darcy and Pei Xiang, no one thought that Mr. Darcy had already proposed to this woman from America!

—He actually proposed marriage! ?

——proposed to an American woman who just had some money and no family support?

——And this woman, her fiancé had just passed away for more than five months!

All of a sudden, most of the female guests in the room, no matter they were married or not, were a little jealous of Pei Xiang.

Many people are thinking, how can Lucy Wilkes confuse the proud Mr. Darcy?

—She is indeed beautiful, well, very beautiful.

——Exquisite personality, good at communication, talented and cultivated.Of course, personal property is also very rich, but what are these conditions in front of Fitzwilliam Darcy?

——Will there be a lack of multi-talented and beautiful ladies in England's high society?

——Of course not lacking, even, some of them have better dowries and backgrounds than this Lucy.

——So many famous ladies did not let Fitzwilliam Darcy kneel on one knee and offer marriage vows, but this Lucy Wilkes did.

——Why should she?

All of a sudden, everyone had different thoughts, and the expressions they looked at Darcy and Pei Xiang were also changing. At this time, Mr. Bingley was the first to react, and he yelled:

"My God, Darcy, you are engaged, but you didn't tell me anything about it. It's so embarrassing."

He congratulated his good friend on the happy event with pure joy, and then Mr. Bingley began to talk about Darcy's concealment from him, and complained that Darcy did not share the happy event with him at the first time.

"And when are you going to get married? Jane and I have arranged for the end of the year. Why, Darcy, you can't get ahead of me.

There is one thing I must overcome you in my life, and that is to marry earlier than you, hahaha. "

Mr. Bingley's cheerful words awakened the guests who were in deep thought, and those who had no distractions and responded quickly sent congratulatory words immediately, such as Sister Bennett and Mr. Hurst.

After that, other guests also said appropriate words of congratulations.

After everyone said good things twice, Mrs. Hurst took Miss Bingley's hand, congratulated Pei Xiang and Darcy politely, and asked when Pemberley planned to hold a wedding. They must watch the ceremony in person of.

Probably Mrs. Hurst's hand strength is relatively strong. Miss Bingley finally woke up from the bad news that Darcy was engaged. Her face was pale, her lips trembled slightly, and she was speechless for a while.

Pei Xiang glanced at Miss Bingley indifferently, and ignored her again.

Busy with her suddenly more amiable company, she gave some tactful details of her engagement to Mr. Darcy.

If someone wants to inquire further, she will perfunctory the past with a smile, and change the subject cleverly and without any trace.

Generally speaking, the guest of Bentley and others at Pemberley went very smoothly, except for a few people, it can be called a good time for the host and guest.After that, the news of Darcy and Pei Xiang's engagement also spread in a small area.

On the second day, Bingley and others came to Pemberley to go fishing. Among the female guests, only the Bingley sisters were missing, and everyone tacitly pretended not to notice.

On the fifth day, Pemberley Manor held a dinner for the guests, and the Bingley sisters appeared again as if nothing had happened.

They seemed to have forgotten the unhappiness that had happened during the first day's visit, and smiled enthusiastically at Pei Xiang, the future Mrs. Darcy.

Sister Bingley has turned into a well-bred and gentle woman again, with funny conversation and amiable manners, and she can't see the meanness and gaffe of the previous few days.

If not occasionally, Pei Xiang could still detect jealousy and resentment from Caroline Bingley's eyes, she would have thought that this girl had really turned her eyes off.

But what if Miss Bingley didn't like it?

Pei Xiang was still living happily in Pemberley Manor, holding a generous dowry in his hands, accompanied by a handsome gentleman, living an elegant and refined life, everything was so happy and complete.

"Lady Catherine de Boer will certainly object when you marry me, Darcy."

"Don't worry, I will persuade her old man."

"Darcy, London has been full of gossip about you and me recently. They say that you have been fooled by a woman from the United States and agreed to a marriage that is not worth the money. You will definitely regret it in the future."

"I'm really dazed by you, but whether this marriage is worthwhile or not, I have to let myself decide.

And I think that the person who will regret it in the future is definitely not me, but those fools who can't pursue you. "

"Darcy, Miss Elizabeth and Mr. Smithson are engaged. Will you join me in writing my congratulations?"

"Just add two polite words of congratulations to the letter. By the way, have they set a wedding date yet?"

"Should be later than Miss Bennett, but sooner than our day."

"Lucy."

"Ok?"

"The invitation hasn't been sent out yet, why don't we advance it too?"

"No, my dress isn't ready yet."

"Lucy, you've always been the prettiest."

"Of course, then what?"

"You look good in anything, and the gorgeous dress is just your foil.

I believe, Lucy, that on our wedding day you would have been said, if you had worn the plainest gown, that you were the most beautiful bride in England. "

"Sweet mouth, Mr. Darcy."

"The wedding date..."

"As usual, Mr. Darcy."

Later, Pei Xiang helped Darcy build a very beautiful tree house. The two of them were covered in grass clippings, dead branches and dust, but the smile never disappeared from their faces.

Later, not far from the big tree house, there was a small tree house, which was golden pink, the color of the paint prepared by Pei Xiang himself, and it belonged to Mr. Darcy.

A few years later, another silver-blue tree house was built next to the gold-pink tree house. Mr. Darcy painted the roof himself, and it was Miss Darcy's favorite.

The forest by the stream in Pemberley Manor is always full of laughter.

Elegant ladies and prudent gentlemen walk among them arm in arm, from early spring to midsummer, from late autumn to late winter, year after year, holding hands and growing old together.