In times like these, it would be rude for an uninvited lady to come and visit alone.

Mr. Bennett would not allow such a thing to happen, but Jane Bennett showed up anyway, either because Mrs. Bennett had made a decision that she had secretly made, or because she had sneaked away.

Caroline was embarrassed to ask her this question, because the two at least had some friendship, and Caroline was afraid that she would be embarrassed to say it.

But Sara Hill is different, she has a straightforward personality, and she is a young lady from an aristocratic family, and it is already amazing to be able to see Charles Caroline, let her endure a rival of her own love, then this is a joke.

"This one is from Longborne - what are those places! Miss. I have to say that your so-called love is not valid here. If your object is Charles, then it is even more unlikely. Miss, I won't mention the faux pas, but your arrival doesn't make this family feel a little happy, what do you say? ”

Caroline knew that this matter was going to be over as soon as she heard it, she waved her hand to let Goering, who was stunned and at a loss, leave, and smiled bitterly, she knew that she couldn't get along well with this Miss Sarah, as long as Charles was not there, Sara was a young lady who couldn't be controlled by anyone, and the words that came out of her mouth could block you.

I really don't know why Margaret said she was good, Caroline silently rolled her eyes, hoping for Charles's arrival.

Jane was stunned, the young lady had shown her indescribable relationship with Mr. Charles Bingley as soon as she came, and this ambiguous statement frightened her, and she could not be sure of the gentleman's intentions, and thus could not be believed in him.

At this time, Jane Bennett completely understood that it was a mistake for her to come to London, there was no love and warmth here, there was only money and family that could not be concealed, and the difference between her and Charles was not only emotional, but more insurmountable between them, and she could never stand up like a mistress, just like that aristocratic lady.

The pretty young lady smiled reluctantly, and she stood up, "I see. Miss Hill, Miss Bingley, Charles and I are not of the same world, I resigned myself to my fate. ”

Caroline swallowed her saliva and turned her face away, and heard Miss Jane continue, "I can't deny that my family is indeed a little undignified, not as good as Miss Hill, and my reckless behavior has also disgraced my family, I am indeed not a qualified candidate for a housewife, and my arrival is not welcome." But miss, please look at yourself too. "She's just as reckless, isn't she?!

Jane Bennett pursed her lips, nodded at the two, and left the place.

Caroline stood stunned, a little stunned by the young lady's sudden and bold confession of true feelings, she didn't understand why Miss Jane, who had always been reserved and shy, could say such a thing, was it because of love?

Miss Sarah Hill on the side also looked at the back in disbelief, then turned her head sharply to Caroline and said, "She's gone?" And she just left? I haven't shown her my family, my talents, or even the pinstripe on me,[1] yet! It's rude! Who the hell is she? How did Charles meet her? ”

Caroline smiled bitterly and rubbed her temples with a headache, Jane's expression didn't seem to be fake, she felt a little uncomfortable, it was as if she had broken up the couple for life, well, although she did intervene, but she knew that her brother didn't really like her.

What the hell is going on!

"Miss Jane met us on our vacation to Meriton, and she's the daughter of the squire over there."

Hearing Caroline's introduction, Miss Sarah's expression was much better, and she knew that a squire's daughter would not threaten her status, and no matter who looked at it or how she looked at it, she knew that Sarah Hill was the woman who was suitable for Charles.

No wonder she thought so, Miss Sarah Hill's family was hereditary nobles, her father was a viscount, and his domain was in the north of London, and now they had come to live in London.

The Hill family does not reject merchants like other aristocratic families, but they will not be as close to business as Baron Hall, and they can even arrogantly say that none of the British aristocrats will be like Badley Hall, putting a good aristocracy and running to get close to the industrial boom, which can be said to be a laughing stock at the time.

Speaking of which, Baddeley Hall is also a legendary figure, and the Hall family behind him is almost entirely supported by him, because many people are not optimistic about him for business and industry, and he is often said to be a disgrace to the nobility in the House.

What Caroline admires most about him is that he has heard the comments and slanders of those people, but he does not change his face and still laughs with others.

Sara has an older brother, and has married a noble lady, Viscount Hill is very satisfied with their marriage, for Sarah, although he is dissatisfied with his daughter chasing a gentleman's man to run, but he also has some property status, but he can't resist his daughter's stubborn donkey-like temperament, he simply turns a blind eye, so Sarah's personality is completely spoiled.

Anyway, the heir is already there, and the son's son is about to be born, this girl will marry out quickly, out of sight and out of mind, as long as it is not too far behind, Viscount Hill will accept it.

That's why Miss Sara kept running to Caroline's house, and then she didn't feel stopped at all, as if she had already thought of herself as a member of the Bentley family.

"I'll just say, Charles has only been with her for a few months, and Charles and I have known each other for so long!" Sara waved her finger and sat down on the couch to look at Caroline, "You say, where am I not as good as her?" ”

She just couldn't help but compare herself with that young lady, as soon as she heard that Miss Bennett say "love" and "match", she had a headache, just kidding, she was still here, how could she give Charles away?!

Caroline understands that Miss Sara is a young lady who dares to love and hate, but Caroline really can't stand her personality, but Sara is a nobleman, she is just a gentleman's lady, so even if she can't stand it, what can she do?

"Miss Sarah, what do you compare to her?" Caroline soothed, "Charles has always called you Sarah, call her Miss Bennett, who kisses and who is sparse, doesn't you understand it at a glance?" ”

Sara pretended to be cold, but the corners of her mouth turned upward, "Really?" I think so too. ”

She was pleased, but Caroline couldn't, "Miss Sarah, is what you just said a little too heavy?" ”

"Is there one?" Sara is not angry with Caroline for talking to her like this, in her opinion, the future sister should be tolerant, even if she has the audacity to retort to herself, "If I don't let her recognize what kind of person she is, what kind of person she is fighting with, and what kind of person she is fighting with, and she has been hurt in all kinds of ways, who is it?" I don't believe that I stand with that Miss Bennett, that Charles will choose her like that, what can she bring? For you Bentleys?! ”

Miss Sarah's words were unkind and complicated, but Caroline understood.

Yes, a noble lady, the daughter of an ordinary squire, everyone who looks knows that it should be Sarah Hill and not Jane Bennett.

Jane should also realize that she herself is not suitable for this family, and that her family background and talent are not comparable to Miss Sarah Hill.

Caroline breathed a sigh of relief, knowing she was conflicted.

On the one hand, she hopes to see Charles happy, but this happiness with Miss Jane Bennett is forcibly made up by herself, and on the other hand, she feels that she should take on the responsibility of a Bentley, and her deceased father and mother will definitely want to see the Bentley family continue.

There is no doubt that Sara brings something more.

This is indeed snobbish and helpless.

Caroline remained silent, she had nothing to say, Sara was doing the right thing.

The rest is Charles's idea.

Speaking of which, in fact, Caroline was still very frightened at first.

Because Charles sent a letter back two days ago saying that he was in London today, he should have also sent a letter to Sarah, but I don't know who the two of them contacted first, but it doesn't matter, Caroline has reservations.

And Jane Bennett's unexpected arrival made her forget about it.

Charles came back from dinner, and unsurprisingly saw Sara walking towards him, and he smiled at her, "Good evening, Miss." ”

"Charles, have you eaten? Mrs. Fafa said that it was almost done, so she had to wait! ”

Caroline also stepped forward and helped take the suitcase in his hand, "Miss Sara has been waiting for you for a long time, Charles, go and accompany her." ”

Charles was stunned, not understanding why his sister was suddenly so attentive, she had never said anything to accompany her before.

Sara whispered to the side, her voice astringent, "Today, a young lady named Jane Bennett is here. ”

Charles was stunned, "Who?" ”

Sara pouted, "Who else...... Haven't you only been apart for a long time? Isn't it fun to play in the countryside? Why, how quickly did you forget about jì? ”

Charles's face was a little ugly, and his voice became bitter, "Who sued you for this?" We're just ...... Acquaintance - how did she come? Was Caroline invited? ”

"Eh—don't blame me, I don't know anything!" Caroline pursed her mouth and raised her hand to shout that she had been wronged.

Sara said, "The young lady found it herself, tell me to come and see." Oh, everyone knows, Charles, she's here to see you, but it's a pity you're not there. I said, "What do you have to do with each other?" When I don't know, Charles, why do you always mess around? It's Jane Bennett this time, will it be Jenny next time? ”

Charles nudged Miss Sarah, "Okay Sarah, don't talk nonsense!" We don't have anything! If there is something, will you not be aware of it? ”

That's why it's weird! Sara pouted.

If Charles liked that Jane, she would have found out first, but if she didn't, then the proof is no.

But this afternoon, Miss Jane is serious about their love - who are you fooling?!

Who will you show it to? Or is it that the young lady's feelings were blinded? Charles didn't react at all?

Either way, it's a good thing for Sarah, who has her eye on Charles or Charles.

She stuck over and hung on Charles's arm, "Charles, let's go to dinner!" Don't talk about these sad things! That young lady is long gone, and you won't see her anymore, what are you worried about? ”

Charles breathed a sigh of relief, not knowing whether to be happy or sad, he pulled a smile and looked at Sara beside him, the smile on his lips was real, and he still showed the tiredness of coming back.

"I'm tired, Sarah." He didn't just mean physical.

Sara blinked, "Well, I'll go back after dinner." Charles, accompany me for a perfect dinner, okay? ”

She understood what he was talking about.

Only then will Sara become a caring lady - as long as it concerns Charles, she is willing to put away the thorns on her body.

——*——*——*——*——*——*——*——*——*——*——*——*——*——*——

Baddeley Hall had sent a letter to Charles saying that they had almost made preparations for the steam locomotive, but the only minor problem was that Mr. Stephenson was going back to Newcastle.

Stephenson said he had hit a research bottleneck, London was not like Newcastle, and he didn't have friends like that to help with, so he wanted to go back to his hometown and find Richard Trevisick, his senior and friend, to ask specific questions.

Charles immediately exploded after reading the letter, "This is called a small problem?!" Caroline, didn't you say that Stephenson was awesome? That steam locomotive will be made for him in minutes! What's the matter now that he's leaving? Whatever? ”

Caroline laughed dryly, "I don't know, didn't you see that it was Baron Hall's letter to you?" So it's none of my business, it's all Mr. Hall's question, brother, go ask him! ”

“…… Only then will you call me brother. Charles muttered back to Baddeley Hall, not questioning anything, but fearing where he would cry if this man ran away! Is it necessary to invest in vain?

"Peace of mind Charles, he'll make it!" Caroline swears, although Charles will be skeptical, but his sister said it is true, is there any false?

"So, are you sitting here not going to Mrs. White to wait for Darcy?" Charles cleared his throat and looked at Caroline and the embroidery in her hand with a smirk.

The latter froze, "What do you say!" ”

"Oh? Isn't it? Charles narrowed his eyes, "I heard from Goering that Darcy is coming to visit today...... When did you settle down? How did I not know? ”

Caroline looked down at the embroidery pattern in her hand, picked up the needle and began to sketch it little by little, "Why does Goering always talk to you, he doesn't listen to me!" And you can't know everything, can you? Charles, you only came back two days ago. ”

Charles shrugged, he sat down next to Caroline, hooked his head and looked, "What is this?" Looks a lot like ...... Cufflinks? ”

Caroline nodded, "Yes, cufflinks." ”

"Shhh...... But the cufflinks are all for men...... "Charles" sighed twice, "Caroline, who are you embroidering for?" I don't remember my birthday in February. ”

Caroline grabbed the candied fruit on the table and stuffed it into Charles's mouth, "That's a lot to talk about, Mr. Darcy is coming in a moment, you can entertain me!" ”

"How do I entertain? Shall I go to Baron Hall? The letters have arrived. Charles raised an eyebrow and smiled, stood up and went upstairs, "I'll go change my clothes, Caroline, I'm sure you can get along with Darcy." ”

“……”

- Isn't it okay for her to admit defeat?!

Mr. Darcy's arrival was as if he had encountered the strongest gin, drunk and unconscious.

Caroline resigned herself to opening the door, and the gentleman at the door was neatly dressed, wearing the best bow tie, and a gentlemanly salute Caroline, "Good afternoon, Miss Caroline." ”

"Well, good afternoon, sir." Caroline said stunned, she stepped back and gave up the passage to Mr. Darcy.

Seeing the young lady at a loss, Darcy paused, said nothing, and walked into the Bentley's house, which he knew very well.

"Sir, sit down for a while, and I'll let Mrs. Fafa serve some tea and dessert." Caroline nodded at him and ran to the kitchen.

Darcy had no expression, but the smile in his eyes deepened, and he knew that this young lady was just as cute when she was shy.

There was a half-embroidered thing on the table, which looked like it was wearing on his body, cufflinks or something, and he played with it twice, and said to Caroline, who appeared in the living room, "What is this?" ”

Caroline "Ahh ”

When Darcy heard this, he frowned, he understood Miss Caroline's feelings, but he really didn't approve of it, a young lady would be good if she knew some talents, and he didn't think that a young lady should do this kind of thing.

He did admire Miss Caroline's talents, she was beautiful, temperamental, and substantial, and she met almost all of Darcy's standards, which is why Darcy felt that she would fall in love with this young lady.

But he didn't understand why Miss Caroline was so obsessed with business, didn't she understand that women's participation in it would only become a laughing stock?

Caroline looked up and took the embroidery in his hand, her eyelashes drooping, "What is the gentleman thinking?" ”

Darcy was startled and shook his head, "No, nothing. This embroidery is very beautiful. ”

Caroline pouted and nodded, "Well, so show it to David, maybe he'll come up with something better." ”

“…… The score you gave to Georgiana, she loved it. Darcy didn't have anything to say, and picked the cup in his hand, "These days, I've been practicing in my room every day, and her teacher says she's improved a lot lately. ”

"Georgiana is very smart and has a good understanding." Caroline went on with his words, "I can't do it, Mrs. White always says that although I am very good at my skills, I always feel that there is something missing and no verve when I play the piano." "So, I've always been taught some etudes and stuff by her, and she joked that I should play all of Mr. Czerny's works." ”

Darcy laughed too, but he said, "Miss, you are so modest, I have heard your piano music, and it is wonderful." ”

"Does eavesdropping count as listening?" Caroline asked deliberately and wickedly.

Darcy was stunned for a moment, then chuckled lowly, and said confidently, "Eavesdropping is also listening." ”

Caroline put the embroidery aside, picked up the cup and blew, took a sip of the hot chocolate in the cup, it was winter, even if you want to make fragrant coffee, you can't lift your spirits, Mrs. Fafa feels sorry for her young lady, for fear that she will be sick, so she always makes her hot chocolate, she firmly believes that this thing can make Miss Caroline happy.

For during the ten years that Mrs. Fafa had been here, Miss Caroline of their family had always been ill, and when she had interacted in winter and spring, or when she had returned from abroad, she would fall ill, and she would be frightened by all of their servants.

Is that because I am not accustomed to soil and water and have pollen allergies? Caroline was helpless, but for such faithful servants, she could only silently accept their kindness.

"So, sir, can you tell me, what were you thinking just now?"

Darcy jerked her head up to see Miss Caroline's bushy eyelashes and her face flushed with hot chocolate, her head down and blowing on her glass, curling white smoke running away from both sides.

He hesitated in his heart, as a gentleman, how could he say that? What he said just now was too disrespectful to Miss Caroline, not to mention that he was still pursuing her.

"Nothing, miss, you probably misunderstood." Darcy pursed his lips, he wasn't good at lying, and since he couldn't make up something unwarranted, he could only dodge her question.

Caroline glanced up at him and chuckled, "Sir, is this what you said would make me see the truth?" Don't you want to sue me? ”

This is too strict. Darcy's eyes immediately sank, and the pitch-black color seemed to have thick ink, "Miss, you can't talk nonsense like this. ”

Caroline bit her lower lip and looked away, she admitted that she was a little aggressive, but that was because she knew what Darcy was trying to say, wasn't she just a woman, and she would be looked down upon? She understood.

Being born in the Darcy family has the responsibility of the Darcy family, and being born in the Bennett family has the difficulties of the Bennett family, so is there no unspeakable hidden in the Bentley family when born in the Bentley family?

Caroline wanted to be a person who was not responsible, but she couldn't.

She has been in this world for a long time, trying to avoid other people's feelings and not blending in, but at the same time she is moved by the affection of her parents, the friendship of her friends, and even the love of Mr. Darcy. No one can understand such pain and contradictions, probably.

She still remembers her parents on their deathbed, holding Charles in one hand and Luisa in the other, but only their eyes fell on them, and they said, "We're sorry for you, but children, live well, as a Bentley." ”

Louisa didn't know anything about this, Charles was not good at managing his property, and most of their things came step by step with the help of lawyers, and from that time on, Caroline decided to take this responsibility well.

As for discrimination?

Just kidding, there is no era of women who are "out of line" and at the forefront of the times, and she is not afraid of these infamy.

Caroline forced a smile, "It's okay, Mr. Darcy. If I hadn't woken up, you probably hadn't heard anything, and I didn't want to argue with you about that. ”

Darcy stared at her for a moment, then placed his hot tea-warmed hand on Caroline's—he knew it was rude, but he would probably regret it if he didn't.

Caroline was stunned for a moment, and walked out of her sad love, her chin tensed and not looking at him.

Darcy glanced at the uncooperative young lady with a headache, "Miss Caroline, please listen to me, I don't mean to despise you in the slightest, I just can't get out of my own preconceived notions. You're an eye-catching young lady, and I can't deny your attraction to me, whatever it is, even your deviance, is so lovely to me. ”

Caroline was silent for a moment, "I think this is a quibble, but sir, I don't think anyone knows the hearts of young ladies better than you, and no one can speak sweeter than you." If you want to, maybe Mr. Baddeley Hall is no match for you. She looked Darcy in the eye with her gray-green eyes, "Am I right, sir?" ”

Darcy was helpless, he knew that this young lady was not easy to think with, "I am not Baron Hall, Miss Caroline, and I don't understand the minds of other young ladies, if you will, I only want to understand your minds." ”