Pride and Prejudice; Sense and Sensibility

Chapter 75
The mother and daughter of the Dashwood family settled down in Barton, and their lives were fairly comfortable.They gradually became acquainted with the house, the garden, and the plants and trees around them.Part of the charm of life at Norland Manor was the daily pursuits, which were restored here.They had not been happier than they were now since their father died at Norland Park.Sir John Middleton visited here every day for the first fortnight.He was amazed to see how busy they were always, for he had been so much free at home.

Except for the Barton Manor family, there were not many guests from other places in the Dashwood family.Mrs. Dashwood's reluctance to beg was so strong that, in spite of Sir John's entreaties and urgings to keep their neighbours, and his assurances that they could travel in his carriage at any time was imprisoned in the heart.She never visited the houses that she couldn't reach on foot.As a matter of fact, there are not many such families, not to mention that not every family can visit.As mentioned earlier, a branch valley is branched from Barton Village, and the name of this branch valley is Allenham Canyon.One day, shortly after arriving, the ladies went out for a walk, and walked along the winding Allenham Gorge.About a mile and a half from the cottage they found a mansion of old style.The mansion, which reminded them more or less of Norland Park, aroused their interest and reverie, and they were tempted to go in and take a closer look.Who would have thought that after they inquired, they would find out that the owner of the house is a pleasant old lady, but unfortunately, because she is weak and sick, she can't communicate with outsiders, so she never goes out of the house.

Around the country house, winding paths intersect, and the scenery everywhere is extremely beautiful.Looking out of the window, they can see high mountains with attractive scenery, which makes them fascinated, and they want to climb up to enjoy the beautiful scenery and breathe the fresh air on the top of the mountain.And the valley was either dusty or muddy due to rain, so although there were beautiful scenery, they couldn't enjoy it to the fullest, and these hills became the best place for them.

On an unforgettable morning, the sunshine after the shower was particularly beautiful. Marianne and Margaret were deeply attracted by the beauty, and they climbed up a mountain.It has been rainy and rainy for the past two days, and they are locked up at home, which makes them feel extremely uncomfortable.But despite Marianne's assurances that the weather would be clear, and that it would be clear all day--when patches of dark clouds were about to part from the hills--couldn't get Mum and Sister to join them When they go out, they are still drawing and painting, and reading books.So the two ladies came out together.

They climbed up the mountain happily, and every time they saw a ray of blue sky, they were excited by their foresight.Excited by the fresh south-west wind blowing in their faces, they could not help but feel a great deal of regret for their mother and Eleanor, who, for fear of the weather, had not been able to share in the joy.

"Is there anything more pleasant in the world than this?" said Marianne. "Margaret, we're going to wander here for at least two hours."

Margaret readily agreed.The two walked forward against the wind, talking and laughing, and walked like this for about 10 minutes.Suddenly, dark clouds covered their heads, and a heavy rain poured down on their heads and faces.The two were annoyed and startled, and although they were extremely reluctant, they had no choice but to turn around and run back—there was no shelter from the rain nearer than their home.However, they have a consolation (in an emergency, they have no choice but to do so, so it is not unseemly for them to do it)-they can run down the steep hill as fast as they can, straight to to the gate of the garden.

The two ran quickly.Marianne, who was running ahead, tripped unexpectedly.Margaret wanted to stop to help her, but she couldn't stop herself, and rushed down involuntarily, and reached the bottom of the mountain safely.

Just then it so happened that a man with a gun was climbing up the hill, with two hounds running up and down beside him, within a few yards of the dead Marianne.The man put down his gun and ran to help her.

Marianne tried to get up from the ground, but found that her foot was sprained and she couldn't stand up at all.The gentleman came to help her, and finding that Marianne was too shy to let him help, but it was all right, he picked her up and sent her down the hill, and across the garden (Marguerite hadn't close the door), carried her all the way into the living room.At this time, Margaret had just entered.The man steadied Marianne in a chair before letting go.

Eleanor and her mother rose in amazement when they entered.The two of them stared at the man intently, their expressions were obviously surprised by his arrival, but they admired him in their hearts.Regarding his rash intrusion, the man expressed his apology and stated his reasons with a sincere and generous attitude.He was already very handsome, and his voice and expression added to his charm.Mrs. Dashwood would be grateful and devoted to him for saving her daughter, though he was old, ugly, and uncouth; This made her appreciate and admire his behavior even more.

With her usual geniality she thanked him one after another and asked him to sit down.However, the man declined her invitation because he was dirty and wet.Afterwards Mrs. Dashwood asked him for his name, and he said that his name was Willoughby, he was at Allenham, and he hoped to be allowed to call on Miss Dashwood to-morrow.Mrs. Dashwood readily agreed.Then he bid farewell and left in the heavy rain.That made him all the more likable.

The compliments of the family on Willoughby's good looks and manners became their chief topic of conversation.They teased Marianne because of his attentions to her, especially when they thought of his charming appearance.Marianne didn't see him as clearly as others, because she blushed with shame as soon as he picked her up, and she didn't bother to look at him carefully after entering the room.However, the general impression she saw was enough for her to make a judgment on him, so she joined the crowd in praising him—not to mention that she was always very energetic in praising people.His looks and manners were exactly like some hero in her imagined story.He was not restrained by etiquette, and immediately took her home, which was enough to make her look at him differently and admire him endlessly.And everything about him is so interesting.His name is so beautiful, and he lives in their favorite village.And Marianne soon discovered that, of all men's clothing, the hunting jacket was the most impressive.She couldn't help thinking about it, and she was so happy that the pain in her ankle had long been forgotten by her.

This morning, as soon as the weather cleared, Sir John called.They told him of Marianne's accident, and asked eagerly if he knew a Willoughby at Allenham.

"Willoughby," cried Sir John, "what, he's in the country? Anyway, it's good news. I'll drive to him to-morrow, and ask him to supper on Thursday."

"So you know him?" asked Mrs. Dashwood.

"I know! Of course I do. Why don't you know him? He comes here every year."

"What kind of person is he?"

"He's a very good lad, as good as he could be. A perfect marksman, there is no braver rider in England."

"That's all you know about him?" Marianne yelled angrily. "After getting to know him well, what is his attitude? Also, what are his hobbies, talents, and talents?"

Sir John was stunned by the question, and the words made him feel a little difficult to answer.

"To tell the truth," said he, "I don't know much about him in these respects. But he's a pleasant, jovial lad, with a black terrier, the sweetest I've ever seen." Beagle. Did he bring him out today?"

Marianne was no more able to describe the color of the hound than Sir John was able to describe Willoughby's talents, nor could it satisfy everyone's curiosity.

"But who is he?" asked Eleanor. "Where is he from? Has he a house in Allenham?"

Sir John can give more definite information on such matters.He told them that Mr. Willoughby had no property of his own here, and that he had come to stay for a few days to visit the old lady at Allenham Park.He is related to the old lady, and he will inherit her property in the future.Then he added: "Yes, Miss Dashwood, to tell you the truth, he's well worth pursuing. Besides here, he has a small estate of his own in Somerset. If I were I would never have given him to my sister, if they had rolled down the hill together. Miss Marianne can't keep all the men for herself. If she's not careful, Brand Will be jealous."

Mrs. Dashwood smiled sheepishly, and then said: "I trust my girls will not embarrass Mr. Willoughby by chasing him, as you say. Haven't learned such a thing. Men don't have to be afraid of us no matter how rich they are. But I'm glad to hear you say he's a decent young man. inappropriate."

"I think he's a fine fellow," said Sir John again. "I remember last Christmas, at a ball at Barton Park, where he danced from eight in the evening till four in the morning, and never once Rest."

"Oh, really?" exclaimed Marianne, with a twinkle in her eye, "has he danced with grace and spirit?"

"Yes. And he got up at eight o'clock, and rode off to hunt in the woods."

"I like this. Young people should be like this. No matter what they do, they should be exhausted and tireless."

"Oh, oh, I see," said Sir John, "I see what it is. You mean to go after him, and leave poor Brand no more."

"Sir John," said Marianne angrily, "I hate that word of yours very much. I hate it when people use clichés to tease people. There's something abhorrent about 'pursuing' a man, or 'conquering' a man. The more they are said the more vulgar and ill-bred they are; and if they were witticisms at first, they lose all interest in time."

Sir John was utterly ignorant of the accusation.However, he still smiled happily as if he understood.Then he said:
"Yes, I daresay you'll conquer quite a few no matter what. Poor Bland! He's been hit by you. I can tell you that though there's this case of a sprained ankle from a fall. However, he is still worthy of your pursuit."

(End of this chapter)