[Comprehensive Classics] Detective Mary

Chapter 91

On the second day after the banquet, Irene Adler paid a visit and asked about the situation last night with concern.

Mary and the others depended on Irene's personal guidance so as not to make a fool of themselves at the huge banquet.The same humble singer gained a firm foothold in the upper class of Paris, and naturally experienced much more than the few Miss Bennet.Irene is very careful, and she is well aware of the mistakes that ladies who are new to this kind of social occasion are prone to make. It is not a problem to say that she temporarily acts as the etiquette teacher for Miss Bennet.

As a "teacher", Irene is of course very concerned about the performance of the students on the spot.

Fortunately, Mary felt that they should have performed well.

Lydia, the only one of at least a few Bennet sisters invited to the dinner for the social and ball, was particularly happy.

Compared with the social circle of London, Meryton's ball is not worth mentioning at all.Likewise, the handsome "red uniform" officers are nothing more than a bunch of poor boys.Lord Blackwood's banquet was full of high-ranking officers, not to mention other handsome young gentlemen of wealth.

Even Lydia began to think that even Wickham was no more than that.Wickham, who refused her courtship, was handsome, and even at Sir Blackwood's banquet, his appearance was outstanding.But what about the skin?Lydia doesn't know inner beauty, she just knows that Wickham is not qualified to attend social gatherings in London.

But now Lydia could.

Not only can she, but she's also in the limelight.In the past, the lady, who probably would not have looked at her in the eye, took the initiative to talk to her, saying that she would show her the social life in London, and at the same time asked her if she had any extra drafts of clothing designs.

Mrs. Hindley also said that she would definitely go to Bingley and Jane's house when she had time, and Lydia must be present when the time comes.

Receiving such care, Lydia, who has never known the heights of the heavens and the earth, was a little flattered.At the same time, she also felt that, in comparison, the previous life in Meryton was really boring and boring-how could the poor officers' goodwill compare to the present?

This made Lydia inevitably start to waver: maybe she confessed to Wickham impulsively before, and she was indeed a little silly.

In addition to Lydia, Sherlock Holmes "snatched" the lady that Sir Blackwood favored, which attracted countless discussions.

After listening to Mary's description, Irene was not only unhappy, but also worried: "Is it too ostentatious?"

Mary knew she would be worried: "We are testing the light, and Sir Blackwood should be testing us as well. Under such circumstances, the more people who know me, the harder it is for them to start. "

The reason is very simple: if you are completely exposed to the sun, the enemy will not be able to hide in the shadows and attack you.

"You and Mr. Holmes are both people with ideas," Irene said without making any judgments. "I don't intend to comment on your choices, but no matter what, please be more careful."

After finishing speaking, she looked at Lydia again, and gently advised: "You too, Lydia, don't get carried away by the momentary attention. The social circle of the upper class is very forgetful, unless you have the status of a superior person , or an incomparably rich property, or an amazing ability—this will make you an irreplaceable status, not a good-looking face."

Mary: Oh, it's no wonder she can listen.

She couldn't help but slander in her heart, if she could understand the truth, Lydia wouldn't experience the pain of losing her love at all.

However, to Mary's complete surprise, Lydia nodded for the first time before she could finish her rant.

"Then what should I do?" she asked confusedly.

Irene: "Never be arrogant or impetuous, neither humble nor overbearing. Don't be inferior to your flaws, and don't be complacent about your advantages. Just remember that a lady is also a human being, just like you."

The younger sister of the Bennet family did not fully understand this sentence.Lydia still looked ignorant, with an innocence hidden in her charming face.

But she still accepted Irene's kindness: "I see, thank you, Irene."

Mary: "..."

So angry!

Mary has said similar words countless times, but Lydia has never listened to them.Now Irene can do whatever she says, and her elder sister is really without dignity.

Although Mary can somewhat understand Lydia's thoughts: Mary couldn't listen to her family's advice at all when she was adolescence.It doesn't matter how many times the parents' earnest words are said, and it may have the opposite effect.But the same truth will be regarded as a motto of life when spoken by someone you love and admire.

And she didn't listen to it before, but now she listens to it, which is enough to prove that Lydia has indeed grown a lot after leaving Longbourn.

It may not be that she is smarter and sharper than before, but even if she doesn't like her sister, Mary has to admit that Lydia has been doing well since she went to Pemberley Manor to attend the wedding of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

This is a good thing.

Thinking of this, Mary was relieved a lot.

"Don't worry about me and Mr. Holmes," so Mary comforted Irene, "If you have the heart, let Lydia chat with you more, and don't go out in London alone, how lonely it is to live in those days."

Irene closed her eyes, her expression looked extremely sad, but she smiled because of Mary's kindness.

"Thank you," Erin said, "but this kind of loneliness is not bad. It's been a long time since I've had the feeling of being alone without having to fight with others in social situations or with my lover who is always angry."

Mary froze when she heard the second half of the sentence: "He didn't use violence against you, did he?"

Eileen naturally understood what Mary was worried about.

"Don't worry," she said, "he is very good to me. No one in the world cares about me and loves me more than him. He will not hurt others... at least for the time being."

In fact, Mary wanted to ask Irene if such a sacrifice was worth it.

Not to question the power of love, or to assume that her actions are blind.It's just that Mary feels... It's a bit unrealistic to find a solution to mental illness in the nineteenth century.

In the 21st century, the most incurable diseases still come from diseases of the human brain.Not to mention that the causes of mental illness are far more than physical, as well as spiritual.

According to the medical conditions of the Victorian era, even if the rumors exaggerated the efficacy of the devil's heel, Mary did not think that using it could completely heal Irene's lover.

Even if the Illuminati's improved earth recipe can cure hysteria, what if Irene's lover suffers from other diseases such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder?

She was very affectionate, and Mary could understand.But Irene is fighting a war that is almost impossible to win.

"...I'll do my best."

But Mary didn't talk about her worries.

Ms. Irene Adler was gentle and forgiving, but that didn't mean she was a weak girl.What Mary can think of, she naturally knows better than Mary.

Instead of giving useless persuasion, it is better to do something practical.

"At yesterday's dinner," said Mary, "the detectives identified three persons who were likely members of the Illuminati, Judge Boris Nolan, MP Harry Holman, and a It's a priest, Joel Johnson's name. They're all big names in London, especially Boris Nolan, he's famous."

"A judge."

Irene thought for a while, and then said: "Two temples with white hair, like black clothes, very solemn appearance, a judge in his 50s, isn't he?"

Mary was a little surprised: "You know him?"

Eileen: "He's been to the Paris Opera and is a connoisseur of good taste. Few sopranos have the kind of approval he has."

Mary: "You must be one of the few."

Erin: "It's my honor. I just didn't expect...he might be a member of the Illuminati."

Neither did Mary.Although these great men were far away from Mary's life, she knew no judges, but Sir Blackwood.

Regardless of the identity of the suspect, Sir Blackwood was handsome and tall, with a solemn expression that always revealed a decisive masculinity.But he is not an autocratic male chauvinist. On the contrary, he is very careful when getting along with Mary, listening carefully to her speech and taking care of her emotions.

No one would take offense to such a gentleman.If the members of the Illuminati are all decent people like knights and judges, then... Mary feels even more terrifying.

Especially thinking of the triangular frame and the strange "altar" that I have seen many times.

The underground water channel found near Sir Blackwood's mansion is engraved with a triangular frame of the Illuminati, but like the pattern painted in the center of the altar hall, there is no eye described by Irene.

Is it because Irene misremembered the pattern, or is there another mystery.

Missing eyes...

Mary always felt that she had some inspiration in the haze, but she couldn't grasp the truth vaguely.

"What?" Eileen asked concerned.

"It's nothing." It's better not to let Irene know about these things, "it's just that there are too few clues at present, and there seems to be no other breakthroughs other than taking personal risks."

"Other aspects?"

"For example, the show's feet exposed by the person involved."

It is too dangerous to go into the underground waterway to investigate directly without any information, but besides visiting the scene in person, the only way to get clues is to get words from members of the Illuminati organization.

"I'm afraid I'll have to spend more time with Sir Blackwood," she said.

"Then," Erin said, "maybe I can help too."

"you?"

By the way, since she knew the judge, this was indeed a good opportunity to get close to members of the Illuminati.but--

"But," Mary frowned, "you and I have agreed to keep a low profile in London!"

"If there is no other way, I will naturally contribute."

"No."

After thinking about it, Mary felt that she hadn't reached that point yet: "What if something happens to you? You're just an ordinary girl."

Irene smiled: "Aren't you an ordinary girl, Mary?"

Mary: "That's different."

Although it must be said that there is actually no difference between the two.Irene is slim and weak, and she looks like an artist who can't lift her hands or shoulders.And Mary was no better off.

Fortunately, Irene just laughed and didn't continue to argue with Mary.She just looked at Mary up and down for a while, and suddenly asked, "Did you learn your case-solving skills from Sherlock Holmes, or did you learn it yourself?"

Where does she have any "skills for solving cases"?

Mary felt that she was helping Mr. Holmes at best.The two cases without Mr. Holmes' participation, one is the rural theft which is full of flaws but failed to commit the crime, and the other is the passionate homicide which is full of clues and the situation is clear. Even if Mary is not involved, the local sheriff and the police will solve everything.

Even if the Philip Luther created by Mary can stand up to the ruthless serial killer, it doesn't mean that she can compete with the Luther detective.

"I try my best to match the detective," Mary said honestly, "Although there is a big gap between me and him before, there is motivation when there is pressure."

"That's good."

Eileen seems to be very relieved: "The relationship that can move forward together can last for a long time."

Mary: "..."

Wait a moment.

She blinked her eyes, looked at Irene for a moment, and then her cheeks gradually warmed up unconsciously: "That, that, Irene, you seem to have misunderstood my relationship with Mr. Holmes, and he and I are not—"

"Not lovers."

Irene laughed and said, "But if you say you have no feelings for him, you're just deceiving yourself, Mary."

Mary: "..."

"this is nothing."

Mary, whose thoughts were exposed, blushed to the point of explosion, but Irene patted the back of her hand in relief: "I don't know what the atmosphere is like in London, but in Paris, young girls have a crush on a gentleman, and everyone will encourage her to take the initiative. I did. Mr. Holmes is a warm-hearted, righteous man, and I should be surprised if you don't like him."

Ok.

The famous soprano singer has never seen any troubles?In Irene's eyes, Mary's little thoughts are just child's play.

She rubbed her face: "That's right. Mr. Holmes is smart and sensitive, with profound knowledge and strong action. Although he has a presumptuous personality, he doesn't care about social etiquette. But in my opinion, this is an advantage."

Before crossing over, Sherlock Holmes was Mary's male god.Originally, she just wanted to meet a real person, or even see the house number of 221b Baker Street with her own eyes.

Getting to know Mr. Holmes was already an unexpected surprise. Mary didn't think about anything else at first, she just thought it was her honor to help him solve the case.But they didn't expect that the theft case was not a theft case on the surface, and the economic case was far from a simple economic case.

When Sherlock Holmes held out his right hand to bid him farewell in London, everything seemed different.

"It's just that Mr. Holmes is not a person who sticks to the love of his sons and daughters," Mary said tactfully, "I thought it would be great to be a friend and learn from him, but... people are greedy."

"You are right, people are greedy."

Irene continued Mary's words: "If you want to change to another girl, I will definitely persuade her to give up. Mr. Holmes is indeed not a man who can be measured by ordinary standards. But Mary, don't underestimate yourself."

"I see what you mean." Mary nodded.

She's not the kind of silly girl who lowers her profile when she's in love.If she is still in the state of a fan girl, it is okay to tolerate the actions of the male god unconditionally, but if she admires him, Mary's request is more straightforward.

Standing at the same height as her sweetheart, mutual respect, understanding, and equal love is the ideal love in Mary's mind.

However, seeing Mary's serious and determined expression, Irene shook her head slowly.

"You don't understand," she said.

"Hey?"

"I know where you're going, Mary," Irene explained with a smile. "When I say don't underestimate yourself, I'm not teaching you how to love someone, Mary, but I don't think Mr. Holmes has no feelings for you. "

"Varied--"

Mary's eyes widened, and she said almost without thinking, "How is it possible, I think so too, but Mr. Holmes is not such an emotional person."

Besides, how could she win the favor of detectives?

Mary knew that Sherlock Holmes respected her, and could not say enough to appreciate her—otherwise, the detective would not accept her help, and she would assist in the investigation.

But when it comes to feelings... It's not that Mary underestimates herself, it's because she thinks it's unlikely.

"I don't know what the detective thinks," Irene said unhurriedly, "but what I just said to Lydia is also suitable for you."

The gentle singer tapped Mary's forehead teasingly.

"You are a human being, a lady is a human being, and Sherlock Holmes is also a human being," she said earnestly. "So think of it, Mary, if you can't get the detective's sincerity, who else can?"

After leaving Ms. Irene Adler's apartment, Mary was still thinking about this sentence.

It's not that she doesn't understand Irene's intention in saying this.A kind singer just hopes that she can face herself. Every girl hopes that she is the most unique one in the eyes of her sweetheart, crowding out all rivals and competitors, and monopolizing attention and respect.

In this regard, Mary can be said to be uniquely blessed.

Although in her eyes Sherlock Holmes is wise, gentleman, broad-minded and sincere, he has no shortcomings except that he is informal in life and a workaholic.But for the girls of this era, a detective does not have a wealth of wealth, nor does he have a pleasing personality-let alone a pleasing personality, it is already very rare for him not to sarcasm or disapprove, okay?

In the Victorian era, Sherlock Holmes was indeed an eccentric man.

But not for Mary.

On the contrary, not only did she find the detective's out-of-the-time vision and wisdom fascinating, but she herself was not a proper nineteenth-century lady.

From this point of view, Irene's encouragement is indeed sincere.

Everyone thought they were a good fit, so maybe Ms. Adler was right!

Mary was in a good mood immediately, and she came back from her contemplation, just in time to meet Lydia's incomparably complicated eyes.

"What are you doing?" Mary was puzzled.

Irene didn't shy away from Lydia just now, the youngest daughter of the Bennet family looked a little surprised: "You really like that detective?"

Mary: "..."

She felt that the whole world knew that she liked Mr. Holmes, did Lydia find out!

"Don't look at me like that," Lydia said angrily, "I know you like smart people, and you also like these cases, reasoning, and other things. It's just that I didn't expect you to really like him."

Mary raised her eyebrows: "What's the problem?"

Lydia: "No problem, I feel fine."

Mary was momentarily at a loss for words.

Lydia's words were blunt, she thought that her little sister would go on as usual, dismissing Mary's choices and hobbies.

But the usual provocative words turned a corner at a critical point, which Mary did not expect.

"Anyway, you usually think differently from others," Lydia said awkwardly. "I think Detective Holmes thinks differently from others. Isn't that great?"

It turned out that in the eyes of others, she and Mr. Holmes were like this.

It's nothing.

Just like what Erin and Lydia said, isn't it good?

The two ladies around her spoke kind words one after another, which put Mary in a good mood.She happily returned to the apartment, and as soon as she opened the door, she heard Catherine standing on the stairs and complaining loudly: "You two are too good! Editor-in-Chief Hall sent a lot of letters, and I can't finish sorting them out. You two Also go to Miss Irene's house to chat as a guest!"

Ah, reader letters!

Mary's eyes lit up immediately.

According to the usual time, the new month's "Seaside Magazine" is about to go to press.The story of "The King of Carnival" just started last month, and Mary felt that there should be a lot of letters.

She hurried up the stairs and helped Catherine carry the parcel into the study.

"It's letters and papers," Catherine said angrily. "If this goes on, you'll have to pay me!"

"Okay."

Mary replied with a smile: "You pay me the rent first."

Catherine: "Ugh."

Jokes aside, Catherine actually likes to help Mary.Some readers' feedback and comments were penetrating, and Catherine was amazed that she could think so, which was almost as interesting as Mary's serialization.

As for sorting out the documents of the two retired detectives, it is even more valuable. Can the created case be more meaningful than the real case?

For several days, Catherine turned over the papers that the two old gentlemen had sorted out, thinking about the idea of ​​Mary's next story.

"The second issue of "The King of Carnival" is about to be published," Catherine asked with concern, "Mary, do you have any new inspiration?"

"not yet."

Mary answered honestly: "I want to write a story about a fraud case. The protagonists of the first two cases are men. I want to write a female character."

"Female scammer?"

Catherine immediately became excited: "Why is there no idea? I really can't think of an idea. It's okay to refer to real people and real events like "The King of Carnival"!"

In fact, "Serial Killer Chess Game" also refers to real people and real events, but you don't know it.

But the real scammer, Mary is a little bit in trouble, if it is enough to support a story... and so on.

Her thoughts suddenly stopped.

"I have an idea!" said Mary.

The author has something to say: Mary: The whole world thinks that I am with the detective, why don't I come and perform a fake show for everyone to make the fake come true, hehe.