There are no secrets in the castle. Within half an hour, everyone knew the bad news. Robert’s heir was gone.
The servants work very hard every day, spinning back and forth like a top. There is no idle time at all. The only way to entertain themselves is to gossip about everything about their masters.
For example, right now, they are discussing the future ownership of the castle.
"Mr. James Crowley and Mr. Patrick are gone, so it's the young master's turn, right?"
Relying on his seniority, O'Brien is very willing to express wishful thinking:
"How is this possible? The young master is an adopted son, and he is of mixed race. He will never inherit the title. At most, he will receive part of the land and property."
Anna suddenly remembered the scene in the corridor, blushed again, and couldn't help but argue:
"But besides the young master, who else can have the right to inherit? He is so outstanding!"
Another maid said:
"Can't Miss Mary inherit?"
O'Brien sneered:
"What are you thinking, silly kid? Miss Mary is a woman, and women have no inheritance rights. This is stipulated by law."
While chatting, they went downstairs and met a strange man on crutches.
John Bates, the new footman at the castle.
...
After breakfast, Robert told his eldest daughter the news that was very unfortunate for him.
However, Mary didn't feel sad, or she felt sorry for what happened to her fiancé's family, but at the same time, it was a great blessing not to have to marry someone she had never met.
From now on, Robert has to reconsider the issue of heir. He has his own insistence, and his wife Cora also has her own ideas.
"Dear, have you really never considered letting Gao Lai inherit the family business?"
"There is no doubt that my wife, Gao is an outstanding child. He is fully capable of inheriting everything here, but unfortunately, he cannot inherit my title." Robert's eyes were filled with confusion.
"So, why do we insist on giving the title and property to the same person?"
"This is not what I insist on, it is stipulated in the limited inheritance law."
"Then overthrow it!" Cora is from the Ugly Country, and she and Robert got together through marriage.
It's just that compared to other families, the relationship they have gradually developed has made this family exceptionally harmonious.
Robert looked at his wife suspiciously and couldn't help but said:
"Strange, you had always insisted that Mary inherit the family property, why did you suddenly change your mind?"
"Because I know your bottom line, dear, you want a man to inherit the family business, not just the property, but also the title!
In this case, rather than handing over this family property to outsiders, it is better to hand it over to the children we know the most and trust most, at least he will not treat our three daughters badly."
I have to say that Cora’s words really hit the nail on the head and made Robert deep in thought.
"Think about it, my dear, if it doesn't work out, let Gao return to his family and marry Mary!"
Robert had to admire his wife's wisdom. If it works like this, it is indeed the most perfect solution.
But, will my best friend agree?
Suddenly he seemed to realize something and smiled bitterly:
"Perhaps we should ask Gao what he thinks first. This child has been sensible since he was a child. He is so sensible that it makes people feel distressed."
Cora smiled and said:
"Indeed, Gao is also an independent person. Go and talk to him. Anyway, there is still time."
At this time, Carson came along the trail:
"Sir, madam, the old Countess of Grantham is here. She is in the living room, waiting for the lady to pass."
Cora joked:
"Maybe I did something wrong again."
"Maybe she just wants to chat with you." Robert defended his mother.
"No, I know her better than you, okay, I'll go there first."
"In addition, sir, your new manservant has arrived." Carson spoke again.
"Okay, I understand."
Seeing that Carson hesitated to speak, Robert asked:
"What's wrong? Is there anything else?"
"With all due respect, Sir, I personally think he is not qualified for this job. Of course, the decision is in your hands, Sir."
...
In the study, Gao Bin stood in the center like a soldier, waiting to be inspected by Robert.
"Come here, my child, don't be nervous." Robert sat in front of the piano, wiping the silver flagon with a handkerchief. The flagon was so polished that it could even reflect his shadow.
"Father." Gao Bin stepped forward.
"You heard the bad news, right?"
"Yeah, I think the whole estate is talking about it."
"I called you here because I wanted to ask your opinion."
"My opinion?"
"Yes, your mother hopes that you can inherit all this, but you have to know that it is very difficult." Robert said frankly.
Gao Bin was slightly stunned. He hadn't figured out how to fight for the inheritance rights with Robert yet. He didn't expect Cora to make this suggestion first.
"I follow my father's arrangements." Gao Bin said respectfully.
"I want to hear the truth."
"This is the truth, father, you know my character. As long as it is good for this family, I am willing to give everything."
Robert turned around and raised his hand to press on his shoulder:
"You are always so sensible, but there is no need to do so. You are the eldest son of the Crowley family. Even if you cannot inherit the title, you should still have a share of the property!"
Gao Bin made an action that was not in line with the interests of the nobles and shrugged frivolously:
"Father, rules are rules and no one can break them. However, for me, home is a goal that I must protect throughout my life, so I am willing to make any effort!"
Robert understood his promise and didn't care about the slightly rude action just now:
"I understand, so from now on, I hope you can help me take care of my family business."
"As you wish my father."
"Well, let's go first. Moli will come from London for the memorial service in a few days, and we will have a chat then."
"No problem."
As soon as Gao Bin stepped out of the study, he saw Mary blocking him outside. It seemed that she had been waiting for him for a while.
"Looking for father?"
"Looking for you."
Gao Bin didn't know what happened to her, so he looked outside:
"The sun is nice, let's go for a walk?"
"Okay."
The two came outside and walked along the shade of the trees.
"Tell me, what happened?"
"The Patrick thing."
"I'm so sorry, Mary."
"No, although I am also very sorry, it is not a bad thing for me. When I think of marrying someone I have never met, I can't help but feel sad. I am fine now."
Gao Bin laughed:
"Don't let father hear this."
"I'm not an idiot, so of course I won't tell him, but if this happens, the inheritance rights will change again."
"Yes, my father just talked to me."
"He hopes you can inherit?"
"How is that possible? Mary, you and I are not biological siblings."
"But leaving everything here to you is the best choice, isn't it?" Mary suddenly turned to Gao Bin and stared at him.
"Who told you something?" Gao Bin frowned slightly.
"No, I just heard the conversation between my mother and my grandmother."
"What did they say?"
"Grandma wants me to inherit all this, and would rather lose my title. My mother wants us to get married and inherit the property, but either way, we will lose our title."
The title can only be inherited by men. This is a rule and no one can change it.
But property is not certain, you can find ways to overturn it!
However, Mary’s thoughts were different from theirs:
"The title is the honor of the family, we cannot lose it!"
"What do you mean?"
"I hope you can inherit the title."
Gao Bin really didn't expect Mary to support him.
"Why? What's in it for you?"
"Why does it have to be beneficial?"
"Mary, don't try to deceive me, you know I won't believe it."
Mary was silent for a moment, turned around, took Gao Bin's arm and continued walking forward:
"I don't want to get married, I want to stay here. If you can inherit everything here, I hope you can stand by my side. When I find someone I love, I can stay in the manor with him."
Gao Bin heard the sincerity in her words and couldn't help but nodded:
"If this is the reason, I believe it."
"So you agreed?"
"Why not? But you have to know that it doesn't matter what I say. My father just agreed to let me participate in family affairs, which is a good start."
"I will help you." Mary solemnly promised.
"Haha, do you think mother and grandmother will be watching us from a certain room?"
Mary turned her head subconsciously, but she was too far away and couldn't see anything.
"Maybe, it doesn't matter."
"Aren't you afraid of misunderstanding?"
"What's the misunderstanding?"
"I misunderstood our relationship. After all, we are brothers and sisters in name. It would be a mess if we got together..."
Mary patted him:
"When did you become so outspoken?"
"Haha, okay, just pretend I didn't say it."
...
After returning to the castle, they exchanged glances with each other and then separated. Gao Bin did not go back to the room, but went to the study room and decided to find some history books to supplement his knowledge.
On the way, I saw Thomas, the first male servant who looked somewhat similar to him.
Originally he had hoped to serve Robert, but his job was taken away by John Bates, and he is now depressed.
"Master." He stopped and greeted.
"Thomas, please tell William to prepare the carriage for me. I want to go for a walk in the town after lunch."
"Okay, young master."
Seeing Thomas hesitate to speak, Gao Bin asked:
"Anything else?"
"Master, can I talk to you?" Thomas hesitated.
Gao Bin knew that he was a scheming female watcher, but he did not reject him. He just found a room and pushed the door in:
"Say it."
"Master, I wonder if I can do the job of your valet?"
"You will be my manservant? Why?"
"The new John Bates took away my job. Obviously, the manor does not need so many servants. I will be unemployed soon. You know how much I need this job."
The fact that Thomas can say these words shows that he is not a simple person.
"But in this case, William will lose his job."
"William is a good servant, but that's not enough!" Thomas continued.
"Oh?"
"He is too stupid. I don't mean to belittle him, but he is just not worthy of your status, my young master."
"Are you smart?"
"At least I'm willing to do anything for you, Master, and I mean anything."
Gao Bin shuddered, suddenly remembering that this boy had the potential to be gay, and his spine felt hairy.
He quickly stood up and walked out without looking back:
"I'll pretend I've never heard of this. I'm very satisfied with William's work."
Thomas didn't know why Gao Bin's attitude changed so quickly.
But he will not give up, this job is everything to him.
He originally wanted to go to the study and read a book, but Thomas disturbed him and completely lost his mood. He planned to go back to his room to rest for a while and then go to town for a stroll in the afternoon. He wanted to know the difference between Britain in this era and later generations.
...
In the afternoon, Gao Bin got on the carriage driven by William. In fact, there were cars in the castle, but this traditional way of traveling was more in line with Gao Bin's mood at this time, which was curiosity!
He is very curious about everything of this era.
The noise made by the wheels of the car on the stone road broke the tranquility of the town. There were not many pedestrians on the road, and most people were busy in the fields.
This town is also the territory of the castle, and theoretically, these villagers are also the Earl's subjects.
Passing by the church is the center of the town, where basically all shops, bars, and telegraph offices are concentrated.
The flow of people increased, but it did not hinder the speed of the carriage. Everyone took the initiative to get out of the main road. After all, the earl totem printed on the carriage was no joke.
Seeing a jewelry store, Gao Bin shouted to stop, and William immediately grabbed the reins.
"Master?"
"I'll go down and take a walk. You go find a place to wait for me in front."
"It's the young master."
Compared to the cunning Thomas, William is an obedient and good boy.
Gao Bin put on his suit, put on a top hat, opened the door and entered the jewelry store. After all, he had lived here for 20 years, and everyone in the town knew him:
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"Master, welcome."
"Thank you, do you have anything new here?"
The jewelry inside the counter is clearly visible, most of which are pearl jewelry.
After all, this is a store for ordinary people. Ordinary people cannot afford jewelry that is too expensive, and it is a waste to display it.
Today's Britain is in the Edwardian era. When Edward VII was still a prince, he lived a luxurious life and liked to have fun. After becoming king, he continued to maintain his original style and spent a lot of time on social activities.
Therefore, jewelry has become an essential part of the lives of the wealthy upper class.
There was a time when machine-made jewelry was very popular, but by the end of the 19th century, people began to oppose this product of industrialization, thus triggering new changes.
By the Edwardian era, jewelry was known for its "feminine charm" and was very elegant, delicate and luxurious.
One of the most striking features is the extensive use of bows, garlands, ribbons, tassels, lace and other elements.
Therefore, most of the jewelry Gao Bin saw at the counter contained the above elements.
When the store owner heard Gao Bin's words, he immediately put down the pen in his hand, leaned over and took out the jewelry box from under the counter, and opened it gently:
"Master, look at this."
This is a complete set of jewelry, including headbands, chokers, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc.
It uses white as the main color, uses a lot of platinum as the base, and diamonds, pearls and other materials, and incorporates the butterfly shape design, which looks very light and graceful.
"How to sell this set?"
"Dear young master, this set of jewelry is worth 20 pounds,"
Gao Bin did not bargain with him. The pound was still very valuable during this period. 20 pounds was almost the annual income of a low-level servant.
"Wrap it up for me, thank you."
"Of course, my respected young master."
The store owner was beaming. This was a huge sum of money. In fact, I bought this set of jewelry just to try my luck at the castle.
There are very few goods in this era, especially in a rural town like this. If you are in London, it may be worth a visit.
After walking around, I found William and took the carriage back to the castle.
He hid the jewelry in the closet in his room, hesitated for a moment, took out one of the butterfly-shaped pearl brooches and put it in his pocket, then closed the closet door.
The ladies were enjoying afternoon tea. Gao Bin did not participate. He ordered a cup of coffee and ran to the study to read.
Robert is not here. He has gone somewhere. He probably won’t be back for a while. He is alone in the huge study.
After watching it for half an hour, Gao Bin felt a little thirsty, so he got up and pulled the bell. Soon, there was a knock on the study door.
"Come in."
"Master, what are your orders?" Anna came in.
"Huh? Where are Carson and the others?"
"Mr. Carson was in the wine cellar selecting today's table wine. William and Thomas took leave."
Anna quickly explained why she appeared in the study.
There are many rules in the castle, and the maid cannot appear in the room where the master often stays at will.
"I'm a little thirsty. Can you prepare something to drink for me? Thank you."
"Of course, what would you like to drink? Water? Juice? Coffee? Or tea?"
"Juice bar."
"Okay, I'll come right away."
Anna turned around to get ready, but Gao Bin stopped her, then got up and walked to the door, closing the door.
This move frightened Anna, and she straightened her body upright, like a flagpole.
"Don't be nervous. I'll give you a small gift. Promise me not to let anyone else know."
At the same time, he took out the butterfly brooch from his pocket:
"Here you go~"
Anna's face looked like a movie special effect, with the pink color starting from her neck and spreading upwards little by little.
"This, young master, what are you..."
"Haha, did you forget what I said this morning? You are very beautiful today. Such a beautiful woman must have beautiful jewelry to match. I just went out to buy it and give it to you. I hope you like it, but you know there are many rules here.
, so can it be kept secret?"
Gao Bin's gentle voice almost made Anna forget to breathe. While her heart was beating wildly, her hands were entangled together. God knows how nervous she was at this time.
"This, no, young master, I can't just accept your things."
"What did you call me?" Gao Bin suddenly asked.
"Young Master?" Anna said blankly.
"Then do you want to obey my orders?"
"Yes~"
"Then I order you to accept it." Gao Bin directly took Anna's hand and placed the brooch in her palm.
"Remember, this is a secret between the two of us." Gao Bin blinked and touched her hot face with his big hand. It was not a frivolous tease, but a loving touch.
Although it was separated at the touch of a touch, Anna felt like her head was exploding. She was dizzy, and her feet seemed to have lost their point of strength, and her body swayed and was on the verge of falling.