“Such as?”
“You can ask any question you like. I can get away with anything, and that protection extends to you. Nobody knows how to adapt the rules of propriety for a woman who once freely traipsed all around the country, is known to everyone in the village, but is blind now. They know how to handle one who was always blind, or has blindness caused by injury, war wound, old age, fever, or serious illness; but my sight just gradually disappeared over a few months a couple of years ago with no real fuss. Except for not being able to see, I do not look the part. Nobody knows what to do with that.”
“And how does that apply to our earlier discussion?”
“I am the safest woman in the room for conversation by every measure. You are safe from both me and matchmaking mamas like mine because I am so obviously unsuitable for marriage. I would of course be completely unsuitable for a man of your circleeven with my sight; but without it, nobody could possibly think I have designs on you. Conversely, not even my mother would deign to interrupt the one man who would pay attention to me in a month, and even she would not drag you away to one of my more suitable sisters, as that would be too vulgar even for her. Therefore, you are safe from all enemies.”
“An extraordinary assertion, madam.”
“Go ahead, if you dare. Pick any woman in the room and make eye contact, and see if she does not look away.”
… … …
“Right as usual, Miss Elizabeth.”
“I thought so. I am impervious to impropriety. I could drag you into the library by your cravat—presuming I could find it—come back an hour later with my dress unbuttoned and my petticoat lost, and everyone would just assume it is another quirk of the sightless. If you say something untoward and I should happen to repeat it, everyone will assume my hearing or understanding is diminished by my blindness. I am not in the least missish, as I will eventually be a companion to someone’s ancient aunt, so I wish to have all the good conversation I may before that happens. Therefore, you are perfectly safe in my company.”
“I… I—”
“At least from everyone else.”
“Er—”
“Ask your question, Mr Darcy!”
“What did you gain when you lost your sight?”
… … …
… … …
… … …
“Have I flummoxed you, madam?”
“I am all astonishment!”
“Why?”
“That isnotone of the usual questions—”
“Such as?”
“How long have you been blind? Can you see anything at all? Why do you not cover your eyes? Why have your eyes not turned cloudy? Are you a witch? CAN YOU STILL HEAR? Oh, you poor dear, how will you ever catch a husband? What did youlosebesides your sight? Can you see anything at all… anything? Are you a witch? Are your sisters going blind too? How about your papa? How do you not bang into every tree in Hertfordshire? Is your hearing improved? Will I catch it if I talk to you? If you had children, would they be blind? Are you a spinster yet, and if not, how long until you buy the cap? Why do you still come to assemblies if you cannot even watch the dancing?”
“I take your meaning.”
“Nobody has ever asked that question.”
“Nobody?”
“Not a single soul!”
“They all assume it isonlya loss!”
“Exactly.”
“So, answer the question, if you dare.”
