“Let us have tea, and then you will tell me how I can help you.”
~~~
“Thank you, Mrs Jamison.”
“Yes, madam.”
“Mrs Harrison… might I make an observation?”
“Yes.”
“My hearing is particularly acute. It accompanies the blindness, I imagine. I could hear your stomach growling fromthe other room. May I assume Mrs Jamison brought enough food for half a dozen stout men?”
“She did.”
“Eat… and then when you are ready to talk, I will be ready to listen. I only ask that you pour my tea and put it here on this table along with bread and cheese.”
“Milk and sugar… plenty of sugar.”
“You remember?”
“I may be terrible person, but I was a good hostess.”
“I am all astonishment! Now, eat!”
~~~
“Mrs Darcy, I must tell you my story.”
“Only as much as you wish to.”
“You are not curious?”
“I am, of course, but I do not pry.”
“I am asking for help. You have a right to ask.”
“And yet, I shall not. I can hear… may I tell you something, Mrs Harrison?”
“Of course!”
“I have a preternatural ability to read more into voices than anyone ever shows on their face. In your voice I hear pain, fear, and perhaps some contrition. Do I deceive myself?”
… …
“No.”
“Pray, continue your story.”
… …
“After my brother turned me out of Netherfield, I tried once again to contact Mr Darcy and he gave me the cut direct. I never believed he would do so, but he did.”
“I am sorry for that.”
“You should not be. I deserved it.”
“Perhaps—”
