[Some assurance, eh? Distantly, a mental note is made to poke her nose somewhere it doesn't belong. Presently, Mrs. Fitcher continues to brush her hair.]
I suppose the good news is that were he to try anything untoward, you are in the rather rare position of possessing the upper hand in a case of his word versus yours. I'm sure we'd all be quite happy to believe yourself over a strange Rifter from out of the Fade.
But, [she adds, flashing smile; this is a casual discussion and need not be taken so seriously] I see no reason it should come to that. He sounds quite charming. Is there something in particular you might like him to do? In order to satisfy your hesitation.
[ Her expression twinges a little towards a frown before she carefully smooths it into something more placid, the only outward sign that she finds Mrs. Fitcher's claims unlikely. She takes the lighter topic, rather than pursue her fears and risk exposing more of her past. ]
I hardly know myself. I doubt he has any intention of marriage and I certainly wouldn't want it in any case. To continue as we have been for a while longer would be pleasant, but I would hate to lead him on.
Then I suppose the better question is would you care to get to know him - as a friend, perhaps -, or are your interests strictly in being complimented by someone who is complimentary?
You're most welcome. [She draws her feet up from the floor, shifting back into the bed in her dressing gown. It's an early hour, but the siren call of a nest of pillows and a warm quilt is difficult to resist.]
That said, were it me in your position— I might leave it as is for a few more weeks. Nothing wrong with allowing yourself to be silly for a time. I recall having a rather good time as a school girl.
[Fitcher shoots Ashey a sly grin as she slithers in under her blankets.]
[ The scandalized tone is only partially play, there's no especially good way to hide the way her cheeks flush. Instead she primly pats down her skirts and goes to pick up some of her darning. ]
I'm sure I have no idea what you mean. Shall I blow out the candle?
Only once you've finished with it. I'm perfectly content to sleep through a little light.
[Just as Fitcher is evidently quite happy to allow Ashey's pink cheeks escape without comment, that lecherous auntie turn of her mouth still firmly in place as she settles back into her pillows. Ah, to be young and infinitely silly.]
[ She's too well bred to scowl at that grin, which is more than enough reason to do it. Still she busies herself with picking up her mending. There'll be plenty of light still by the kitchen fire. ]
You've been quite ill, so better for you to get what rest you can. Good night, Mrs Fitcher. And... Thank you for your advice.
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[ All the movement is beginning to tax even Ashey's impressive stores of energy and she finally gives it up to flop down gracelessly on her own bed. ]
I blush like a fool every time, but I don't dislike it. And he isn't presumptuous.
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[ At the very least, she's relatively sure he won't lock her in an attic. Probably. ]
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I suppose the good news is that were he to try anything untoward, you are in the rather rare position of possessing the upper hand in a case of his word versus yours. I'm sure we'd all be quite happy to believe yourself over a strange Rifter from out of the Fade.
But, [she adds, flashing smile; this is a casual discussion and need not be taken so seriously] I see no reason it should come to that. He sounds quite charming. Is there something in particular you might like him to do? In order to satisfy your hesitation.
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I hardly know myself. I doubt he has any intention of marriage and I certainly wouldn't want it in any case. To continue as we have been for a while longer would be pleasant, but I would hate to lead him on.
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[That is a knowing sound.]
Then I suppose the better question is would you care to get to know him - as a friend, perhaps -, or are your interests strictly in being complimented by someone who is complimentary?
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[The brush is set pragmatically aside.]
But I'm afraid if you would like him to be a friend, then you must be square with him now. Best to set firm expectations from the start.
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[ There's a thread of humor in her voice. ]
But you're quite right. Thank you, Mrs. Fitcher. I feel like a school girl fussing like this.
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That said, were it me in your position— I might leave it as is for a few more weeks. Nothing wrong with allowing yourself to be silly for a time. I recall having a rather good time as a school girl.
[Fitcher shoots Ashey a sly grin as she slithers in under her blankets.]
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[ The scandalized tone is only partially play, there's no especially good way to hide the way her cheeks flush. Instead she primly pats down her skirts and goes to pick up some of her darning. ]
I'm sure I have no idea what you mean. Shall I blow out the candle?
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[Just as Fitcher is evidently quite happy to allow Ashey's pink cheeks escape without comment, that lecherous auntie turn of her mouth still firmly in place as she settles back into her pillows. Ah, to be young and infinitely silly.]
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You've been quite ill, so better for you to get what rest you can. Good night, Mrs Fitcher. And... Thank you for your advice.