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[jarndyceheir]

Richard has had a rough couple of days. After finding out that the woman he loves might have a son, named after him, which may or may not be his, and the debacle that was Valetine's Day, Richard was thoroughly rattled, and perturbed at himself for being so

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[colored_gowns]

Arabella is only exploring, walking along the wall of books and running her finger along the spines. As she turns to inspect the other side of the library, she is surprised-- pleasantly so-- to see someone she has met before. "Mr Carstone! Good day."

[jarndyceheir]

He looks up, and the worry creasing his features smooths as he smiles at her. "Good day, Mrs. Strange. How have you been keeping?"

[colored_gowns]

She notes the worry before it dissipates, but a lady would never comment. "Very well, sir, I thank you. And you?"

[jarndyceheir]

"As well as can be expected, Madam, I suppose. Have you been settling in a bit?"

[colored_gowns]

"One can usually expected to be quite well, sir. If you don't mind my asking it, sir, has something happened?"

[jarndyceheir]

He colors, just slightly. "Oh. Nothing... nothing to be too worried about. I've simply not been quite myself, recently."

[colored_gowns]

"I am sorry to hear it." The blushing she politely ignores. "Have you managed to find a book of interest?"

[jarndyceheir]

"Well, I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking for. I figured that if I am to be stuck here, I might as well do something productive. Though none of the law books here seem to be applicable to my time."

[colored_gowns]

"You are a lawyer?"

[jarndyceheir]

"No, no. An amateur one, perhaps. I'm involved in a very longstanding suit at Chancery, and I've been attempting to better understand the law so that I may follow the case more closely."

[colored_gowns]

"How very admirable," she says with a sincere smile. "I think it so important for a gentleman to have an occupation."

[jarndyceheir]

Richard senses it would be best not to mention he's tried three or four of them.

"Well, I have found it best to try to involve myself in my own interests, rather than simply trusting to others to decide my fate for me. Or did, before I ended up here."

[colored_gowns]

"An equally admirable sentiment. One with which, I believe, many would agree." She smiles. "It is often simpler, is it not, when one does not rely on others too much?"

[jarndyceheir]

"Indeed. When it is possible. Though I do try not to shun help that is offered in good faith, when I may."

[colored_gowns]

"Certainly not," Arabella agrees. "That would be ungracious. Perhaps, sir, I may beg you to offer--" (with a smile) "--in good faith, of course-- help in selecting a book? I must confess that I am not an avid reader."

[jarndyceheir]

"Of course! I will do what I may, though I am not a very well-versed reader of fiction myself. However..." He moves a bit down the shelf, looking for a particular book. "Have you read the classics, Mrs. Strange?"