For Ada (or...openish)

[jarndyceheir]

After talking to Ragnelle, Richard is finally going to stop hiding and go see Ada.

Not that he was hiding.

Just like he's not pacing around the main room, trying to decide exactly what he's going to say.

Of course not.

Comments

[dearcousin]

"Oh, Richard!" When she spies him, Ada rushes at once to his side. "Where have you been? I had begun to worry."

[jarndyceheir]

"Ada. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you." He offers a sheepish smile.

[dearcousin]

"Oh, no!" She smiles brightly, to show that everything is fine. "I am simply glad to see that you are well."

[jarndyceheir]

"You should not let me off so lightly." He offers his hands.

[dearcousin]

She takes them happily. "Whyever not? You have done no wrong."

[jarndyceheir]

"I must have worried you dreadfully."

[dearcousin]

"Only a little," she lies, smiling still.

[jarndyceheir]

He kisses her forehead. "Have you been well?"

[dearcousin]

"Oh, yes. I do hope it was not due to ill health that you stayed hidden away?"

[jarndyceheir]

"No, no. I just... I needed some time to think. But I should not have stayed away so long."

[dearcousin]

"But here you are now, and surely that is all that matters."

[jarndyceheir]

"You are too good to be believed. How have you been amusing yourself?"

[dearcousin]

"In no special way. Though it has started to grow sunny again, and I am glad of that. Perhaps we might walk in the gardens soon, if it stays fair," she offers shyly.

[jarndyceheir]

"I would be glad to do so. It is strange, to think I'm seeing my second spring in this place."

[dearcousin]

"It promises to be much finer than spring in London."

[jarndyceheir]

"Much greener, sure. More like Bleak House."