one match made

[mis_match]

[accidental voice post]

Really, Father, you must let the children have some of the cake! It's a wedding! I'm sure they do not normally eat cake at home. Look at what fine, healthy young children they are.

[silence]

Father?

Father!

Mr. Weston!

Miss Taylor?

[A longer silence as Emma thinks.]

When did I fall asleep?

Comments

[misterblackbird]

Miss? Are you all right?

[misterblackbird]

That does seem a bit peculiar to me, but I do sympathise. There is something comforting about staying at home sometimes.

[mis_match]

Are you a great traveler yourself, Mr. Voice from the Black Box?

[misterblackbird]

I have a name, Madam. It's Cain Hargreaves. Lord Hargreaves, if you'd like to be really precise.

And I think I'm something of a traveler, yes.

[mis_match]

And how was I to know when you were not so kind as to give it, Lord Hargreaves?

My name is Emma Woodhouse.

[misterblackbird]

I do apologise. I was, perhaps, more concerned with your well-being upon finding yourself here.

It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Woodhouse.

[mis_match]

Such a gentlemanly excuse merits forgiveness, I'm sure.

How is it, Lord Hargreaves, that you've come to speak to me through this black box?

[misterblackbird]

I'm so pleased you think so.

This 'black box' is a device made for just such conversation. It's something like a conversation and something like a letter sent by post. I heard you, so I decided to answer you.

[mis_match]

How bizarre. And is it always to take me by surprise, or do I have some measure of control in what I communicate?

[misterblackbird]

Not at all. You need only learn a few of the details about it, but you'll soon have as much control over it as you might over any letters you send.

[mis_match]

How am I to learn these details?

[misterblackbird]

You might be able to puzzle them out for yourself. But I could teach you, if you'd like.

[mis_match]

That would be most kind of you.

[misterblackbird]

You're quite welcome, although I think you have a few other pressing matters to attend to.

Have you found anyone whom you know as yet? Have you found a place to stay for the moment?

[mis_match]

Why would anyone I know be here?

[misterblackbird]

Perhaps they came here before you. It isn't quite so impossible as it might sound. But I think that you must not have found anyone.