[Hattie's silence only gets stranger by the second to Warsman: before now it was hard for him to imagine a space occupied by her that wasn't also dominated by her conversation. The fact that she can't even work up a greeting is evidence enough of the burden she's carrying.
But his own insights are informed by their conversation on the way here, and Eponine isn't privy to what's been said already. It's no surprise that she takes things the wrong way, even if it does make him feel awful on Hattie's behalf. That said, his thoughts are dragged away from the matter the second he feels Eponine twitch under his touch- he jerks his hand back quickly, silently berating himself for not being more careful before he answers her question. It feels so strange to be the go-between for once. He's used to being in the middle of rivalries, but not quite like this before.
Hoping Hattie doesn't take it as a sign of rudeness, he drops his own voice to match.] Not at all. I think she's just been worrying about you a lot, Miss Eponine. [Back to "miss" now that the initial wave of relief has passed.
He doesn't want to speak for her, anyway, and so he quickly glances up and speaking normally again. Maybe having a prop will help her find her voice.] Miss Hattie? The flowers...?
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But his own insights are informed by their conversation on the way here, and Eponine isn't privy to what's been said already. It's no surprise that she takes things the wrong way, even if it does make him feel awful on Hattie's behalf. That said, his thoughts are dragged away from the matter the second he feels Eponine twitch under his touch- he jerks his hand back quickly, silently berating himself for not being more careful before he answers her question. It feels so strange to be the go-between for once. He's used to being in the middle of rivalries, but not quite like this before.
Hoping Hattie doesn't take it as a sign of rudeness, he drops his own voice to match.] Not at all. I think she's just been worrying about you a lot, Miss Eponine. [Back to "miss" now that the initial wave of relief has passed.
He doesn't want to speak for her, anyway, and so he quickly glances up and speaking normally again. Maybe having a prop will help her find her voice.] Miss Hattie? The flowers...?