( if he had known his praises about newcastle would be met with disinterest, he should've discussed his brief but uneventful visit to derbyshire, a trip marred by storms and chill. or he should've chronicled only the terrible characteristics of newcastle, such as the windy climate and poor waste disposal. yes, yes, that may have been met with better reception. an awkward silence stretches before them; atticus almost revels in it. if he says something else that elicits a similar reaction, they may think twice before requesting his presence. perhaps he'll be able to spend three days in his room, hardly interrupted.

his brows draw together tightly, a line appearing between them as if to stop them from merging. ) Yes? ( he clears his throat, baritone voice crisper now. ) Yes, yes to both. ( he pushes a potato around his plate like a sled through snow. ) If you are interested in Italy, I suggest Ultime Lettere di Jacopo Ortis or The Last Letters of Jacopo Ortis by Ugo Foscolo for further study. ( atticus doesn't speak italian; however, he speaks latin which allows him to give the impression that he speaks italian.

mr. bennet speaks up, "in her last letter, lizzie described reading a travel book about rome from an mr. bernard stirling. 'seven hills' or something. perhaps that should also supplement your study, child. wouldn't you say, mr. cartwright?"

atticus keeps his gaze down at his plate when he responds. ) I wouldn't know, Mr. Bennet, as I haven't read the book. I am prudent with my inclination to agree to someone's statements until I can verify them.