[ It has taken her some time to understand his sense of humor and to not take his words so literally. The exaggerated facial expressions help. She has never had Elizabeth's quick wit, so while she would like to parry back a delightful joke, she cannot formulate one. ]

Oh, there is little adversity to be found in Meryton, sir. Only of the social kind, and I have stayed with my plan of disengaging from society so I have no tales of woe to report. My mother- [ She hesitates, then carries on. ] -she brings all sorts of news, but I confess I pay it all little attention.