The others had long deserted the hall after making sure the table was set. Only Brightfin remained, seating at one of the tables by the hall's extreme, dining all by herself.
"I thought I answered that." Rochester picked up his wine cup, aiming for a sip. "I intend to make it up to you."
"Is that it? Or it's because I pressured you to do it."
Cough* Rochester choked on his drink a little. "Do you think you can successfully coerce me in my own house?"
"'Coerce?"'
"Yes, Little girl. I call the shots on this Estate," Rochester said, pushing his exposed hairy chest outward. "In here, nobody can force me to do anything!"
"O—kay." Louisa blinked back her fright, sipping her redberry juice.
"I hope you are enjoying your meal right now?"
"Eh, yes. Why?" Louisa blushed. "You are so kind."
