Lynsay Sands Quote

They say you are as blind as a bat, and too vain to wear spectacles, the voice beside her announced. Clarissa blinked in surprise. But if she was taken aback by his bluntness, she suspected she was no more so than the speaker himself. She heard a small gasp of breath as he finished, as if he’d just realized what he’d said. A quick glance to the side showed that he’d raised his hand as if to cover his mouth. I am sorry; I have obviously been too long out of society. I should never have— Oh, bother. Clarissa waved his apology away and sank back in her seat with a dejected sigh. ’Tis all right. I do know what people are saying. They seem to think that I am deaf as well as clumsy, for they do not worry about saying things in front of me—or at least behind their fans—loudly enough for me to hear. Making a face, she mimicked, ‘Oh look, there she is, poor thing—Clumsy Clarissa.’ I am sorry, her companion said quietly. Clarissa waved his words away again, only this time noting the way he dodged as if to avoid a blow to the head. Frowning, she clasped her hands and settled them in her lap, repeating, There is no need to apologize. At least you said it to my face. Yes, well… The man seemed to relax in his seat now that her hands weren’t waving wildly. Actually, it was more a question. I was wondering if you truly are? Clarissa smiled wryly. Ah, well, I am not quite as blind as a bat. I can see with spectacles. But my stepmother has taken them away. She threw a dry smile in the general direction of his blurry shape and then shrugged. Lydia seems to think that I will have more luck setting a fire in some suitable man’s heart without them. The only thing as yet that I have set fire to is Lord Prudhomme’s wig. Excuse me? the stranger asked with amazement. Prudhomme’s wig? Hmm. Clarissa leaned back in her chair and actually managed to chuckle at the memory. Yes. Though if you ask me, ’twas not wholly my fault. The man knew that I could not see without my spectacles. Why the deuce he asked me to move the candle closer is beyond me. Clarissa paused to squint in her companion’s general direction. He is bald as a cue ball without his wig, is he not? She thought the man nodded, though it was hard to say. He was emitting small choked sounds it took her a moment to identify. He was fighting desperately not to laugh! Go ahead, Clarissa said with a small smile. Laugh. I did. Though not right away.-Adrian & Clarissa