Edward listened expression thoughtful even if most of what she said was lost upon him. He did not keep up with the local gossip and even if he did, he wouldn't have cared much about it. He had never been one to let himself be overly concerned with the opinions of other people. He often felt that those who gossiped too freely did more to reflect their own poor behaviour than others.

"I would not say that I understand what you are going through."

He said slowly after she finished speaking, he measured his words slowly, carefully not wanting to rush to any judgment.

"But I would say that in this Manor the gossip of the town holds very little sway. I cannot, rightly, tell you what would be best for you and young Jacob. But you will both always have a home here should you need it."