"I'm sorry. I was too busy. I didn't have the time to write a reply. But I did read all your letters. I wanted to come see you each time but I had a lot of work to do."
Ferdinand was getting better and better at reasoning with Arabella too.
Just a few weeks ago he would just say the first thing that came to mind out of panic or nervousness; or, think for too long about what he should say and end up not saying it anyway.
Ferdinand was able to come up with an excuse instantly this time. It was half lie half truth the way Raymond does when explains things to her and could not divulge other parts.
He was indeed learning from Raymond. He even emphasized he missed her so she would not be angry and feel bad for him instead.
'But why is he here when he was supposed to come tomorrow?' Not that she was complaining.
Arabella learned the answer from Alwin's thoughts. Ferdinand was apparently eagerly awaiting for her letter three days ago, but he received none.