Bella wrote it down slowly, her tongue caught between her teeth in concentration. He could almost hear Livia's voice arguing with him. If she does not understand, why should she pretend she only failed to hear?
His mouth curved faintly. "It shows that you are not quite versatile with the language," Henry said, tapping the parchment lightly, "but willing to make an effort. Je ne comprends pas simply tells the listener you are done with that conversation."
"Hmmm," Bella hummed, scribbling quickly as Henry returned to scanning the notes.
He forced himself to read properly. She was good. He would give Livia that credit. Her spelling was careful. Her translations were simple enough for Bella to grasp without drowning in grammar. She had chosen phrases that could be used immediately: greetings, polite requests, courtesies.
