[He shoots her a sharp look, somewhat surprised by her reaction; he hadn't imagined she'd take it quite as seriously as it seemed she had. But then, he supposes, she doesn't know him enough to assume he deserved it or that he was embellishing facts.

He lifts his chin, regarding her before continuing quite cheerfully as if he hadn't heard her.]

I'd always imagined Jem would come to my aid should the women of the house decide to gang up against me, but it turned out he was of the opinion I utterly deserved it and left me to it. Henry, of course, hadn't realised anything unusual had occurred.