Jocelyn paused, completely taken aback by the tactlessness of her ignorance. She could not believe she had asked such a question! Surely the man must think she was pitifully ignorant now, it was surprising that he even wanted to continue speaking with her. She reminded herself to pay more attention to her husband when he spoke about such things. She may not find it particularly interesting but she was determined to no longer seem so ignorant. If she was going to converse with these Europeans, she should at least be knowledgable.
"I am so sorry sir, I did not know that Paris was in that state! I am so very sorry for the discomfort it might have caused to you to think--- Oh I am so sorry, sir, so very sorry!" She spoke hurriedly and brought her hands to her face, wanting to hide her face in embarassment. She did not, though. It would be terribly improper. "But why," she continued, after a pause, "would your family be in danger? You seem like a very respectable person, sir, and not the sort that deserves execution."
She took his arm gingerly, her silly question having knocked her off her element. "My husand," she replied "is a merchant for the East India Trading Company. For now, he has returned to England. I do not know when he will be leaving again."