He did not relish the topic; he sensed in Jane Rochford's tone the peculiar cruelty of women. They fight with the poor weapons God has bestowed – spite, guile, skill in deceit – and it is likely that in conversations between themselves they trespass in places where a man would never trust his footing.
The character reflects on the unappealing nature of discussing certain topics, particularly when it comes to the nuances of women's interactions. He notices Jane Rochford's tone, which hints at a sinister aspect often found in women's rivalries. This suggests an underlying tension in their relationships that can be marked by sharpness and cruelty, spurred by the unique ways women communicate.
He believes that women, equipped with limited tools of confrontation, rely heavily on subterfuge and cunning. Their conversations may delve into areas of emotional conflict and mistrust that a man might avoid. This analysis reveals a dynamic where women's conflicts can often be more intricate and less straightforward than those typically seen among men.
