i don't see it as miscomm7nication really. She would reject him whether she has feelings for him ir not, and he knows she will reject him too (but doesn't know why, so thinks she doesn't like him romantically). They can't really communicate right now as Dalton is just a new acquaintance and practically a stranger still for pouring all that family secret on, and without those secrets out of the way, no way they can communicate in any meaningful way. ╥﹏╥
I think it's moreso Laura's doubt in herself and belief that Mr. Dalton wouldn't actually ever be interested in someone like her. they're so in love with each other yet neither of them know </3
me. dalton needs to be more assertive because this miscommunication is NOT IT