Jack heard it or not: When they started discussing his marriage Jack had taken leave

[NewHopeR]

Based on the sentence (When they started discussing his marriage Jack had taken his leave), can you be sure that Jack heard the discussing (to get started) and thus he excused himself and left)?

Context:

When they started discussing his marriage Jack had taken his leave, and William escorted him back to the outer study.

 

[bhaisahab]

Based on the sentence (When they started discussing his marriage Jack had taken his leave), can you be sure that Jack heard the discussing (to get started) and thus he excused himself and left)?

Context:

When they started discussing his marriage Jack had taken his leave, and William escorted him back to the outer study.

Based on the use of the past perfect here, "When they started discussing his marriage Jack had taken his leave", Jack didn't hear the start of the discussion.

 

[NewHopeR]

Based on the use of the past perfect here, "When they started discussing his marriage Jack had taken his leave", Jack didn't hear the start of the discussion.

Exactly my thought!
Thank you.

 

[billmcd]

Exactly my thought!
Thank you.

Also, it might help if "already" is placed between "had taken".