Page 58 of The Language of Love

“What I mean is that she doesn’t believe it is a good decision for women.”

“Why not?”

“Because women become the property of men once they marry.”

Rather than scoff, as she’d thought he’d do, he was silent.

“What are you thinking?” she asked.

“I’m thinking about what your friend believes.”

“I suppose you think it is bosh?”

“No, I think she has a good point. Unfortunately, if women aren’t the property of their husbands, they are usually at the mercy of their male relatives.”

Annis couldn’t argue with that.

“Where does she work now?” he asked.

“She has not been fortunate enough to find another teaching position. Since the school closed, she’s lived with her brother and his family in Cornwall.” Annis sighed. “So yes, she is dependent on a man, after all.” And Lorie hated it.

“You are not,” Henry said. “You could leave your uncle’s home any time you wished, could you not?”

“Yes, I could.” It wasn’t strictly a lie, but it certainly wasn’t the truth.

“You sound and look so grim at the thought, Annis. Was life with your grandmother really so terrible?”

“Oh, not at all. And I didn’t mean to look grim,” she added. “It’s just that it makes me sad to think about her because I miss her so much.”

“I’m surprised you don’t live with Lady Sedgwick if she has two empty rooms in her house.”

“I cannot afford to share the upkeep of the house.”

If Annis had known two years ago that she would meet Leech and throw away both her and her grandmother’s futures, she would have swallowed her pride and moved in with Freddie, even if it meant that she’d have been living off her friend.

Annis felt a suspicious burning sensation behind her eyes. She needed to change the subject before she sobbed and confessed the muddle she’d made of her life. Annis could just imagine his reaction. He had probably gone into hiding to avoid fortune hunting females, only to discover one right beside him.

She shivered at the thought.

“Are you cold?”

“No, just a goose walking over my grave.”

“Ah, an interesting saying. We used to say that meant you had an important secret.”

“Really?” Annis had no desire to talk about her secrets, important or otherwise. “I’ve never heard that interpretation. Tell me about this place we are visiting today. Where did you meet the owner?”

“At one of the interminable balls or parties I’ve attended these past weeks.”

Annis smiled. “It sounds like you dislike the Season, Henry.”

“I despise it.”

The leashed loathing in his voice startled her. “Why do you do it? Surely his lordship doesn’t force you?”

“No, he doesn’t force me. But I feel like I should accompany him.”

“You worry about him, don’t you?”