Noticing that she had stepped on the wrong toe, Simon chose his next words carefully. "She should not give up simply because her first arrangement failed."
Lady Sophia sighed. "We have had this conversation."
"And I still believe it."
She shook her head. "She does not."
"She may change her mind if you persuade her well enough," he tried to prove a point to the woman before him who appeared disinclined to pay attention.
"I do not think she will."
Simon frowned, saying, "She cannot simply decide that marriage is no longer an option."
Lady Sophia looked at him. As much as she disliked the opinion, she knew this wasn't within her capacity any longer. "She can."
His jaw tightened.
Lady Sophia spoke with remarkable calmness, saying, "She has been through enough. Besides, we have Francesca,"
"That is precisely why she should consider it."
"Why?"
