'we could', she admitted, her tone a little hesitant, 'But Maggie and I both agree that it would break Papa's heart if we dud ut any way other than when we get married.' she explained, it had seemed logical to both girls, after all, all fathers expect their daughters will eventually change their names when they join the family of another. she and Maggie had both said that if when papa died they were not married they would then change their names so they would be able to be independant, even if they were spinsters. It was a bit odd saying all of this to Handsome, mentioning marriage to someone with whom you shared some sort of romantic connection seemed very strange.

'I think Grandpa took the idea that the sons were BAckus in a way that Maggie and I would never be.' she shrugged, 'or perhaps because he was estranged to a daughter he thought to replace mama with Maggie and I?' she wasnt entirely sure, and while she was sure her brothers were a little hurt, especially Herb, who was a second son and who would inherit nothing but his wits.

'I dont know what I shall do really,' she added turning the letter over and over in her hands, 'but I shall have clothing and an allowance while I am in school, and money for a debut, and all sorts' she explained to him, her smile picking up at the thought, 'and then whatever comes I shall be comfortable, and Maggie shall have her own business!'