Day by day Rosie wondered how much longer she could take before her patience snapped. The marriage was not something she wanted. There were plenty of other men who would have made much better husbands. But who she really wanted was just out of reach. If only her parents and his had picked the right brother. Just like that. A simple thought.

She thought this as he rambled on about how much better she needed to be at making connections. Because everything was obviously her fault. Because who wouldn't just accept a gold digging man who was so obviously hoping for more power and a higher status that didn't belong to him.

Then there was the other matter. Another boy. Of course he wanted another son, which he continued to speak his mind rather than allowing her to enjoy her afternoon tea in peace. He had one son, wasn't that enough? He had two daughters. Didn't he like them? But no, he wanted another son. In case the unthinkable happened. In case their first born died. Now that would likely make her snap.

She said nothing as he went on and on. A few 'I'm sorry dears' here and there. Nothing more. Why bother. She was in no mood for this arguement. Nothing was good enough for him, and he wasn't good enough for her.