Ursula's brows shot up in surprise at the question. Firstly, it was somewhat offensive that her sister-in-law thought she would go through such public channels and risk a horrific scandal just to annoy her - what sort of person did she think she was? The answer to that was probably best left answered. Secondly, she'd have to be an idiot to bring undue attention of that nature to the family when she had plenty of skeletons to be found in her closet. But of course, Ella didn't know the extent of her deceit.
"Don't be ridiculous! As amusing as it may be that you've found yourself the subject of such gossip, I'd hardly risk my own reputation just to muddy yours." As soon as she said it she feared it might be taken to suggest that she had something to hide even though that wasn't exactly what she had meant by it. Wanting to deter Ella from suspicious thoughts, she diverted the conversation. "Why didn't you want to get married anyway?" Had she ever asked? She couldn't remember doing so but she supposed she might very well have done a long time ago and then not bothered to remember whatever response she might have received.
Thanks to Bee for this magnificent set <3