If this had come up in another context, not in the middle of an argument, Victor would have been more sympathetic. Coming on the heels of her accusing him of not trying hard enough with her introductions, or of there being something the matter with him, this turn of the conversation sounded mercenary to his ears. A manipulative twist here, so that she could cast herself as a victim who deserved his pity rather than a combatant. He didn't even want to fight with her any more, was the thing, but he wanted even less to let her feel as though the waver in her voice had worked. It would do her no favors if he let her believe edging towards tears would get her out of all her responsibilities for the rest of her life.
"I'd meet you more than halfway if you weren't stuck at the starting line," he said wearily. He'd reached the top of the stairs and hesitated, not sure whether he should head to his bedroom (to end the conversation) or to the study (to continue). He'd prefer the former, but had the sense that as her oldest brother — or, more likely, as the de facto head of the household while his father was away indefinitely — that he had a responsibility to try and talk some sense into her, if he could. "It's like you don't even try any more. You gave up after your first season and now you're just — being petulant and hoping we all give up, too."
"I'd meet you more than halfway if you weren't stuck at the starting line," he said wearily. He'd reached the top of the stairs and hesitated, not sure whether he should head to his bedroom (to end the conversation) or to the study (to continue). He'd prefer the former, but had the sense that as her oldest brother — or, more likely, as the de facto head of the household while his father was away indefinitely — that he had a responsibility to try and talk some sense into her, if he could. "It's like you don't even try any more. You gave up after your first season and now you're just — being petulant and hoping we all give up, too."
Fabulous set by Lady!