Nigel did not want to admit to the truth in her words. Their father had always preferred him—that much was clear—but he rarely liked to think that he disliked Beth. Besides, there were many fathers that would be unhappy with the path Beth had pursued, and Nigel tried to tell himself that. Yet it was undeniable that their father's treatment towards Beth was centered not around her career path but her disability—and in his heart, he knew that.

"Are you prepared to keep house and work?" Because, presumably, she would act as the lady of the house while Nigel was away, and thus she would be responsible for the staff, the bills, and everything that came with it.

---