He was A) an imbecile or B) purposefully ignorant. Good sense reminded Angelica that the true cause of his dolt-like answer was something more permanent: C) Emrys Selwyn was a man.

Angelica's eyebrows must have been someplace past her hairline when he dared to throw her more meaningless drivel. "You are correct, on one point at least: Miss Cosgrove and I are not the same by any measure. You have chosen a lesser woman for reasons I cannot fathom." She watched his face as he took in her words and it only added to her confusion. What right did he have to appear inconvenienced by the very question of her future happiness?

"I know far better than you what marriage is and is not." She felt her metaphorical hackles rise at that. Even if she had enjoyed the "perfect" marriage - she would be the one with grievances. What did a second son know of her struggles? She crossed in front of the furniture, forcing herself down in the chair opposite him. Nothing good would come of being closer, but the urge to shove (poke violently, slap, sob uncontrollably, what have you, etc.) was clawing at her. His last lash at her baffled into near silence.

"What I "want" seems a pointless thing to share, as you have decided to discredit my opinion," she gave with a clipped tone. "And I flatly refuse to see you as a victim of fate," she scoffed. "Marriage means nothing for those without options, but you have a world of options." She couldn't truly expect a dawning realization and a heartfelt apology to never stray, but a witch could fantasize."What I want - again - is the truth. You. Do. Not. Need. Her." Angelica gave each syllable a condescending bite.

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