His words surprised her. Father always spoke about the importance of women being independent. And indeed, Whitby women tended to be more independent, since the high number of men lost at sea over the centuries had put many women in charge of their families. But somehow Anne knew that father wouldn't allow this kind of independence. "It's because of my sister, ser," Anne shared, for after what he had said, she felt he might understand, or at least be supportive. "... who has no independence at all. They married her to a man twice her age, whom she did not love, for financial reasons. I thought..." suddenly she worried about sharing so much, not because she was afraid he would be offended or angry, but because she knew she hadn't properly thought it through and didn't know if it would work out, and she was afraid of him pointing out how it wouldn't. "I thought if I find a way of earnin' money, I could support her, and she could leave 'im..." She looked down, afraid to see judgement or pity in his eyes.