Edward was at a loss for words as she let it all out. He couldn't deny that there was some truth to what she was saying. The culture of America was less proper than in Britain but even across the pond unwed women with children were treated very poorly. It was not something he personally understood but being cruel to someone for something that did not impact his life at all did not seem very logical to him.

"I am not particularly worried about the opinion of other people, I never have been. I'm a widower and whatever others say of me is their own business and who I wish to spend my time is my business. You could never be a yoke around my neck Ruth so do not fret about that."