Lottie closed her eyes and sighed. Her husband was merely saying what was. His words echoed a system designed by men for men, the common view that kept women and girls suppressed and miserable. Mere vessels for the next generation. Lottie opened the door and pointed to the huddled figures of Anne and Kate in the hall.

"'Ave you no 'eart, William? Can ye not see the cruelty? Look at Anne, William. Look at her! Huddled and fearin' to go home. Fearing for what her father will do. Sounds like cruelty ta me. How can ye tell me te send her back? What kind of mother do ye think I am?" she asked with angry pleading.