Lottie remained silent as Anne spoke about the stickier points of marriage - those things often thought, but seldom said. The woman took a heavy draft of tea.

"Don't be ashamed, Anne, yer absolutely right." She responded with the benefit of age and experience. "Ye must be the person the Lord made ye to be. If yer called to be a mother, be a good un; ye don't need to be pregnant fer that. If yer called to be a wife - many will try and woo ye, that's where a lot of problems are. As ye say those men want to be coddled like wee babes. A good man, he'll find ye and will respect an' honour ye above others. An' if the Lord says 'Anne, stay by yerself', that's fine too." she wrapped her fingers around the mug and lent forward.

"Ye know, you remind me of me when I were yer age."