Anne quietly sipped her tea. She could barely believe that Mrs. Blacke was even discussing the possibility of not getting married. She didn't think she could do that. Women who never married were often the topic of jokes and were frowned upon. They were pitied at best for not being able to attract a man. She didn't want to be one of those women. She just wanted to put it off. For as long as she could.

"Really?" Anne said, feeling rather flattered. Mrs. Blacke was such a strong and good woman. It was very encouraging to think Anne was anything like she used to be. "Did you not want to get married, Mrs. Blacke?"