"But what if I like this? Do you not know that I longed for purpose other than the expectation to choose a beau for his class and not for love? And this... It makes me feel better to do something besides pick new gowns and stabbing my finger whilst plying a needle and thread to embroidery. This..." She paused and swept her hand toward the nearly immaculate kitchen if it had not been for Nel's departure.

"This is where I am happiest even with little else to feel grateful for. I don't want to be an ornament or a bird in a gilded cage. I want to be Pippa.."