<div style="text-align: justify;">Mary Ann wasn’t interested in trying to deceive Valentine. She wasn’t actually interested in him at all. Looking at him when he said he wouldn’t hold the fact that she was not a devious person against her, Mary Ann simply nodded. Something inside the young woman told her that Valentine wasn’t really interested in whatever she had to say.<br/><br/>Mary Ann’s eyes narrowed when Valentine said her answer had been less foolish than he had expected. However, she fell silent and listened to what the man had to say. It was simply fair, as he was the one who had painted the picture she had been invited to provide her opinion on. At the same time, she didn’t agree with him. It was not surprising that he thought he knew more about a woman’s position in society than a woman, though. Was it not how all men thought? <br/><br/>The man’s words that fighting society would just leave her alone and in poverty hit Mary Ann hard. The funny part - or sad - was that she wasn’t even seeking out marriage for her own sake, but for her father’s. <br/><br/>Valentine’s arrogance would have disgusted Mary Ann, but she felt that she really didn’t care. It was odd for her, but it seemed that her usually intense emotions were numb. Something stirred within her when he ‘corrected’ her about motherhood. Once again this man was speaking of things he knew nothing of. But she would not know herself, and, if she had her way, Mary Ann thought, she would live out the rest of her days without knowing what being a mother was like. There were ways to ensure that, after all, and she was willing to use them. <br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">‘I hope I never learn how to be an arrogant prick such as yourself!’</span></span>, her mind replied to his comment on her learning in that house. It was almost stronger than her, and she had to work really hard not to say those words aloud. When the man said they should get this over with, Mary Ann nodded in silent.<br/><br/>Jonas’s words made her turn to him and show a bitter smile. “Leaving him alone will be my greatest pleasure”, she stated, before smoothing the skirt of the dress to calm herself down. “Let us get this done and over with, then”, she completed, her gaze making clear how much she <span style="font-style: italic">didn’t</span> want to be there.</div>