Mabel Grant looked into Leah Sinclair's eyes, her own heart aching with waves of bitterness. "The Grant Family has never needed to trade for benefits through marriage alliances. You can rest assured on that point. I'm asking you to return to Kingsford not just to test Third Master Keating's capabilities. As I've already told you, only when two people are equals do they have the right to talk about love."
"Once you're back in Kingsford, you'll be the second young miss of the Grant Family. You'll have access to any connections and resources you could possibly want. Being there will only make you better and stronger. You'll no longer have to be the little woman hiding behind Third Master Keating, relying solely on his protection."
"When you've become strong, and Third Master Keating has proven his capabilities, I won't object to you two being together. In fact, I will give you a grand wedding and send you off in style."
