Meanwhile, in the Sterling home. Mary dressed her children to send them off to play with a friend for a few hours.
"I told you that they are not to leave," William's voice came from behind Mary. "They must study."
"They have studied all morning. They are children, and you mustn't rid them of their childhood," Mary said, ignoring William's wishes. "The boys are smart."
"Of course they are. They take after their father," William said, taking credit. "If you get in the way and baby them, they will turn into fools. I will send the carriage away."
Mary smiled in an effort to keep the children calm. "Watch your tone before them. I already sent word to the mother of their friends that they shall attend. They will end up alone in their adulthood if they don't make friends now. Boys, run along to your carriage."
"Mary!" William yelled, demanding to be obeyed. "Ever since you went to meet with Lady Hastings, you have disobeyed me."
