Ines stopped pacing. She turned to face her aunt. Her dark eyebrows drew together in a deep, worried frown. A new, highly dangerous thought had just entered her mind.
"If they attempted to elope," Ines spoke, her voice dropping back to a cautious, hushed whisper. She looked around to ensure none of the servants were close enough to hear. "Do you think their decisions was based solely on love or because they indulged in sexual relations?"
The question hung in the air, heavy and incredibly dangerous. In the strict, unyielding world of London society, a woman's virginity was her absolute most prized possession. It was her honor, her currency, and her entire future.
If Lady Celine had given herself to the stable boy before they tried to run away, she was entirely ruined.
Ines instantly shook her head, closing her eyes in deep regret. She raised a hand to her forehead, pinching the bridge of her nose.
