"Be careful of your tongue, Grace!" Eliza gasped, feigning horror at the undignified display. She quickly placed herself further from the bed in an attempt to recreate the cold cynicism of their mother. At times such as these, a distant disposition was preferable to an emotional outburst. Being swept up in the, almost irrational, passion and anger Grace often felt would not help their situation. In fact, one could only assume it would turn an uncomfortable situation into a near-catastrophe. Irritability linked exponentially to how unfavourable the outcome. 

"But sister, it is not fair! I am justified in my wrath. For my life plan, all my work in building a living situation suitable for my sensibilities and requirements, all of it may be destroyed at the whims of a man. I detest this action vehemently! Was I even given a choice? I was never invited to do so much as discuss it!" Grace's hands flew in every direction, her whole being poured into gestures of her rage. Guiltily, Eliza found comfort in the plain humanity of her repulsion. It was steadying to remind oneself that even someone as alien as Grace was still movable, still of flesh and blood. 

Even so, in her passion, there was something dead inside her. Something that had broken at the announcement  of her ending freedom. As she threw her body into her movements, her eyes weren't really there. The embers of youth and hope within her soul fizzled out at that moment, most likely, never to be rekindled. People often claimed she was emotionless, never before had Eliza thought it was true. Ironically, in her most violent hour is when she finally was subdued. Overcome by an overwhelming grief, so unbelievably vast that it seemed to not be there at all. Like how the air is never noticed, pain surrounded her. 

"None of us find this... Agreeable, but we must. The things mother hinted at... I fear the worst shall come to those who don't follow her advice." Eliza, ever sensible and nurturing, knew what she had to say. It was true, even she (a woman seeking marriage and partnership) was left startled at this arrangement. Illogically, she almost felt like disregarding all warnings, staying unmarried just to alleviate the anxiety of finding a suitable husband. She knew that it would be unwise to do so, but the temptation of peace, even if only for a few months, was strong. 

Deep within herself Grace understood this too. Although the woman was rather not susceptible to pity, she almost caught herself feeling such emotions for her other sisters. Eliza was undoubtedly the best at handling these things, and if she was struggling, there would be hell to pay for the rest of them.

"I will not pretend to agree with the final decision, but I understand. Though I am still displeased, I do not wish anymore hardships for you and the others. It is an agitating subject in the present, and I must discuss it soon, but arguments can wait until tensions are lower." She conceded, sensing the stress in her dearest sister. For all her social inadequacies, Grace never wished to create unease, and compassionately, she submitted without too much of a fight. Small mercies. 

Eliza nodded and left. It was neither helpful nor harmful to Grace's poor mental state. The young woman was too tired to do anything, but to stimulated to sleep. Instead, she just stewed in her own self-made purgatory, waiting for something to change.