Joan sighed. "That's the problem. Thankfully, I am not yet engaged. Personally, I rather not marry at all. It's really unfair. Although we girls do not have the right to vote or sue, at least we can still work and own property before marriage. After marriage it will be most terrible. Once married, it's like we cease to exist. We become one person with the husband, whoever that bloke would be, and thereafter everything we do would be under the man's direction."

Geoffrey cleared his throat, not liking where the conversation is heading. His intended was also in the room, and he knew that she was into her career. What if this scares her off?

However, Joan, a real feminist, kept on going. "Here's more. Once married, we will be under the complete and total supervision of the husband. Not only will he have control of all our possessions, meaning that we can't even own some property and all our money is surrendered to him in marriage, he will even have total control of our body. Gods, we would be prevented from earning our own living, and will forever be condemned to a life of inescapability dependent on our husband's income."

"If you have nothing nice to say and would just like to express some poisonous thoughts, then I highly suggest that you just keep it to yourself." Douglas rudely interjected.

"I have never been so thankful that I live in Guiea and not in Eulio, you pompous arse." Joan answered just as rudely.

"I pity the woman who would ever marry you." Diana seconded.

Douglas wanted to rebut but everyone was glaring at him. "I just said that because if any other were to hear you express those thoughts, you could be brought to trial."

There was an awkward silence after that exchange.

Mary and Gina did not think much about it because they were normal ladies of the era who haven't thought there was anything wrong with society. 

Serena on the other hand understood too well the status of female in this era. It's not that she was not against it, it's just that she knew that change would not happen until a few more decades. The best that ladies like her can do was to ensure that they find a good husband. If not, then perhaps they should just poison the husband or get rid of him in his sleep. 

"I personally have seen that women are just as capable as men are. Our school has done a great job in opening the eyes of our generation. Thus, I am positive that change will happen, perhaps not now, but sometime in the future." Leonard expressed.

"Wow, Leo, you're so dreamy, can I marry you?" Gina joked.

Douglas almost wanted to blurt, 'says the adopted child', but just kept his mouth shut. 

"When it comes to this, I think Windsor is the most advanced. That's why I like it here." Joan responded.

Geoffrey did not express his opinion. He acknowledges the fact that women are just as capable, like how he sees Serena. However, with regards to women's right, he was neutral. 

"I believe that our talk is already veering to the side of political so I would like to end our meeting here. We can discuss the updates regarding 'we are the world' tomorrow at the orphanage. So, if there's nothing else, then the meeting is adjourned."

The members understood that their meeting was not the correct venue for their topic earlier. Thus, they did not talk anymore and stood to leave the room.

Serena too quickly moved so that she can escape from Geoffrey, but he, as always, was a step ahead of her. 

"Serena, please wait a moment." He called.

Everyone looked at them and belatedly realized that they were engaged. Joan blushed. She completely forgot about it because most of the time they don't act like it, or at least Serena doesn't act like it.

When everyone left the room, Geoffrey approached her.

"Serena, regarding the conversation earlier, I don't want you to think…" Geoffrey explained.

Honestly, Serena could care less about what he wanted to say. It's not like she will really marry him. However, she thought that she can use that topic to her advantage. This way, she can successfully get him off her back in the meantime.

"I understand that women are not afforded the same rights as men especially after they get married." She hinted.

Geoffrey shook his head, "it's different because you will be the crown princess. The future queen of Windsor. You don't have to think about…"

"Why is it different? In the end, everything I have, all my possessions, all of me, will be given to my husband. So, now, do you understand why I want to focus on myself and enjoy my freedom first?" Serena said with some anguish. 'Gods, I deserve an Oscar' she thought.

Geoffrey did not really know what to say in response to that. She was correct in a sense that she will lose her freedom in terms of having to do her duty. Though in terms of losing all her possessions, she was being a little too dramatic.

"I want to build my career in the music industry and…"

"I know that you want that and as you can see, I never tried to hinder you. In fact, I have been quite supportive." Geoffrey replied his brows furrowed. 

 Serena almost stuttered. Okay, he was right on that regard. Anyway, she can't let him win this conversation.

"Not that. I mean, you always try to woo me, and I can't focus on creating my music." Okay, that did not sound right. But whatever.

Geoffrey chuckled. Was she admitting that he distracts her?

"Am I not a welcome distraction?"

"Definitely not." Serena mercilessly answered.

Geoffrey just found her cute. Anyway, he did have a lot on his plate and come summer, he has to work on his duties as crown prince at the house of the lords. Really, he never have it easy. Although everything has been stable in the last few decades, there was a brewing discord in court. At the same time, since Windsor was at the height of industrialization, there were a lot of bills being passed especially with the economic impact it brought about. 

Aside from that, he also felt that his need for physical intimacy with her is ever growing and he doesn't want to pressure her.

He sighed in defeat. "Fine then. If that is what you want, I will take a step back. However, do forgive me if there are times when I won't be able to help myself."

Serena grinned. She was a little guilty, but she finally got him off her back.

"Why are you grinning? That happy to get me off your back?" Geoffrey asked.

Serena felt that he was being agreeable, and she was too evil, so she just shook her head. "Thank you for being understanding."

 Geoffrey also smiled. "By the way, we're attending the year end ball together. This time, you can't say no."

Well, if attending it with him this time would mean that she can get him off her back for a few years then she will happily oblige. 

"Okay."

--

TBC

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