“One would argue that a husband’s skills take priority over the wife’s,” he added cautiously.

“Yes, if one is married.” She emphasized the word. “But what if a woman is not? And has no prospect for marriage? What then? Is she relegated to work as a governess? Or working in a textile factory?”

“Aren’t men relegated to working in factories or on the docks? In shops or in other labor?”

“Yes, but…they have options. More so than women.”

“Indeed.”

“What I’m asking is, shouldn’t those options be universal?”

He nodded. “And what should be the qualifier?”

She met his eyes with an amused expression. “Intrinsic human value.”

“Well done, using my words to prove your point.” He offered a brief round of light applause.

“Thank you.” She gave a hitch to her shoulder. “Unfortunately, convincing you isn’t the same as creating a real change in our society.” She tilted her head to the left and studied him. “And…I don’t think I convinced you truly. You already believed what I was saying but helped me make a stronger argument for it.”

“It was a very persuasive argument,” he agreed. “But you are correct. It doesn’t change the reality of it all.”

Joan let out a small sigh. “The leader of my ladies’ society suggested I contact the Thomas Coram’s Foundling Hospital to help young ladies,” she confided, turning her attention to the fat oaks lining the path.

“Oh? It sounds as if that is a possible avenue to be a catalyst for change.”

“A small one.” She shrugged. “Is it terrible that I wanted to make more of a difference?” She met his look, a frown puckering her forehead.

He paused, studying her silently for a moment before he spoke. “It is making a difference, a large one, in the person’s life whom you assist.”

She sighed. “I’m aware, but nothing changes, not really—”

“Except for the one whom you help. That person’s life could change entirely.” He tipped his head. “Is it better to create a small change for society, or a monumental change for one person?”

Joan remained silent, her observation of him piercing and true as she seemed to consider his words.

“What of exponential change?” he asked, breaking the silence. “Have you considered that?”

“I’m not familiar.”

He motioned for them to walk again. “Follow me. I think it might be best if I showed you.”

Joan nodded and followed his lead down the path to the water’s edge. Rowles strode toward the still water, a duck quacking as it swam away from his presence, only to turn back a few feet away as if waiting for a bread crumb.

“I’ve nothing to offer you today,” he called to the duck, who shook his tail and swam off after a moment.