Lily’s brows rose, and she did not answer immediately. “I respect Lord Basset a great deal, and he has been a good friend to us. Certainly, I admire him. But I know nothing of how this marriage came to be, other than that it is not one of emotional attachment. I do not know your feelings on the subject, nor do I know his. I do not share his confidence, though my husband might. Basset is, as I understand it, rather reserved where his opinions are concerned and is not prone to confiding much. I think you may rest easy on any preconceived opinions of yourself, should that comfort you at all.”

“I rather thought you would sing his praises,” Adelaide admitted with a sheepish laugh, feeling more comfortable now than she had a moment ago. “I have… not made it particularly easy for him to enjoy our engagement. It was my father’s arrangement, you see.”

“Ah.” Lily nodded slowly, her smile turning sad. “As was mine. Then, may I suggest that when you depart from here and go on your way to Cornwall, perhaps you, and certainly he, should leave all other parties behind when you do. Your marriage is yours, not theirs. I am sure that you both will find qualities in the other to admire.”

“You think so?” Adelaide looked across the room to her husband who stood with Mr. Granger still, oblivious to her observation. From appearances only, he was everything one could wish for in a husband. Handsome and noble in appearance, dressed impeccably, and comfortable in the society about him. But he had not provided her much to admire beyond such things thus far.

She had not truly given him the opportunity to.

“I think so, yes.”

She looked back at Lily, still smiling at her. “You surprise me, Lily. I am known to be rather strong in my opinions, and it is not often that someone overlooks flowers being tossed from a window out of spite.”

Lily coughed a surprised laugh. “Is that what you did?”

Adelaide nodded, her cheeks flushing. “I was not keen on the idea of our engagement. It was… not a good reflection on me, I will admit.”

“Well,” Lily said slowly, “I am of the opinion that there are two versions of every story, and both must be heard and understood for the truth to emerge. I do not believe in heroes and villains in a marriage, barring a few exceptions. I believe marriages are made by people, all of whom are flawed, and all of whom are trying their best to become as they wish to be. And, in the best cases, to give the other person all that they can to help them be the best version of themselves.”

There was something admirable, honest, and lovely in what she’d just said. And something hopelessly naive, in Adelaide’s mind.