Reading Update: 50%

"Mama died three years ago," Vanessa replied. "She found the fogs and cold of the winter very trying. The Doctor said she should go to a warmer climate, but it was . . . something which we could not . . . afford." 

"You are poor?" the Marquis enquired.  

Damn, dude! Why do you have to call a girl out like that 😭

And,

"Are they really breathtakingly wonderful?" 

"I am sure you would think so," the Marquis replied.

Gagged!