[ She laughs, a dry sound from her throat, and plucks at the button on one of her gloves. ]

You misunderstand. I am a woman who has been cursed. Branded.

[ Her smile is sardonic. ]

God has already decided that. I see now. [ Resolute, she nods. ] That is why I am married to a man who cannot give me children. It is why I will live my life, alone, with a man that despises me utterly — and I cannot even blame him for that, truly.

And I would not blame you, either, if you regret every part of what has transpired here this night. But I — [ Her breath hitches audibly. ]