@mim She shouldn't have to do that for people to leave her the fu** alone. This is the trap with this kind of society. She's not able to have her own resources or respect as a human being because she's a woman, so she must seek out a powerful man so that she can be owned, and protected. She should be able to live her life without being used and abused. She wants to be independent, and for good reason.
Other than that, one of the reasons why she won't even think of accepting someone like Ian, is because it's been drilled into her since childhood that she's worthless and doesn't deserve anything (like being a freaking duchess) because of her parentage. Being abused since childhood lowered her self-esteem. She still has those beliefs.
Other than that, one of the reasons why she won't even think of accepting someone like Ian, is because it's been drilled into her since childhood that she's worthless and doesn't deserve anything (like being a freaking duchess) because of her parentage. Being abused since childhood lowered her self-esteem. She still has those beliefs.