She had measured indeed the full difference between the move to Fawns because each of them now knew the others wanted it and the pairing-off, for a journey, of her husband and her father, which nobody knew that either wanted.
"More company" at Fawns would be effectually enough the key in which her husband and her stepmother were at work; there was truly no question but that she and her father must accept any array of visitors.

No one could try to marry him now.

What he had just said was a direct plea for that, and what was the plea itself but an act of submission to Charlotte?
He had, from his chair, been noting her look, but he had, the next minute, also risen, and then it was they had reminded each other of their having come out for the boy.

Their junction with him and with his companion successfully effected, the four had moved home more slowly, and still more vaguely; yet with a vagueness that permitted of Maggie's reverting an instant to the larger issue.
"If we have people in the country then, as you were saying, do you know for whom my first fancy would be?
You may be amused, but it would be for the Castledeans." "I see.

But why should I be amused ?" "Well, I mean I am myself.