Miss Murdstone was an exception.
She might be firm, but only by relationship, and in an inferior and tributary degree.

My mother was another exception.

She might be firm, and must be; but only in bearing their firmness, and firmly believing there was no other firmness upon earth.
'It's very hard,' said my mother, 'that in my own house--' 'My own house ?' repeated Mr.Murdstone.

'Clara!' 'OUR own house, I mean,' faltered my mother, evidently frightened--'I hope you must know what I mean, Edward--it's very hard that in YOUR own house I may not have a word to say about domestic matters.

I am sure I managed very well before we were married.