Sighing, Cassandra smiled gently. "You're young. You're entitled to make a mistake here and there. We all let our parents guide us while they can. You can't blame yourself for not knowing how to handle the situation.
"However," she continued, unconsciously adopting what her sister called 'Motherly Scolding' tones, "now you know you need to be able to take care of yourself. It's time to think about what you want before you find yourself back in a similar situation all over again. Getting the marriage annulled is one step. But, start thinking beyond that point, planning ahead."
Not expecting that response, she laughed softly. "Well, I was only teasing. That is what I mean by deciding what you want. Your dreams before were the dreams of a child just entering the adult world. You're not a child any longer, Katherine. If those dreams will satisfy you as an adult woman, then by all means, follow them if you can. I knew when I was five years old I would run the Stables and take over the family business, not because it was expected, though it was, but because it was what I wanted. Not everyone gets that, however, and what you've been through is going to change you. It can't not. That may well change your dreams."