Galt was not completely lost to what Vincent was talking about. He even understood his side, to a limited degree. But that by no means meant that he agreed with it. The new fiance did not think a marriage was meant to be scrutinized in this particular way other than under the most dire of circumstances, but he also understood there was trauma there, in both Silke and Vincent to some degree, and it would not be so easy as to talk it away. This was something Galt and Silke would have to endure, meaning Vincent's protests. But Galt also knew there really was nothing Vincent could do, short of challenging Galt to a duel or abducting his sister. Granted, Silke wasn't quite as staunch in her certainty as Galt, but the newly christened noble knew Silke felt the way he did. 

"Do you think it's only been agreement and smiles since I've known her?" Galt asked, almost laughing. "You've known her your whole life. When was the last time she was engaged? You have to fight her to get her to sleep at a reasonable hour, you think this was easy? Of course she was apprehensive about it, but I wasn't forceful either. We spoke like adults and she agreed, and then we rode together and spent the afternoon in the cabin. But even before our ride, do you really think if this was something Silke knew in her heart was wrong, that she would have gone through with it, anyway?" 

Galt shook his head, knowing in his heart that what Vincent was asking for was not rational. That this stemmed from a place of pain as much as Silke's experiences did. "I might be born a commoner, but I know marriage is not happiness all of the time. Nothing in life is. I used to think if I had money and position that all of my problems would go away, but the nobility are as miserable as anyone, just in a different way. I look at your sister and I see someone that works and stresses just as much as a farmer delayed with his monthly rent, managing people's lives and trying to keep his head above water. But you listen to me..." 

Galt poked Vincent's chest. Not in an aggressive manner, but to gather his full attention lest he be lost in thought of making up a rebuttal. "She works herself ragged staying here, and you've never been able to convince her to stop. The only thing new in her life, the only thing that's had her take stock and turn in early to get some much needed sleep, is me. You're a fine man, Vincent, but if you really cared about her, and I know you do, you'll see this is something you don't want to ruin. Her life before today would see her hair go grey before she sees fifty winters. Let her live a different life, or you'll only end up grinding her until there's nothing left. And if Silke insists on losing her health in her work and worries, you're [i]damn[/i] right I'll fight her, for her sake. I've done it ever since I've met her, and I'm willing to live the rest of my life doing it. You want me to ask her what her plans are? I will when I feel the time is right, but only then, because this is a happy occasion, and I hope sometime you look back and realize that." 

Galt quieted, breathing through his nose as he looked at Vincent. "...Now, she's not the only one that's had a long day. I know we both have. Regardless, I appreciate your honesty, let's both think on what the other has said and get some sleep."