Rowan Shields's understanding of Stella Lockwood was this: she was a girl like a little white rabbit—timid, fragile, and not good at socializing. She had thought her son's affection for Stella was merely a man's protective instincts at play, or perhaps that the young woman was a skilled actress. But now, after hearing Stella's effortlessly delivered, off-the-cuff speech, she felt there was more depth to this girl than she had imagined.
Stella Lockwood was very candid, and her words were down-to-earth—men are fickle, especially wealthy men. There were plenty who chased novelty and couldn't settle down. She was very open-minded about it and had no intention of trying to curry favor, because the marriage was between her and her man. All that mattered was that they were comfortable with each other. Cherish it while you have it; when it's over, you can say goodbye.
It was a remarkably carefree attitude.
