Victoria was slightly taken aback, not expecting Elise to cut through all the pleasantries and decorum so directly.
Arthur was completely stunned, his face frozen as if he had been struck in the heart with a heavy hammer. He looked at Elise urgently, his eyes full of confusion and unease. Elise's sudden outburst alarmed him; he hadn't expected her to bring up the option of leaving, especially in front of his mother.
"Elise, what are you talking about?" Arthur's voice was slightly flustered. He reached out and grabbed her wrist, trying to get her to sit down. "We're not discussing that."
Elise looked back at him, gently broke free from Arthur's hand, and remained standing there, looking directly at Victoria, waiting for her response.
"Elise, you... are being reckless. Do you think it's
