Question B

[Jonetta]

Merritt is a widow and a woman heading a major company, unusual for the era. Do you think that emboldened her to take such risks with Keir or was she just that taken by him?

[Sharon]

It was a combination of both. Merritt is a successful woman who knows her abilities. Keir has an appearance and personality that makes her take notice and desire a physical relationship that she has pushed aside for years.

[Robin]

I don't think heading a large company had anything to do with her deciding to have a physical relationship with Keir. She could have been a poor widow trying to figure out how to make enough money to survive. I think she would have still decided that a relationship with Keir was worth the risk.

[Karen ♐]

I think she was from an influential family, had her own company and later I remember her mother remarking that she had taken some chances with her life, so I think she did what she wanted to and felt she would just deal with the consequences, if there were any.

[Anita]

Merritt has toed the line that society dictated for a widow. Her life was consumed by the running to the company which left little time for her to get into trouble, and she just hadn't met anyone she wanted to get into trouble with. Keir was such a shock and an intrigue to her that she found him irresistible.

[Jonetta]

Merritt’s been on her own now for three years, heading and running a shipping enterprise, which couldn’t be more male dominated. I think she “evolved” and got used to the freedom. She continues to push those boundaries and felt free to explore a sexual relationship with Keir.