2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

After Cassandra marries, Devon takes the crytsal dome-encased trio of songbirds and destroys the glass. What did you make of this symbolism? Had you any notion of the weight of the responsibility for the sisters had on him before this moment?

That the songbirds represented the sisters who had finally been freed to live their own lives. They weren't his responsibility, but he took that on the same way he took on the tenants.

I thought that Devon recognized that these Ravenel girls were trapped in a place where they never felt love of any kind. He broke the glass to show that they were all free and living a life their parents never expected.

Devon did feel the pressure of finding compatible partners for the sisters. He didn't have a clue how to do that. I'm sure Devon worried that he would make a mistake. Now that the girls are happy, he is pleased with the love that they all have now.

As I said earlier, Devon took on the responsibility of finding suitable husbands for the sisters when he accepted the title. But the weight of it changed as he changed, as he got to know and care for them. What they wanted mattered more now, including their happiness. It was daunting.

I saw that freeing of the songbirds was as much about him as it was for them. He released them and the weight of his responsibility and could see those birds more joyously. It was a bigger moment than I’d even thought about.

This was the weight of his responsibility changing. Now all the sisters are happily married and he can breathe easier. I really loved this moment in the book.