" But if you’ve always wanted to travel, then why don’t you?” I very nearly shrugged before I remembered not to. “I can’t.” “Why not?’’ “Because . . . because . . . it’s just not done. How would I do it? What would I say?” He grinned. “Bon voyage—I’m off to the Continent. That seemed to work for me.” “But you’re a man.” “Yes. Yes, I am.” “You can do whatever you want. But I’m a girl—” “Yes, indeed you are!” I frowned. He was teasing me. “Forgive me. As you were saying?” “I cannot just go wherever I want whenever I please. I have to be escorted. And who would escort me abroad?” “I would.” I laughed. “I would!” His protest was tinged by his own laughter. “You can’t.” “And why not?” “Because we aren’t—” I was going to say married, but that would have been presumptuous. “Because you can’t. It wouldn’t be proper.” “Far be it from me to know polite from improper, but I believe you just danced your first waltz properly. With your eyes open. "

― Siri Mitchell , She Walks in Beauty