Let us be very careful with what the text actually says. This reference comes in Chapter Sixteen when it looks as if Kit and William Ashby are to be married. When Kit is with Hannah Tupper, she says that one of her reasons for marrying William is to escape from her uncle's house and all the drudgery and daily work that she has had to do since her arrival. However, in response, Hannah says:

"But remember, thee has never escaped at all if love is not there."

Thus, this is a slightly different situation from what your question suggests. Your question seems to suggest that Kit marries William in the novel, whereas this never happens. Hannah is actually telling Kit to be very wary of committing herself to a marriage if she does not love the other person, because, although escape is what Kit wants, she will not find it in a loveless marriage.