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Why does Carmen refuse to join the smugglers at first in Act II?

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Publicity photographs from the revival of Georges Bizet's opera Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City, January 1915. — Carmen Publicity photographs from the revival of Georges Bizet's opera *Carmen* at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City, January 1915.

In Act II of Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen, Carmen initially refuses to participate in the smuggling operation planned by her associates, Le Dancaïre and Le Remendado, because she is in love.1

Although her coconspirators tease her for her reluctance, she remains resolute, explaining that her heart belongs to a soldier—Don José—who had recently been imprisoned for her sake. She only agrees to join the venture after she hears José approaching and promises her companions that she will attempt to persuade him to abandon his military duties and join them in their life of freedom in the mountains.1