“You know, it would be very easy for Gilmore to break his neck on these stairs," Matt offered with a hopeful air. "Accidents do happen.""That won't be necessary, thank you," Virginia said."Just a leg perhaps?”

“Idly he toyed with the notion of ripping Leybrook's head off his shoulders. It would be a very pleasant, extremely satisfying project, but Virginia would probably not approve.”

“You mustn’t hit her over the head with it. Women like to be romanced like the heroines in the sensation novels.” “What the devil do you know about sensation novels?” “A man can learn a great deal about women from novels,” Matt said. “You should try it sometime.”

“Of course I won't go alone. I shall take my maid." "No," Sebastian said. "You will take me.”

“How very interesting." Imogen gave a dainty sniff." I collect that you also poured some of the brandy down his lordship's throat. Was that part of the treatment?" “Absolutely critical," Matthias murmured.”

“Knowing that you love me is not a source of amusement.” Sebastian realized that his hands were shaking with the force of the emotion that was pouring through him. “It is my salvation”

“Concordia experienced a profound rush of relief. He was safely home. Now, perhaps she would be able to shake off the feeling of dread that has descended on her after he had left.”