“I shan't mind if you don't," he agreed. "But I'll not let you go, Prudence. Til not pester you, but know this: I will wait until you choose to listen to your heart.""Pshaw." It was a feeble effort. She took a deep breath and tried again. "Humbug! How can you presume to know my heart?"He smiled a slow, devastating smile. "You are my heart." He lifted her hand and kissed it. "And our hearts beat in tune. I know it—I, who used not to believe in such things. And you know it.”
In this passage from Anne Gracie, an intimate exchange unfolds between two characters, highlighting themes of love, belief, and understanding emotions. The dialogue serves as a powerful illustration of the struggle between rational thought and the compelling nature of the heart's desires.
The first character's insistence, "I will wait until you choose to listen to your heart," emphasizes patience and determination. It reflects a deep-seated conviction that love must ultimately be embraced willingly. His resolve contrasts with Prudence's defensive response, where she dismissively retorts, “Pshaw” and “Humbug!” Here, her choice of words signifies not only her skepticism about matters of the heart but also her reluctance to confront her feelings. This reveals an internal conflict, as Prudence grapples with acknowledging emotions that she may not yet be ready to face.
The pivotal moment occurs when the male character asserts, "You are my heart." This declaration transforms the conversation from mere banter to a profound revelation of commitment. His action of kissing her hand symbolizes respect and affection, reinforcing his role as someone who understands and values her deeply. The phrase, "our hearts beat in tune," suggests a synchronicity that transcends mere attraction; it points to a soulful connection that both individuals are struggling to articulate and embrace.
Finally, the statement, "I, who used not to believe in such things," adds complexity to his character. It illustrates a transformation—a journey from skepticism to conviction. This transformation is essential, as it underscores the theme that belief in love can evolve, irrespective of past hesitations.
Overall, this quote encapsulates a beautiful tension between intellectual resistance and emotional truth, illustrating the delicate dance of longing and acceptance in romantic relationships.
“What if I shave?" he said. "I look much better when I'm shaved. My cousin will vouch for that—do I not look almost handsome when I shave, Edward? " He didn't wait for the duke's reply but turned earnestly back to Prudence. "Do you think you could marry me if I shaved?”
“If you were mine, I'd never leave you, Prudence. I couldn't.”
“I know what you think of me, Miles. I know what you--have thought of me. But I have a heart. I do have a heart. I just cannot afford to use it. Don't you see? Why can't you see this? Whereas you--may play at all of this as much as you like. There will always be someone for you. And that is the difference. I cannot afford to use my heart. And you--you choose not to use yours.' - Cynthia Brightley to Miles Redmond”
“I would appreciate it if you would stop… stop… ogling me like that," she hissed, tugging her very modest neckline higher. "It is very embarrassing." She folded her arms across her breasts defensively. He tried to look contrite. "It wasn't me," he confessed. "It was my eyes. They are bold and easily led and have no sense of propriety.”
“I don't know how to let you back in." My heart beat spiked and I closed my eyes when he whispered," I don't know how to keep you out either.”
“I don't remember who said this, but there really are places in the heart you don't even know exist until you love a child.”