“...they did not come down hard on Leone because she had murdered her lover. It was because her sister was a nun.”

“A little reckless bravery may end up saving your life.”

“Sir Henry fixed him with a keen eye.'Odd name, Tom Skatt - eh?''Thats right''You don't think we could be related?'Tom looked up at his great-great-great-uncle and smiled.'I don't think so''No,' grinned Sir Henry "no, of course not”

“The longest way round is the shortest way home.”

“Classic fairy tales do not deny the existence of heartache and sorrow, but they do deny universal defeat.”

“Julian presented the food. A fillet of sea bass with perfect griddle marks and a scattering of fennel picked from a nearby hedgerow. There were caramelized carrots, baby la ratte potatoes and a garnish of roasted tomatoes that had made a brief appearance in a painting that afternoon.”

“The doors of opportunity flung wide”