“My only excuse is that I have no reputation myself, and I am thereby well aware of its ephemeral value. Reputation is worthless.Sebastian Bonnington's love letter to Esme Rawlings”

“Marry me, Esme. Please. Honor me. I will honor you as your husband never did. Our marriage would be a remedy against sin, if anyone could ever call it a sin to love you.”Sebastian Bonnington to Esme Rawlings”

“The only thing I regret about age are the wrinkles. But I have high hopesfor this new almond cream! Do you know, that Italian apothecary promises the cream will make one'sskin as soft as a baby's cheek? Once your child arrives, we'll have a viable comparison. Not having seena baby in years, how would I know what its skin looks like?""I'm glad my condition will prove to be of use," Esme said rather tartly.”

“I shouldn't think I'll have the slightest problem playing a man," she said. "I shall merely remember to rearrange my breeches in front at least once an hour, thereby drawing attention to the padding I carefully placed there in the morning, and I'll blend in perfectly.”

“I don't want to have to earn love by giving up my ability to make decisions that determine how I live.”

“Sometimes I spend all day in my dressing gown. But if I do dress, I make myself ravishing because then, I feel ravishing.”

“In fact, you should take a nap this afternoon, because there won't be much sleep tonight. Imean to have you every way I can. I mean to intoxicate you and torment you so that you know preciselyhow I feel about you." His finger trailed down her cheek and tipped up her chin."Don't mistake what is going to happen tonight." His voice was sinful, dark and hoarse. "You will neverforget the imprint of my skin after tonight, Esme. Waste your life chitchatting with ladies in lace caps.Raise your child with the help of your precious Sewing Circle. But in the middle of all those lonely nights,you will never, ever, forget the night that lies ahead of us.”