“When you fall in love, your heart will pound so much you won't be able to throw a mouse let alone a cow pat.I don't think I could throw a mouse now. I dislike the idea of scrabbling little feet in my palm, unless they are yours, of course.”

“If you throw me out of this house, I shall sleep on the path outside. If you return to the Continent without me, I shall follow you. I will build a willow hut at your gate; I will sleep under your window; I will be waiting for you at your own front door.”

“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.”

“At least you pay for them.”“I could support a foundling hospital, and you would applaud my virtue.”“I didn’t expect you to populate your own orphanage,” she said.”

“I would prefer not to throw myself on a funeral pyre. Please come back to me.”

“She gave a sigh and turned to meet Rafe's sardonic glance."He's not for you," Rafe said, leaning close to her."I can't think what you mean," Imogen said loftily, accepting a glass of lemonade from Brinkley."You know precisely what I mean, you little witch," Rafe said, and there wasn't even a gleam of amusement in his eyes. "You mean to have him, don't you? I've seen that look in your eyes before. That look has had you in trouble before.”

“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”