“she liked to laugh that a young widow who'd just come into a good fortune must be, to misquote Jane Austen, in want of a husband.”

“He looked like a man who'd invite you to rest your head on his shoulder while he made everything bad go away.”

“The smile, the look, tugged at Eleanor's heart. Even in the fleeting glance, she'd seen great love in Ian's eyes, his determination to finish this letter and send it to Beth so she could enjoy decoding it. A way to tell her sweet nothings that no one else could understand. Private thoughts, shared between husband and wife.”

“Why is she so stubborn? And disobedient?” Cameron barked a laugh. “Because Mackenzies always choose headstrong women. You didn’t really expect her to obey you, did you? No matter what the marriage vows say?”

“Explain to me what loving feels like, Beth. I want to understand.”

“Hart pointed at the carriage. "Get in."Eleanor started, and the cake vendor, who'd been watching with evident enjoyment, looked worried. "No need," Eleanor said to Hart. "I'll find a hansom. I've brought Maigdlin an I have so many parcels.""Get into the carriage, El, or I'll strap you to the top of it."Eleanor rolled her eyes and took another bite of seedcake.”

“Love I want you for my mate because you have eyes the color of smoke. Because you are wicked sexy, because you're fearless and have a smart-ass mouth, and because you kiss like fire. Why wouldn't I want a woman like you around me the rest of my life?”