“Raw toast," Lucas said grimly, shaking his head. "It goes against the very nature of man.”

“When the dead body said, "Good evening," Annabel had to face the grim conclusion that it wasn't as dead as she'd hoped.”

“He smacked the heel of his hand against his forhead, as if that could knock the mental picture out of his head. Hell, he though irritably, he didn't want to knock the image just out of his head. He wanted to send it clear across the room and out the window.”

“The youngest one,” she interrupted. “The youngest son, I mean. The one who is unmarried.”“I know who he is.”“Very well, then. What is wrong with him?” At that she cocked her head to the side and waited expectantly.He thought for a moment. “Nothing.”“You—wait.” She blinked. “Nothing?”He shook his head, then shifted his weight a little; his good foot was beginning to fall asleep. “Nothing comes immediately to mind.” It was true. She could do a good deal worse than Gregory Bridgerton.“Really?” she asked suspiciously. “You find nothing at all objectionable about him.”Marcus pretended to think about this a bit longer. Clearly he was supposed to be playing a role here, probably that of the villain. Or if not that, then the grumpy old man. “I suppose he’s a bit young,” he said.”

“Shall we return to the dining room?" Anthony queried. "I imagine you're hungry, and if we tarry muchlonger, Colin is sure tohave eaten our host out of house and home."Eloise nodded. "Either that, or they've all killed him by now."Anthony paused to consider that. "It would save me the expense of a wedding.""Anthony!""It's a joke, Eloise," he said, giving his head a weary shake. "Come along, now. Let's make sure your SirPhillip still residesamong the ranks of the living.”

“I don't know whether to toss you through that window or shake your hand and say 'Well done'" Henry said in a tired voice.”

“Daisy said boldly. “Nothingventured, nothing gained.”“Yes, but it is a wise man who understands his limits.”“Who said that?” Daisy asked.“I did,” Honoria answered impatiently”