“First of all, there is no need to patronize me by implying that I'm Helen of Troy when it's clear that I'm no beauty.”

“Oh, Daisy, it's revolting the way I want to fawn all over him. I'm afraid I'm going to do something dreadfully silly today. Burst into song or something. For God's sake, don't let me.”

“Dad," I said hesitantly, "I wish you could be there for me even when I'm doing the wrong thing. I wish you could love me even when I'm screwing up.”

“I don't need any trinkets or pictures to remind me of my faith—all I need to do is stare out the window at the woods, and see how beautiful they are.”

“You know," I told him on our wedding night, "I'm just as much me when I'm with you, as I am without you."And because Hardy understood what I meant, he pulled me into his arms, against his heart.”

“Admit it, Ella. It's not so bad being a carnivore."I reached for a chunk of bread and dabbed it in soft yellow butter. "I'm not a carnivore, I'm an opportunistic omnivore.”

“Yes, but you need to learn your maths.""I don't need to, really. I already know how to count to a hundred. And I'm sure I'll never need ore than a hundred of anything.”