“I suspect Father Morrell's preference for food and merriment is much related to the size of his girth," Edythe murmured through her pursed lips. Silence followed.”

“He had to feel those lips on him again. Had. To. This wasn’t a mild expression of preference. This was an imperative. His body was insistent. To continue hisexistence on this earth, he now needed the following: food, water, shelter, clothing, and Minerva Highwood’s lips.”

“Your language, dear," Victoria reproved gently. "A lady never curses in public. There are much better ways to handle the delicate male ego." Keiley paused. "With a two-by-four?" she asked. Victoria's lips pursed a smile tugged at her lips. "Only as a last resort," she murmured humorously. "And never in public.”

“If it had not been for Father Morrell's timely arrival and subsequent pressure for all to be present at his sermon,Bronwyn would have remained in her room perfectly miserable,though claiming to be content.”

“Nancy pursed her lips. "Men are stupid." "Agreed!”

“Arriane sized her up, tapping one finger against her lips. "Perfect," she said, stepping forward to loop her arm through Luce's. "I was just thinking I could really use a new slave.”