I’m all tangled up in these dratted – ” she hesitated, wondering what to call the elaborate wooden curls and twists carved into the back of the settee. “ – swirladingles,” she finished. “Acanthus scrolls,” the man said at the same time. A second passed before he asked blankly, “What did you call them?” “Never mind,” Pandora said with chagrin. “I have a bad habit of making up words, and I’m not supposed to say them in public.” “Why not?” “People might think I’m eccentric.
Did you suspect anything? Did you think the tie between us might be this close?” “No.” “I think I did, deep down. I always knew I wasn’t supposed to be alone.” Kev gave him a dour look. “This changes nothing. I’m not your family. There is no tie between us.” “Blood counts for something,” Cam replied affably. “And since the rest of my tribe has disappeared, you’re all I’ve got, phral. Just try and get rid of me.
Tolstoy isn’t the only reason I don’t wish to marry,” Pandora said. “Whatever your reasons, they are unsound. I will explain to you later why you do wish to marry. Furthermore, you are an unconventional girl, and you must learn to conceal it. There is no happiness for any individual, man or woman, who does not dwell within the broad zone of average.
He wanted all her circles to lead back to him.
Our family history was erased and rewritten a thousand times.
She was wearing her best dress, a ball gown made of iridescent shot silk, which appeared silver from one angle, and lavender from another. The front was simple in design, with a smooth, tight-fitting bodice and a low scooped neckline. A web of intricate tucks in the back flowed into a cascade of silk that fluttered and shimmered whenever she moved.
Her younger sister was at ease with men in a way that Poppy could never manage. They seemed to adore Beatrix because she treated them as she did her wild creatures, gently humoring, showing patient interest.
Westcliff smiled. “In my experience, it’s all in how you handle them.” The earl was the calm, steady center of his own boisterous family, which included a high-spirited wife and a brood of rambunctious offspring. And Lady Pandora made them all look like sloths.
I don’t believe in love,” he said. “It’s a sugar-coated pill – the first taste is tolerable enough, but you quickly reach the bitter layers beneath.
I’m sure Lord St. Vincent doesn’t have the pox,” Cassandra said. “From what I saw the other night, he has a perfectly handsome nose.” “He’ll catch the pox someday,” Pandora persisted darkly, “if he hasn’t already. And then he’ll give it to me.” “You’re being dramatic. And not all rakes have the pox.” “I’m going to ask him if he does.” “Pandora, you wouldn’t! The poor man would be horrified.” “So would I, if I ended up losing my nose.
The Blue Vanda hadn’t sickened in Winterborne’s care... it had thrived.
It was the first time she had ever felt the kind of loneliness that couldn’t be cured with just any available company.
Why offer to marry me when you might have me as your mistress?” He nuzzled her throat gently. “Because I realized during the past few days that I can’t leave doubt in anyone’s mind about to whom you belong. Especially not yours.
She was already dressed for the day in a simple blue gown, her hair in a loose braid tied with a white ribbon. How apt it was that she’d been named for the showiest of wildflowers, rich and vivid, a gleaming finish to the bloom. Her blue eyes surveyed him with such attentive warmth that he felt a catch in his chest, a dart of pleasure-pain.
But you’re not the marrying kind,” she managed to say weakly. He touched her ear, his fingertip tracing the fragile outer curve. “I’ve discovered that I am when it comes to you.
If there is any man in England who is more experienced than Lord St. Vincent at sneaking around for a tryst, I’d like to know who.
Beatrix had worn her best gown, made of shimmering aniline violet. The bodice was scooped low, revealing a generous expanse of fair skin. Her hair had been curled and swept up with a multitude of pearl-tipped pins- other than that, she wore no adornment.
Daisy had no idea how to put herself to rights again. But she thought it would be a good thing to stop thinking about herself and do something for someone else.
I wouldn’t count on much adventuring if I were you. I’m going to look after you and keep you safe.” She glanced at him over the rim of the cup, her eyes smiling. “What I meant was, you are the adventure.
She was beautiful in a bold, clean-featured way, as spirited and raffish as a female pirate. She and Rafe had always understood each other, perhaps because neither of them had been able to tolerate the stringent rules set by their parents.