Quotes from Georgette Heyer

It seemed to him that Serena brought light into a sunless room, and it never occurred to him that anyone could find it too strong.

I hardly dare open my mouth, drawled Gideon, but there is much in what he says, Gaywood. I don't reckon myself a mean shot, but I would think twice before I engaged in pistol-play with Sale. And you won't hit him you know. He is such a little fellow, and you are such a damnably bad shot!

Believe me, it is quite unnecessary! I neither know nor care what it cost to redeem Lufra—and if you badger me on this very boring matter I shall not invite you to go with me when I try out my new team!" There was a moment's tense silence; then Jessamy raised his eyes, no longer glowing, but uncomfortably austere. "Very well, sir," he said quietly. "Will you tell me, if you please, what I owe you?" "No, young Stiff-rump! I will not!

Upon her butler's announcing the arrival of Mr Ravenscar, Lady Mablethorpe, who had been dozing over a novel from the Circulating Library, sat up with a jerk, and raised a hand to her dishevelled cap.

Not but what he deserves a sharp lesson! He very nearly made me drop these unfortunate kittens, mauling me about in that detestable way! There is *nothing* I dislike more!' 'I agree that he needs a lesson. I should rather suppose it to have been his first attempt. He ought, of course, to have got rid of the livestock,' said Damerel, taking the basket out of her hand, and setting it down, 'for while you were preoccupied with their safety what could he expect but a rebuff?

It was this impulsive utterance which made Mrs Chartley say, later: 'My dear John, I marvel at your countenancing this most improper dance! When they went down the room together, with his left hand holding her right one above their heads, his right hand was clasping her waist!

Do you know, it has of late become an ambition of mine to hear my name on your lips instead of my title

I wish to God I might induce her to mind me!' he ejaculated.

What is it, my dear delight?' She gave a tiny sigh, but shook her head, and looked up smilingly into his face. 'Mere irritation of the nerves, perhaps. Never mind it! I'm better now.' 'I do mind it.' He had been holding both her hands, but he released one, and drew a finger lightly across he brow. 'You mustn't frown, Venetia. Never in my presence, at all events!' 'Well, I won't!' she said obligingly. 'Are you smoothing it away - *stoopid*?

Of a certainty Madame has died, Leonie said wickedly. Tiens, c'est bien drole!

You'll dine with us, Comte? And you, Anthony? I trespass on your hospitality! Armand protested. Devil a bit, man! said Rupert. It's Avon's hospitality you trespass on, and our patience.

I didn't make my face, so why shouldn't I say it's beautiful? Everyone else does!

Levity was ever your besetting sin,' he said severely. 'Let me tell you that it is not at all becoming in a female! It leads you into talking a deal of improper nonsense.

Read that!" commanded madame dramatically, and handed her a crumpled sheet of paper. It contained a brief message in Juliana's sprawling characters: "My dear Tante, pray do not be in a taking, but I have gone with Vidal. I have No Time to write more, for I am in Desperate Haste. Juliana." "But—but it is not possible!" stammered Léonie, growing quite pale

Oh Lord! Don't, don't start rhapsodising over that cod again, darling! I can't bear it and I know you are going to! She laughed. You don't understand. It was because it was so typically English.

What do you mean to do when you reach Lacy Manor?' asked Sir Horace, regarding him in some amusement. 'Wring Sophy's neck!' said Mr Rivenhall savagely. 'Well, you don't need my help for that, my dear boy!' said Sir Horace, settling himself more comfortably in his chair.

It is high time you realised that you are of age, and may do as you please. Now, be off, and don't neglect to change your stockings!

You must know I can't – how impossible it would be!' 'No, I don't. Why should it be?' 'The – the circumstances!' she uttered, in a stifled voice. He looked to be a good deal puzzled. 'What circumstances? Mine? Oh, I'm perfectly well able to support a wife! You must have been listening to my horrid nephew.

There was nothing in store at Undershaw for his lordship but a set-down, but it was disappointing to be granted no opportunity to deliver this.

Your eyes, ma'am -- as well you know!! -- cried Help me ! What could I do but respond to the appeal?' 'Next you will say that it went much against the pluck with you!' said Miss Trent, justly incensed. 'No service I could render you, ma'am, would go against the pluck!' Her colour mounted, but she said: 'I should have guessed you would have a glib answer ready!' 'You might also have guessed that I meant it.

The Rector, coming into the room and learning what was the subject under discussion, said that since the world began each generation had condemned the manners and customs of the next.

Thought the world of you, did Kitten. Wouldn't hear a word against you; wouldn't even admit you can't drive well enough for the F.H.C. That shows you! Always seemed to me she only thought of pleasing you. If she took a fancy to do something she shouldn't, only had to tell her you wouldn't like it, and she'd abandon it on the instant. Used to put me in mind of that rhyme, or whatever it was, I learned when I was a youngster. Something about loving and giving: that was Kitten!

I don't know what I mean! Spoke without thinking! Often do! Runs in the family: uncle of mine was just the same. Found himself married to a female with a squint all through speaking without thinking.''Oh, to hell with your uncle!' Martin said angrily. 'No use saying that, dear boy. The old gentleman took a pious turn years back. Won't go to hell – not a chance of it! Aunt might – never met such a queer-tempered woman in my life!

The thought of his high and imposing father's regal progress to Harrowgate, and his very brief stay there, made Desford begin to chuckle again. He must remember, he told himself, to ask Poor Dear Papa, at a suitable moment, for his opinion of Harrowgate.