Quotes from Georgette Heyer

This, said Damerel wrathfully, is the second time you have walked in just as I am about to propose to your sister!

Do you know, I think that of all your idiosyncrasies that choke you give, when you are determined not to laugh, is the one that most enchants me.

Wonderful! said the Duke. We progress! We...? Progress? You said we? Progress? It seems I erred, Avon sighed. We remain at the same place.

A certain cynicism, born of the life she has led; a streak of strange wisdom; the wistfulness behind the gaiety; sometimes fear; and nearly always the memory of loneliness that hurts the soul.

Gentlemen don't understand anything, however wise they may be.

He was aware] of the value of the word of praise dropped at exactly the right moment; and he would have thought himself extremely stupid to withhold what cost him so little and was productive of such desirable results.

if you talk any more flummery to me, Frederica, I shall give you one of my—er—icy set-downs!"(Alverstoke)

Have you any brothers? demanded Mr. Beaumaris. No, said Mr. Scunthorpe, blinking at him. Only child. You relieve my mind. Offer my congratulations to your parents!

Do you recall Fred Merriville?" She stared at him. "Fred Merriville? Pray, what has he to say to anything?" "The poor fellow has nothing to say: he's dead, alas!

Goodbye! Oh, not goodbye! he protested. I mean to know you better, Miss Lanyon of Undershaw! To be sure, it does seem a pity you should not, after such a promising start, but life, you know, is full of disappointments, and that, I must warn you, is likely to prove one of them.

Your fate is writ clear; you will be murdered. I cannot conceive how it comes about that you were not murdered long since! How odd! Charles himself once said that to me, or something like it! There is nothing odd in it; any sensible man must say it!

Does it ever occur to you, Mama, that my grandfather is a lunatic?

I don't think I am green. It's true I only know what I've read in books, but I've read a great many books

My dearest goose, why didn't you trust me, when I assured you that you might?' he countered. 'I have cherished throughout the believe that you would confide in me, and you see I was quite right.

I see now that there is a great deal in what Aunt Almeria says. She considers that there are terrible pitfalls in Society. Sir Richard shook his head sadly. Alas, too true! And vice, said Pen awfully. Profligacy, and extravagance, you know. I know. She picked up her knife and fork again. It must be very exciting, she said enviously.

I have seen what comes of being patient, Amanda said with a boding look. And I have no opinion of it. What does come of it? Inquired Sir Gareth. Nothing!

Monseigneur, I have killed you! You are dead! You are dead! You display an unseemly joy, he remarked. I had no notion you were so bloodthirsty.

Queer creatures, females, mused Mr. Standen, shaking his head. Fellow's only got to be a rake to have 'em all dangling after him. Silly, really, because it stands to reason---- Well never mind that!

The more enchanted the idyll, greater must be the pain of its ending.

Cecy, help me to collect the ducklings, and put them back into the box! If we were to place your muff on top of them they will very likely believe it to be their mother, and settle down!

Did you imagine that you would make me believe ill of Sophy with your foolish and spiteful letter!' he demanded. 'You have tried to set me against her from the outset, but you over-reached yourself today, my girl! How dared you write in such terms to me! How could you have been so crassly stupid as to suppose that Sophy could ever need your countenance to set her right in the eyes of the world, or that I would believe one word of slander against her?

If it comes to that, retorted Frederica, with spirit, I am continually shocked by the things you don't scruple to say to me, cousin! You are quite abominable! He sighed. Alas, I know it! The reflection gives me sleepless nights.

Miss Grantham's sense of humour got the better of her at this point, and, tottering towards a chair, she sank into it, exclaiming in tragic accents:'Oh Heavens! I am betrayed!' His lordship blenched; both he and Miss Laxton regarded her with guilty dismay. Miss Grantham buried her face in her handkerchief, and uttered one shattering word: 'Wretch!

If you imagine that I have the smallest desire to receive your hand as a reward for having performed a difficult task to your satisfaction you're beside the bridge, my child! I've no fancy for a reluctant wife. I want your love, not your gratitude.