Judith McNaught Quote

My dear, dear ladies, Sir Francis effused as he hastened forward, what a long-awaited delight this is! Courtesy demanded that he acknowledge the older lady first, and so he turned to her. Picking up Berta’s limp hand from her side, he presed his lips to it and said, Permit me to introduce myself. I am Sir Francis Belhaven.Lady Berta curtsied, her fear-widened eyes fastened on his face, and continued to press her handkerchief to her lips. To his astonishment, she did not acknowledge him at all; she did not say she was charmed to meet him or inquire after his health. Instead, the woman curtsied again. And once again. There’s hardly a need for all that, he said, covering his puzzlement with forced jovially. I’m only a knight, you know. Not a duke or even an earl.Lady Berta curtsied again, and Elizabeth nudged her sharply with her elbow. How do! burst out the plump lady.My aunt is a trifle-er-shy with strangers, Elizabeth managed weakly.The sound of Elizabeth Cameron’s soft, musical voice made Sir Francis’s blood sing. He turned with unhidden eagerness to his future bride and realized that it was a bust of himself that Elizabeth was clutching so protectively, so very to her bosom. He could scarcely contain his delight. I it would be this way between us-no pretense, no maidenly shyness, he burst out, beaming at her blank, wary expression as he gently took the bust of himself from Elizabeth’s arms. But, my lovely, there’s no need for you to caress a hunk of clay when am here in the Momentarily struck dumb, Elizabeth gaped at the bust she’d been holding as he first set it gently upon its stand, then turned expectantly to her, leaving her with the horrifying-and accurate-thought that he now expected her to reach out and draw his balding head to her bosom. She stared at him, her mind in paralyzed chaos. I-I would ask a favor of you, Sir Francis, she burst out finally.Anything, my dear, he said huskily.I would like to-to rest before supper.He stepped back, looking disappointed, but then he recalled his manners and reluctantly nodded. We don’t keep country hours. Supper is at eight-thirty. For the first time he took a moment to really look at her. His memories of her exquisite face and delicious body had been so strong, so clear, that until then he’d been seeing the Lady Elizabeth Cameron he’d met long ago. Now he belatedly registered the stark, unattractive gown she wore and the severe way her hair was dressed. His gaze dropped to the ugly iron cross that hung about her neck, and he recoiled in shock. Oh, and my dear, I’ve invited a few guests, he added pointedly, his eyes on her unattractive gown. I thought you would want to know, in order to attire yourself more appropriately.Elizabeth suffered that insult with the same numb paralysis she’d felt since she set eyes on him. Not until the door closed behind him did she feel able to move. Berta, she burst out, flopping disconsolately onto the chair beside her, how you curtsy like that-he’ll know you for a lady’s maid before the night is out! We’ll never pull this off.Well! Berta exclaimed, hurt and indignant. Twasn’t who was clutching his head to bosom when he came in.We’ll do better after this, Elizabeth vowed with an apologetic glance over her shoulder, and the trepidation was gone from her voice, replaced by steely determination and urgency. We have to do better. I want us both out of here tomorrow. The day after at the very latest.The butler stared at my bosom, Berta complained. I him!Elizabeth sent her a wry, mirthless smile. The footman stared at mine. No woman is safe in this place. We only had a bit of-of stage fright just now. We’re new to playacting, but tonight I’ll carry it off. You’ll see. No matter what if takes, I’ll do it.