“He spoke to her, though, if only through his verse. One night in the banqueting hall, just before a
ball, he responded to requests for a verse by raising his glass high. Though he spoke to them all his eyes were on her.
"Tis not that I am weary grown
Of being yours, and yours alone,
But with what face can I incline
To damn you to be only mine? "
She walked out before she heard the rest.”
― Judith James, Libertine's Kiss

“How long were you standing there?"
"Long enough to know you will be leaving soon. I thought I should speak to you. I didn't think you would come to tell me. Would you have?"
"No. I wouldn't have expected you to care. You followed me?"
"Like a lovesick swain. Wherever you go, there am I. Haven't you noticed these past weeks?"
"I have seen you drinking and mocking with your jaded friends and your latest paramour on your arms.
Or is it still Castlemaine? Have you no self-respect?"
"No. None." He shrugged. "Love is war, and feigned disinterest my armor. You wear yours too, love. It is sad I know.”
― Judith James, Libertine's Kiss