M.J. Stratton > Quotes

“Mr. Darcy,” she said coolly, “I have never heard of a proposal where a gentleman so thoroughly insults a lady.”
― M.J. Stratton, Character and Countenance

“The corner of his mouth quirked up, causing his dimple to appear, and Elizabeth was nearly mute at the sight of it.”
― M.J. Stratton, No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

“Darcy, but not all gentlemen feel the same. I would be best pleased if you minded your own business when it comes to my choice of a bride.”
― M.J. Stratton, No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

“It is different,” Tommy said softly. ​Mr. Bennet felt the tears pricking his eyes and fought to keep them from falling.”
― M.J. Stratton, No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

“No, I am otherwise occupied on the morrow.” She needed a day to sort her emotions and properly lock them away. She knew she could easily love Sir Andrew.”
― M.J. Stratton, To Marry for Love

“How his cousin could put up with the pretentious harpy was beyond Darcy’s ken. Ten minutes in her company was enough to send anyone to Bedlam.”
― M.J. Stratton, No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

“She wanted a child. Suddenly finding a husband became essential. That was the proper way to go about having a baby, after all.”
― MJ Stratton, Charming Caroline

“Charles had castigated her for being, in his words, ‘a conniving, scheming, evil harpy.’ If she were being honest with herself, that is exactly what she had been at the time.”
― MJ Stratton, Charming Caroline

“My mother has always encouraged me to stay abed. ‘Your body is resting, even if your mind is not,’ she often says.”
― MJ Stratton, Shadows of the Past: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

“But he was to marry Elizabeth,” Mama protested loudly. ​“No, he was not,” Papa said firmly. “Had he ever approached me, I would have refused him. He is not worthy of her, as I said.”
― M.J. Stratton, No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

“She will never forgive me, she told the voice. So be it, came the reply. So be it.”
― M.J. Stratton, To Marry for Love

“Miss Lucas has the sort of beauty a mature man would wish,” Richard spoke up, his voice sharp with censure.”
― M.J. Stratton, No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

“You are asking me to marry you and never see him again. He is my twin, my brother. I would sooner cleave myself in half.”
― M.J. Stratton, No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

“Elizabeth had only just consented to be his wife. Mrs. Bennet had promptly fainted dead away.”
― M.J. Stratton, No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

“That you have earned my brother’s approval is no surprise,” Elizabeth replied. “He has liked many a stupider person, I assure you.”
― M.J. Stratton, No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

“One ought not to comment on a lady's appearance in an uncomplimentary fashion, but she looked dreadful. Eyes sunk in, expression morose…”
― MJ Stratton, Love Unfeigned

“I believe the verse says a husband will leave his family and cleave unto his wife. You, sir, cleave only to Lady Catherine. Who, then, would God judge to be in the wrong?” Jane’s words were deadly calm, her face like stone as she stared at her husband.”
― M.J. Stratton, To Marry for Love

“You love him fiercely,” he said quietly. “I should have seen it.” ​“He is my brother,” she replied. ​“But it is more,” Mr. Darcy said, shaking his head. “You are his whole world. You have been everything he needed for a long time.”
― M.J. Stratton, No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

“You are well and truly lost, old man,” Bingley said from atop his horse. “And may I remain so,” he said fervently. Darcy turned and mounted his horse as Bingley voiced his agreement wholeheartedly”
― M.J. Stratton, Thwarted

“As for my treat of choice, be aware that I do not like fruit cake at all—I am ever partial to lemon tarts.”
― MJ Stratton, Love Unfeigned

“Good heavens, man, that was hardly adequate!” Mr. Bennet cried in amusement. “Do it again!”
― M.J. Stratton, Thwarted

“That is ingenious,” he declared. “I had not considered such a thing. I shall do it! Miss Elizabeth has tempted me all night, and I would find it intolerable not to stand up with her.”
― M.J. Stratton, Thwarted

“Forgive me, Mr. Darcy. I thought you were in jest.” She smiled placatingly. “I have no wish to dance tonight. I find reading to be more tolerable.” And watching my sister. “Tolerable?” he repeated. She watched his expression. He looked confused, and then comprehension dawned. “You use that word frequently,” he remarked. “Yes, I believe I heard it said in an assembly hall once.”
― M.J. Stratton, Character and Countenance

“If Mr. Bingley does not propose to Jane within a fortnight, I shall eat my favorite bonnet,” Mrs. Bennet cried.”
― M.J. Stratton, Thwarted

“He had best not employ that smile around Mama, she mused. She would swoon!”
― M.J. Stratton, Thwarted

“Your ladyship may ask me questions I refuse to answer,” she replied pertly. “My business is my own.”
― M.J. Stratton, Character and Countenance

“Wickham,” Darcy interrupted smoothly. “I do not believe you have met my wife. May I present Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy?”
― M.J. Stratton, Thwarted

“Your words shock me, sir,” Elizabeth said testily. “One moment you speak of your concern for my well-being given my obvious discomfort around my cousin and in the next breath you imply that I would be a fool to not consider such a man. Which is it, Mr. Darcy? I am not so desperate as to throw myself at the mercy of a man I have only just met, even if he could provide me with a decent home. Money is not the only consideration one must have when choosing a spouse.”
― M.J. Stratton, No Less Than Any Other: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

“I have come to ask for Miss Bennet’s hand in marriage, sir.” Mr. Darcy replied politely. None of the haughty disdain colored his words. “Have you now? Then you do find her tolerable. I thought you might.” Mr. Bennet chuckled,”
― M.J. Stratton, To Marry for Love

“Mr. Bennet’s voice was quiet yet firm. “What makes you so certain that I shall beat you to the grave, madam? I have already buried one wife. Perhaps I shall yet outlive another.”
― M.J. Stratton, Character and Countenance