Falling Into Bed with a Duke (The Hellions of Havisham, #1)

by Lorraine Heath

“But you see, Sheridan, I come with my dowry. Furthermore, I come as I am. With my own ideas, not necessarily my husband’s, with my own interests, again, not necessarily my husband’s. But I want him to respect my opinions and interests. I want to be able to discuss them with him and know that he is listening.”

Why is it acceptable for men to be naughty but not for women to partake in the same liberties?”

“I have too much of my father in me. His dark eyes, his common features. And I’ve his head for business. I’m smart, and I speak my mind. I’m not demure or biddable. I want passion and fire, not the coldness of silence and sighs as we wait for the minutes to pass until we’re no longer in each other’s company. Do you have any idea how often I have sat in this very parlor with a gentleman who did little more than hold a teacup on his lap and comment on the biscuits and cakes as though they are the sum of my life? I’m intimidating. I know that. I consider holding my tongue, but I don’t want to give a gentleman a false impression of whom he is courting. I’m not shy about spouting my opinions, and men find such behavior intolerable.”

Why weren’t they forced to wear something that might make them feel as though they were standing about almost naked?

Surely, if given the chance, ladies could appreciate muscled arms and bared chests. She fancied wide shoulders. And eyes that glinted with the ability to tease. Most of the men who had visited in her parlor had dull eyes or ones that revealed their thoughts drifting off to other places.

Every woman is worthy of love and should accept no less from a man she agrees to marry.

“He makes me feel treasured.” “There you are then.”

“She was the moon and stars. The sun and rain. I did not like her as much as I liked the way I was when I was with her. I was optimistic, invincible. Kinder, gentler. She brought out the best in me. Does she bring out the best in you?” Ashe wrinkled his brow. “Who?”