A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell, #1)

by Deanna Raybourn

“Mrs. Clutterthorpe, I can hardly think of any fate worse than becoming the mother of six. Unless perhaps it were plague, and even then I am persuaded a few disfiguring buboes and possible death would be preferable to motherhood.”

am quite determined to be mistress of my own fate, Mrs. Clutterthorpe, but I do sympathize with how strange it must sound to you. It is not your fault that you are entirely devoid of imagination. I blame your education.”

“The truth is a hard mirror, and I am in no mood to look upon my reflection.”

because, in my experience, it is far better to tell a man what he wants to hear and then do as you please than attempt to reason with him.

“I can only quote Xenocrates, dear lady. ‘I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.’ ”