A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell, #1)

by Deanna Raybourn

“I 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.” Mrs. Clutterthorpe stood with her mouth agape, lips moving silently.

One cannot innovate new improvements without understanding old failures.”

He shook his head as if to clear it. “I smoked opium once. It felt like listening to you, only rather more mundane.”

have faith that men can be as reasonable and logical as women if they but try.”

“For the love of God, do not encourage her,” Stoker instructed as he strode up to join us. “I am not encouraging,” she said calmly. “I am abetting.”

“I have been in it,” he reminded me. “From the first. And I will be there at the last. Whatever happens.”

My heart plunged to my feet. “And still you are willing to bet on us?” His smile was dazzling. “Any man who bets against us is a fool.”