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.”

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

“Reclusive men are a good deal of work,”

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 know you are resilient as India rubber, but when the lot of this hits you, it will come like a brickbat. Trust me.”

There are no masculine virtues, Veronica. And none sacred to women either. We are all of us just people, and most badly flawed ones at that.”

“But I know whatever it is, whatever ugly truths are resting in that bank, you will face them squarely. You have an odd sort of courage, Veronica. It will see you through.”

“There is no one I would rather have at my back. To the end, then.” He grasped my hand and shook it. “To the end.”