The Gentleman's Gambit (A League of Extraordinary Women, #4)

by Evie Dunmore

Sometimes, tending to her personal interests instead of someone else’s counted as an act of sabotage against the machine, too. Or so she told herself.

“Surprise,” she muttered. “Gentleman explains breathing to a woman.”

the awareness that her own mind had the potential to swallow her whole never left.

She’d burn herself on their flame for the promise of some easy warmth. Some closeness. Some fun.

The new generation, however, had both roots and teeth.

“We discussed the effect of international capitalism on women’s position in society.”

“That’s right.” MacKenzie nodded gravely. “Sweet music to your ears.”

“I’m with the mountain,” Elias replied, not suppressing his frown.

“I’m just wondering,” she said, her eyes narrowing, “after how many centuries does the occupier become the people of a land?”

As long as one native is left alive, so is the history.” She smiled, rather somberly. “And history becomes a legend.”

Because I want to know her thoughts and I know she wants to hear mine.

“We will not do this again,” he said. They took measure of each other’s damp faces and turbulent eyes, and without any more words being exchanged they both knew that they would absolutely do this again.

they both were particles in grand churning systems that touched every facet of their lives and were slower to change off course than an ocean liner.

He’d probably say something terribly astute that made her want to take her clothes off again.

It sickened her to even have this notion, that she did not really exist unless another person carried a lasting impression of her.

“We can regret it later.”

On my life, I would never clip the wings of a falcon.” “A wife is not a bird.” “Indeed,” he said. “So imagine how much more I would care for her happiness.”

“We say it to someone we don’t want to live without. Hence, we must go first.” I don’t want you to go first. She wanted forever.

Because I don’t think it is. I think that I . . . I matter. A woman matters, married or not, children or no children. I matter, just as I am, right now. I’m a whole human being.”

“It’s coming with us,” he said. “The roots are good. They will grow again.”