How to Be a Proper Lady Quotes

“Most sailors weren’t observant in that fashion. Pity she wasn’t most sailors. Jinan Seton was a fine specimen of masculinity.”
― Katharine Ashe, How to Be a Proper Lady

“I need you, Viola. I need you.'
'You are repeating. You are trying to convince yourself, aren't you?'
'You are an impossible woman. I am declaring my love to you and still you quarrel with me ... Viola, I am perishing before you. *Perishing.*' His tone was strained. 'Say something.'
She nodded.
'What does that mean?'
She nodded again, faster, her throat a clogged mess of joy.
His eyes seemed to sparkle. 'You do love me.'
She got dizzy nodding.
'Why aren't you speaking? What is -'
She clutched her neck ... He looked astounded. Then he pulled her hand away and bent to set his mouth atop her windpipe.
'Function, beautiful harridan's voice,' he murmured, trailing soft, sweet kisses along her throat.”
― Katharine Ashe, How to Be a Proper Lady

“The animal inside him could wear a diadem and ermine and he would still be nothing more than an animal.”
― Katharine Ashe, How to Be a Proper Lady

“He buttoned his trousers. Without a word, he took her into his arms again.
She had not expected that.
She pressed her face into his shoulder, breathing in his scent shakily ... 'Stay with me.'
His hands fell away.
'Viola -'
... 'This one night. Only for comfort. You needn't make love to me again.' She was begging, and frankly lying. She wanted him for more than comfort and rather forever. 'I want your arms around me.”
― Katharine Ashe, How to Be a Proper Lady

“Come to my bedchamber now,' he whispered against her mouth ...
'I don't take -'
'Orders. I know.' He kissed her, over and over now, a delectable repetition that despite its simplicity made her cling to him tighter. 'Then your bedchamber.'
... 'It shares a wall with Madame Roche. I cannot -'
He grabbed her hand and dragged her along the corridor. He opened the first door they came to.
'A linen cabinet?' But they had managed perfectly well on a staircase once. *Perfectly.*
... 'You are yanking me about a lot.' She was breathless.
'I am. Feel free to reciprocate.”
― Katharine Ashe, How to Be a Proper Lady

“Are you happy?' he repeated quietly.
...
'Wouldn't you like to know?'
...
'Yes, or I would not ask. But apparently the child has returned and I shan't have my answer.' He moved away.
She wanted to shout that she was not a child but a woman, and the woman hurt.”
― Katharine Ashe, How to Be a Proper Lady

“Dear Violet, I beg your pardon for that minor infidelity. Please forgive me. It will not occur again, I promise.'
His infidelity had not felt minor to her. In an instant that single kiss had cracked her world open. Or perhaps it had only widened the fissure that already existed. And Jin Seton had filled the void.”
― Katharine Ashe, How to Be a Proper Lady

“What are you staring at, sailor?'
His ice eyes did not flicker. 'My captain, ma'am.'
'Get back to work, Seton.'
He bowed.”
― Katharine Ashe, How to Be a Proper Lady