Her Officer and Gentleman Quotes

“There are times when simplicity makes a decision for you.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“Some crave the safety of boredom while others crave the bravery of adventure.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“Life was a hard teacher, but a thorough one.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“It is a foolish man who apologizes without reason.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“I was not giving you a heated look.” “What do you call it then?” “I was merely appreciating your, ah…finer points.” “Yes, well, I could do the same for you except—” “Except what?” “They are all under the desk.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“No matter what station you hold in life, there will always be things that will surprise you. Whether you choose to be outraged or delighted is up to you.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“But sometimes one must travel the rough road to reach one’s ultimate destination.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“Beth grimaced. “He is a pompous ass.” “And in dire need of a wealthy wife. Perhaps you should find a twitch to go with your stutter.” “I would fall upon the floor in a fit if I thought it might do some good. The man is a menace.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“But love? True love? As wretched as loneliness could be, it was nothing compared to the pain of betrayal. He’d seen with his own eyes what “love” did to a person—how it built hopes that were rarely, if ever, realized. Falling in love meant being weak, vulnerable to the whims of another.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“Bloody hell, were you this annoying with my father?” “I fear I was more so, my lord. I was younger then and could go on and on and on—” “Good. The old bastard deserved a difficult time.” “So many people believe.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“Seducing innocent virgins is such a tiring venture.” Christian lifted a brow. “Are we back to that?”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“Good God! What in the hell was that noise?” The man in front of them turned in his seat. “That’s what I’ve been asking myself this half hour and then some”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“No, my lord. I merely thought it unwise for you to visit the Duke of Massingale and request his granddaughter’s hand in marriage while intoxicated.” Reeves replaced the stopper on the decanter and carried it back to the sideboard. “His Lordship would not appreciate such a display.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“My lord, I suggest you use the same strategy with Massingale that you used with his granddaughter. When you go to ask for her hand in marriage, admit your attraction for her.” “I have never admitted to you that I find her attractive.” “You didn’t have to. It was quite obvious in your voice. That was why I kept warning you of using innocents in your plan.” Christian rubbed a hand over face. “I wish I’d realized how strong that attraction was. I’ve never felt—Reeves, it is the most amazing thing.” The butler nodded. “Love sometimes surprises us.” Christian cut an amazed glance at the butler. “Love?” he snapped. “I didn’t say anything about love!” “No, my lord. You didn’t. I believe that was my contribution.” “I don’t need contributions like that.” “Yes, my lord,” Reeves said obediently. “The duke will be angry with you for what has occurred with his granddaughter, but if you honestly admit your attraction to her, he will have to understand. I daresay he thinks as highly of Lady Elizabeth as she thinks of him.” Christian sighed. “You are right. Damn it! This was not how I’d planned this.” “No, my lord. You are far too intelligent to come up with such a hurly-burly plan.” “Thank you,” Christian allowed a smile to touch his lips, though he knew it was bitter and hard.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“Since neither of us wish to be married, we must think of a way to soothe Grandfather’s irritation.” Christian looked amused. “I suppose I could put an end to my existence. That would please him a good deal.” “Nonsense. He is not an impractical man. He has to know that would just lead to more scandal.” Christian’s lips twitched. “That would be horrid, wouldn’t it?” Beth had to fight the urge to smile herself. “Horrid, indeed.” “I suppose I shall not put a period to my own life then.” “We will save that as our Avenue of Last Recourse.” “Thank you,” he said dryly.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“My lord?” Reeves appeared concerned. “Are you well? Does your head pain you?” “No, no. I am fine. I just had a stupid thought, is all.” “Ah. And what was that thought, my lord? I take it that it did not have anything to do with wearing that black waistcoat?” “It had nothing to do with clothing.” “A pity,” Reeves said with a long-suffering sigh. “If you were not thinking of clothing, then your thought must have had something to do with Lady Elizabeth.” “Reeves, I am not going to tell you anything.” “Yes, my lord.” Reeves walked toward the door. “Though it is a pity…” “What’s a pity?” “That you will miss so much sleep. Unsettled thoughts will fester in the night air and leave one tossing and turning. I have seen it many times.” With that cheery thought, Reeves opened the door. “I shall be just outside if you decide you wish to discuss the matter further.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“Beth sighed. “I want a relationship, but then again…I don’t.” To her surprise, Grandfather cackled. “That’s quite normal, my girl. Quite normal indeed. There are no guarantees in this life. You have to take what you can get and enjoy it while you have it.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“He laughed, and it dawned on him that this was what he was going to miss the most—all the possibility that was Beth and he. The future moments like this, of laughing and loving. Of sharing and touching.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“They make a lovely couple, my lord,” Jameson said, fishing in his pocket for a clean handkerchief. He found one and handed it to the duke. “Indeed they do,” the duke said, blowing his nose rather loudly. “They will be even lovelier once they’re properly married!”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“I need a bath.” He chuckled. “You smell of smoke, as do I.” The duke turned, leaning heavily on his cane. “Jameson, open the carriage door. We shall return to the house.” Beth smiled up at Christian. “Shall we adjourn to the house to get some ointment for your hands and a bath, my love?” His eyes lit. “A bath?” Grandfather snorted. “Someone send to London for a special license! Now.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“My father sent him out to civilize the lost sons he’d neglected, but damn me if all I’ve seen him do is marry us off.” “Oh dear, how dreadful!”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“Not for long, my lord,” Reeves said, smiling. “I regret to inform you that I must be leaving soon.” Christian’s smile faded. “But…why?” “Between starching your cravats and assisting you in discovering the errors of your ways, I have been writing a book.” “A book? On what?” “How to be a proper butler.” Christian sighed. “I was just a research project to you, wasn’t I?” Reeves’s lips twitched. “I shall dedicate the book to you and your brother, my lord. I must say, I have never served two more worthy men.” “Thank you. I am certain my brother will thank you even more than I.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“An uncle?” Christian looked from his brother, to his sister-in-law. “But…how?” Prudence laughed, Beth chiming in. Tristan shook his head ruefully. “I will explain it to you later.” “No, no! I didn’t mean that! I just—when did this happen? How long have you known?”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman

“Excellent. I feel better already. My lady, you have had a very positive influence over Lord Westerville. He has left the morbid world of Only Black behind and now embraces other colors of the spectrum.”
― Karen Hawkins, Her Officer and Gentleman