The Soldier's Dark Secret Quotes

“You're warning me off. There's no need, I assure you. At this moment in time, my only ambition is to get myself through the day ---" He broke off, realising too late what he'd admitted, remembering, suddenly, why he had kissed her in the first place. And now he'd given her the perfect opening to start again.
But to his surprise, her expression softened. "Yes," she said. "That is how I have felt since --- since." She blinked rapidly, and forced a smile. "It is a good thing, this -- this---between us, because now I know that I am recovering myself...”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“There were times when he felt as if he were being literally torn in two. Times when he raged at the injustice of what was happening to him, times when he was overwhelmed with guilt. There was no right and wrong anymore, which had been one of clear-cut lines for so long, was now so blurred that he was careening around like a compass struggling to find true north.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“Celeste rejoined him. "How you ladies do love a bargain," he said.
"You were listening!"
"I left before you shared the secrets of your undergarments." Jack looked sheepish. "That didn't sound quite how I intended."
Celeste blushed. "You should not have mentioned it at all. A lady's undergarments are not a fit topic for a gentleman to discuss at a military dinner."
"Actually," he retorted, "you would be surprised at how often the subject comes up.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“Celeste committed the cardinal sin of leaning across Jack's arm. "You will excuse me, Madam, but I have something most particular to say to Monsieur Trestain."
"That was rude," jack said, though he was smiling.
"No doubt you thought her very beautiful."
"No doubt that is what you think I thought.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“Where is your Revolutionary spirit?"
"Beheaded," Celeste said.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“She had always swum alone. She had never swum in the company of a man, and this man -- She dragged her eyes away again....
"Go in. I will follow you but don't look."
Jack laughed. "I never make promises I can't keep," he said.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“You! That is what is behind this. Ever since you -- As if I didn't have enough on my mind without having to lie awake thinking of you and your damned kisses and your damned questions.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“The soldier in the portrait had been a respected and admired officer...
The man he had become was fighting a different battle now. He had his demons, just as she had her ghosts.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“...You, you look -- bien -- exactly what you were, a high-ranking British officer, used to unwavering obedience and with the air of a Greek god, gazing down on us mere mortals.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“...People - the ones who are left behind - desire answers. Even when we are advised from beyond the grave not to pursue them.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“He closed his eyes and allowed himself to remember the taste of her and the feel of her and the smell of her. She was quite lovely. She was altogether ravishing. She would set any man's blood on fire. He shouldn't have kissed her.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“His eyes darkened. His hands slid up to her shoulders. She leaned into him as he pulled her towards him. It started so gently. Soft. Delicate. Celeste leant closer. The kiss deepened. she could feel the damp of his shirt and the heat of his skin beneath it. A drop of perspiration trickled down between her breasts, and she felt a sharp twist of pure desire.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“Celeste." Jack grinned. "How every appropriate. An angel sent from heaven to relieve my boredom."
"An artist sent from France to paint your brother's estate," she retorted.
"Touché'. In that case we should get down to business.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“Maman’s life was an unfinished book. Celeste had to discover the ending, and then she could close the cover for ever.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“But the pain, the tearing blackness, the white heat of his uncontrollable fury, the terror that made him run from himself, the sweats and the shakes, and the dull ache in his head, they were all too real. ~~~~

She kissed him to stop the words babbling out. She was in love. “Jack,” she said, because it was all she could trust herself to say. “Jack.” She loved him. She kissed his eyelids. She loved him.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret

“Celeste grabbed his arm. “You see, you are running away from the truth. Why won’t you talk about it?”

“Take your hands off me. Now.”

She had gone too far. She knew it would be insane to push him further, but she knew with certainty that was exactly what she was going to do. Celeste tilted her head and met his stormy eyes. “No.”
― Marguerite Kaye, The Soldier's Dark Secret