Happily Bedded Bliss Quotes

“He didn't overpower, exploring her mouth with confident thoroughness, as if they had all the time in the world. Gradually, he increased the intensity, his mouth sliding this way and that, angling his head to find the perfect fit. Then, before she had any idea what he truly wanted, he coaxed her lips to part so he could slide his tongue inside. He dipped and sipped, licked and pressed, teasing her in ways that made her thoughts turn to ash. Her fingers opened and closed spasmodically against the fine wool of his coat, and she rocked up onto her toes to get more.
He chuckled low in his throat as he slowly eased away, leaving her momentarily confused and bereft, her body keenly aware of the abrupt loss of pleasure.
His eyes gleamed like gold coins. "You taste every bit as sweet as you look, my dear." He skimmed the back of one finger over her cheek. "Maybe this bargain we're making won't be such a bad one after all.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“She looked beautiful and very innocent, her vibrant blue eyes wide with what he guessed was shock. Her cheeks were stained pink with more of the nerves she hadn't been able to hide during the ceremony. As for her rosy mouth, her lips were slightly parted and ripe for kissing.
'Mine,' he thought primitively. 'Mine to touch and taste and claim at my leisure.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“In order to conform to the current Empire style in fashion, the modiste had raised the waistline so that it fell just beneath Esme's small rounded breasts. Mrs. Benson had embellished further by adding a slender grosgrain ribbon there that matched the exact shade of tiny embroidered golden flowers scattered over the gown's ivory satin. Next she had shortened the sleeves so they were now small puffed caps edged against the arms with more narrow golden ribbon.
As for the long length of material that had once run from shoulder to heel, she'd removed it and used the excess fabric to create a sweeping train that ended in a spectacular half circle that trailed after Esme as she walked. The entire hem was further enlivened by small appliquéd white lace rosettes, whose effect was nothing short of ethereal.
On her feet, Esme wore a soft pair of ivory satin slippers with gold and diamond buckles that had been a last-minute gift from Mallory and Adam. On her hands were long white silk gloves that ended just above her elbows; her lustrous dark hair was pinned and styled in an elaborate upsweep with a few soft curls left to brush in dainty wisps against her forehead and cheeks.
Carefully draped over head was a waist-length veil of the finest Brussels lace, which had been another present, this one from Claire, and in her hands she held creamy pink hothouse roses and crisp green holly leaves banded together inside a wide white satin ribbon.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“Thank you."
She met his eyes with surprise. "For what?"
"For seeing past my hardened, sinful exterior to the man underneath. For loving me despite my many faults."
"You have no faults, not in my eyes."
"I do, but it is kind of you to overlook them."
"As you overlook mine."
"Now, there we disagree, since you are perfection itself," he said. "You are everything that is good and generous and kind, and I thank my lucky stars each and every day that you came into my life. Thank you for saving me, Esme. Without you, I would never have known real happiness.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“Thank you."
She met his eyes with surprise. "For what?"
"For seeing past my hardened, sinful exterior to the man underneath. For loving me despite my many faults."
"You have no faults, not in my eyes."
"I do, but it kind of you to overlook them."
"As you overlook mine."
"Now, there we disagree, since you are perfection itself," he said. "You are everything that is good and generous and kind, and I thank my lucky stars each and every day that you came into my life. Thank you for saving me, Esme. Without you, I would never have known real happiness.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“While I was up there, I happened across a couple of other interesting finds. One, curiously enough, is a portrait of your uncle. Did you put that up there?"
He scowled. "No. Foy and Starr must have done, since I ordered the damn thing burned. I'll tell Bell to toss it on the rubbish heap at his earlier convenience."
"Yes, well, much as I agree with the sentiments, and believe me I do, I suppose we ought to retain the painting in the interest of family history. I could scribble a note and paste it on the reverse saying what a vile man he is, just so future generations know."
He smirked. "Sidney would hate that. Yes, let's do it.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“While I was up there, I happened across a couple of other interesting finds. One , curiously enough, is a portrait of your uncle. Did you put that up there?"
He scowled. "No. Foy and Starr must have done, since I ordered the damn thing burned. I'll tell Bell to toss it on the rubbish heap at his earlier convenience."
"Yes, well, much as I agree with the sentiments, and believe me I do, I suppose we ought to retain the painting in the interest of family history. I could scribble a note and paste it on the reverse saying what a vile man he is, just so future generations know."
He smirked. "Sidney would hate that. Yes, let's do it.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“Gabriel, I do know who you are, and none of the rest matters to me." She drew a breath. "You are a decent, brave, intelligent man who hides his kindness away where others cannot see it. But I do see it. It is in the kindness you show the servants and the animals. I feel it every time you kiss and touch me.
You were treated abominably as a child, first by parents who ought to have loved and protected you rather than destroying each other in pursuit of their own selfish desires. Then again by a monster who should have cared for you and nurtured you when you were grieving rather than hurting you even more. You lost your brother and were betrayed by a girl to whom you had promised your love and by whom you had it cruelly rejected. But in spite of all that, you're the man you are today. A man with a good heart even if he wants the world to think it is black."
"Maybe it is black and you are mistaken," he said.
She shook her head. "No. In all the ways that count, you are a good man, Gabriel Landsdowne. You're not a saint, but who wants a saint? Only think what a great bore you would be then."
The corner of his mouth twitched, a glimmer of the darkness receding from his eyes.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“I do think I'll put in a good word about Gillian with some of the ladies I know here in Town. She shouldn't be made to suffer just because you and I do not get along with her parents."
Gabriel smiled. "You have far too tender a heart, my heart. Forever trying to help others. If only Gillian knew she has a new champion in you."
"I shall know." Esme moved into his arms as the music began. "Sometimes just knowing is more than enough.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“Can we go in to supper now?" she asked. "I'm starved. I hope they serve something other than lobster patties and caviar."
He linked their arms again and started toward the dining room. "Never fear, my dear. I won't let you starve. I shall go to the kitchens myself if need be and raid the larder for bread and cheese."
She laughed and leaned against him. "My hero.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“The chef outdid himself, as one delectable dish after another was brought up from the kitchens. For Gabriel, there was a succulent roast goose with figs and a tender glazed ham, while (Esme) dined on a pair of clever cheese dishes, one made with cream and potatoes and another from Italy that combined cheese-filled flat noodles smothered with a wonderful rosemary butter sauce.
Accompanying all of that was a plentiful array of vegetables, spiced and stewed fruits and freshly baked breads with creamy butter. And for dessert, there was a flaming plum pudding with a cognac whipped cream so strong it threatened to leave her tipsy.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“I presume this is part of your erotic art collection?" she mused out loud. "It is most beautifully done; only look at the masterful brushwork and the lush, luminous colors. Curiously enough, it reminds me of Boucher, though I suppose it was done by a less well-known artist."
He lifted a brow. "I am impressed, madam, since Boucher is exactly who painted the work. You do indeed know your art. The provenance says he did this painting as a private commission for a wealthy, anonymous patron. I acquired it at an equally private auction a few years ago and have enjoyed viewing it ever since."
"Well, if this painting is representative of your collection, I would guess that all the works must have scandalous, clandestine origins due to the lurid nature of the subject matter."
"Actually, this is one of the less provocative pieces," he informed her. "The majority of my collection is housed in a separate gallery devoted strictly to erotic art and literature. A couple of the maids won't even go inside to clean."
Esme turned her gaze on him. "Is it really that bad?"
"Or that good, depending on your point of view." He grinned. "I'll show it to you sometime, if you'd like. After all, you are an art lover. Come to think, perhaps I should frame the naked sketch you did of me and add it to the collection. Or would you prefer to keep it and hang it on your bedroom wall?"
"I believe I will leave it exactly where it is, else the entire house know what you look like without clothing. Although knowing you, you'd likely be as proud as Bacchus here and every bit as shameless."
His grin widened. "Yes, but only because certain parts of me actually do rival the gods.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“Have you missed me too?"
She met his gaze, her eyes intensely blue. "If I have, you will find I am not nearly as demonstrative with my affection as Burr.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“My lady, would you care to inspect the menu for dinner? Cook is doing her best to accommodate on such short notice. I believe she plans to serve chicken this evening."
"Oh, actually, chicken will do very well for his lordship, but I shall require a dish without meat."
"Without meat?" the woman repeated, looking even more pinched. "Such as, may I inquire?"
"Vegetables, bread, noodles, soup made without meat stock, cheese, milk, fruit. Anything, really, so long as it is not made from killed meat.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“What a child she can be sometimes,' he thought, smiling again at her uninhibited display of enthusiasm as he poured himself a bit more coffee.
Of course, she had been anything but childlike in bed last night, her responses passionate and eager in spite of her initial trepidation. Once he'd managed to overcome her virginal fears, she had turned willing and warm in his arms, becoming as sensual and seductive as a siren of ancient myth. She might be shy and untutored, but she wasn't cold.
No, after last night, he knew there wasn't a cold bone in her entire luscious body.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“Here, I meant to put you at your ease but instead I've got you closed up against me again like a pretty little clam."
He stroked a finger over her cheek and watched the color rise once more beneath her skin.
"Or are you an oyster, hiding your pearls?" He slid his finger across her other cheek, then along her throat. She swallowed convulsively as he moved lower, his fingertip moving in a leisurely downward slide.
"Perhaps I can make it up to you." Bending, he dusted a kiss against her cheek, one side and the other. Then he continued on, planting a line of unhurried kisses against the skin he'd just stroked with his finger.
He heard her breathing quicken and smiled as he pressed his mouth into the curve of her throat. He licked her there in a tiny circle, savoring the fragrant taste of her skin and enjoying the hard beat of her pulse where it throbbed erratically nearby.
He suckled there, sure he would leave his mark.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“He set a finger beneath her chin and gently forced her head up so she was looking in his eyes. "Good night, my little Esme. I look forward to continuing this tomorrow. Rest well. You'll need it for everything I have planned.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“Be careful, little girl. Or else the big, bad wolf might just change his mind and decide to eat you after all.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“Without warning, a powerful masculine arm, one that could only belong to Northcote, snaked around her waist and pulled her near. "Every pardon, my dear. I fear I have been neglecting you. I hope you will forgive me."
Leaning down, he brushed a kiss against her cheek; it burned like fire.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“Something about him called to her, like one of her wounded beasts, and she could not turn him away. She needed his name and protection in order to keep from being cast out of Society. But strangely, she realized, he just might need her even more.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“He chuckled low in his throat as he slowly eased away, leaving he momentarily confused and bereft, her body keenly aware of the abrupt loss of pleasure.
His eyes gleamed like gold coins. "You taste every bit as sweet as you look, my dear." He skimmed the back of one finger over her cheek. "Maybe this bargain we're making won't be such a bad one after all.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“The family name is Landsdowne and I am Gabriel."
"Oh. Like the archangel," she said without thinking.
His eyes crinkled at the corners. "Exactly. Although I've more often been likened to Lucifer, the angel who was cast down to earth. My uncle once suggested I petition Parliament to have my name officially changed so everyone would know me for the devil I am.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“He moved fractionally closer. As he did, she noticed that her hand was still held inside his. She tugged lightly to free herself.
He didn't let go.
"Lord Northcote."
"Lady Esme," he said, the faintest trace of mocking amusement in his voice.
"You may release me now."
"Oh, I will. After we've sealed our bargain."
"What do you mean by that? I've already consented to marry you."
"Indeed, but aren't you the least bit curious to see if we're compatible?"
An electrical charge, rather like one of her brother Drake's experiments, surged through her as Northcote wrapped his free arm around her waist and tugged her to him.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“I am an artist. I draw things that interest and intrigue me. When I happened upon you there at the lake, I felt compelled to capture your likeness."
A slow smile spread over his face. "So I interest and intrigue you, do I?"
"Only from an artistic point of view, nothing more. You might have been a particularly fine ram or perhaps a goat who had strayed from its flock. You were there, so I drew you."
Gabriel's eyebrows arched, uncertain whether she was playing games with him or not. "I can assure you that I am neither a ram nor a goat, although I have been accused over the years of being randy as one.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“There are any number of choice terms I could apply to you, several of them involving the barnyard. But since most of them would be an insult to the animals living there, I shall refrain from saying them aloud.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“Scuse me, my lady," the boy said, "but we thought ye'd want ter know that tha' new stray, the black wot's been hangin' 'bout, looks like she's ready ter have her kittens."
"Abigail?"
"Aye, if tha's wot yer callin' her. She's settled in ter a corner of tha' feed room in the haymow."
"Of course I want to know. I'll go check on her now. While I do, see if you can find a good sturdy box, medium sided and broad; an herb box would do nicely. And some soft blankets and laundered rags. She and her kittens might feel more secure in there for the first few weeks, until at least the babies open their eyes."
"Aye, Lady Esme."
"Oh, bring me a pan of clean warm water too. You never know when there might be trouble during a delivery. I want to be ready to help if need be.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“In London, she'd overheard more than one matron decrying what they considered Esme Byron's inappropriate eccentricities, aghast that she was allowed so much personal freedom and the ability to voice opinions they considered unsuitable for an unmarried young woman barely out of the schoolroom. But her family always stood by her, proud of her artistic talent and uniformly deaf to the complaints of any critics who might say she needed a firmer hand.
'What must Ned and Mama be thinking now?' Were they regretting that they had not listened to those critics? Wishing they'd kept a tighter rein on her activities rather than letting her venture out as she chose?
But she would have gone mad being constrained and confined the way she knew most girls her age were. She could never have been borne the suffocating restrictions, the smothering tedium of being expected to go everywhere with a chaperone in tow, or worse, being cooped up inside doing embroidery or playing the pianoforte.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“Suddenly a dog burst from the concealment of the trees, its shaggy wheaten coat gleaming warmly in the sun. He was a medium-sized mix of no particular breed, part hound, possibly, or maybe retriever. He seemed well fed, so it was doubtful that he was a stray. Then again, mayhap he was skilled at poaching birds and rabbits from the bountiful reserves of game in the area.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“Charles, a footman who had once worked on his father's farm and who loved animals, appeared and came over to help her prepare dishes of boiled chicken and brown rice for the cats and dogs waiting eagerly at their feet.
When guests were staying, Charles often assisted with the care of her furry brood. Without asking, he set to work, even taking a few moments to gather fresh meat scraps for Aeolus, her wounded hawk, and cut-up apple and beetroots for Poppy, a convalescing rabbit who had an injured leg. He gave her several more apple quarters for the horses, who got jealous if she didn't bring them treats as well.
Once all her cats and dogs were fed, Esme set off for the stables, laden pail in hand, Burr trotting at her heels. She stopped along the way to chat with the gardener and his assistant, who gave her some timothy grass, comfrey and lavender to supplement the hay she regularly fed Poppy.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss

“She left the room, with her black-and-white kitty, Ruff, Elizabeth, Naiad and Persephone- a spotted gray-and-white shorthair- following on her heels in hopes of getting breakfast. As for her other two cats, she knew they must be out hunting rodents and birds rather than waiting to go down to the kitchens with everyone else.
Burr and old Henry, who had climbed with a stiff gait out of his basket, joined the furry entourage, tails wagging and tongues lolling as they descended the stairs. The Scotties were probably asleep in the nursery, happy to wait to see what tidbits the children would sneak them during their breakfast in another hour or two.”
― Tracy Anne Warren, Happily Bedded Bliss