Good Earls Don't Lie Quotes

“Now what are you doing, Iain? You know perfectly well that I can walk.” “I wouldn’t want you to be overtired, a ghrá. Not when you’ll need your strength.” He kicked the door closed and brought her to their bed. He laid her down and sat beside her, marveling that this woman was his. “And what will I need strength for?” she teased, her brown eyes warming to his invitation. “I intend to ravish you, my wife. I’ve heard that it helps with sleeping.” He bent and kissed her deeply, while she twined her arms around his neck. “I don’t think I’ll need any help falling asleep,” she answered. “But if you do . . .” She let her words trail off while she unbuttoned his shirt. He captured her wrists and pinned them to the bed. “I do indeed.” He lowered his mouth to her throat, kissing her until she arched against him. “I love you, my Rose.” She smiled at him, reaching up to touch his hair. “I love you, too. Now are you going to ravish me like you promised?” And”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Are you wanting to go back to London, Rose? You could leave all this and return later.” But she shook her head. “My place is with you. There is so much to be done, you’ll need my help.” “There’s one thing in particular that I’ll be needing your help with,” he admitted. “The tenants, I know, and the supplies. We should—” “Not that.” He bent in and nibbled her ear. “I’ll be needing your help to make children, my darling wife.” A deep ache caught her at his words. “So you’ve changed your mind, then.” “Aye.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“But I’m not thinking of the tenants just now. I’m thinking of how I’ll steal you away during the céilí.” He whispered of how he would carry her off during the dancing. She sent him a soft smile. “Do we have to wait that long? I was rather hoping my pirate husband would abduct me right now.” He laughed and pulled out her chair, seating her on it. “Soon, a ghrá.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“When I went into the attic to find the veil for Rose, I discovered this painting,” she began. “This is your great-grandfather, the third Earl of Ashton.” He wasn’t certain what to make of it, but then the weight of her words struck him. She’d said it was his great-grandfather. “He had green eyes,” Moira whispered. “You can see it for yourself.” Iain accepted the portrait, and when he took a closer look at the man, his blood ran cold. It was like looking into a mirror. There was no doubt at all that he was a blood relation to this man. He set down the portrait, and the hair stood up on his arms. Moira spoke first. “You have to understand how broken I was after I was violated by a man who was not my husband. And because Aidan sought revenge, he died. I found myself with a living reminder of that night.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “Every time I looked at you, I could only think of the violence. I couldn’t see that you were a gift that Aidan left to me, so I wouldn’t be alone.” Moira turned away, her shoulders slumped forward. He couldn’t answer her, though he knew what she was saying. She finished with, “There is nothing I can say to undo the years I mistreated you. I neglected the only son remaining to me. The last piece of my husband, because I was too blind to see the truth.” For a time, he was frozen, not knowing how to respond. He was the Earl of Ashton in truth. By blood and by birthright. “I will leave, if you ask it of me,” she whispered. “I deserve to be cast out for what I did.” A part of him wanted to lash out at her, for the years she’d made him feel like a shadow worth nothing at all. But what good would it do? She had aged into a fragile shell of a woman who had based her life upon misery and bitterness. He had Rose now, the woman he loved more than life itself. He had brought her here to help him rebuild Ashton . . . but perhaps she could help him rebuild more than the estate. With a heavy sigh, he placed his hand upon his mother’s shoulder. “Will you walk with me when I meet my bride?” Moira took his hand and pressed it to her forehead. Against his fingers, he felt the wetness of her tears. “I will, yes. Thank you.” It would take time to let go of the past. But it would begin with a single step.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“I would never let any man hurt you, Rose. I would die first.” “I know. And that is why I am going back to Ireland with you.” She stroked his hair, and he pulled her onto his lap. “When that man pulled me out of the carriage—” “—I was going to kill him,” Iain finished. She touched his mouth with her finger. “No. What I meant was that I realized something about myself. When I saw those men fighting you, I wanted to tear them to pieces.” She smiled at the incongruity of it all. “I will be fine in Ireland, despite all the hardships. Because it means I will see you each day. No matter what happens, I will love you. And I am strong enough to face anything, so long as I am with you.” “My rose has thorns when she needs them.” He kissed her gently and traced the edge of her cheek. “I will be glad to make you my wife, a ghrá. And I promise that I will work myself to the bone, to give you everything you want.” She wrapped her arms around him and held him close. “Iain, you needn’t bother. For everything I want is right here.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“God, how I love you, Rose.” He tasted the salt of her tears, but he wouldn’t let her go. “Does this mean you’re going to marry me?” he murmured. “Yes.” She kissed him again, and he wished he had a ring to give her. “And whether you’re the Earl of Ashton or Lord of the Ashes doesn’t matter. You’re the man who stood by me and taught me to walk again. I love you.” He reached below her hips and lifted her up, smiling at her. “I will find a way to give you the life you’ve dreamed of, Rose. Even if it means we have to live apart for a while.” Her expression turned wary. “We are not living apart, Iain.” “You’re daft if you think I’m taking you back to a place where there is no food.” Slowly, he lowered her back to stand before him. He couldn’t stop touching her, and he rubbed the small of her back. “We will argue about it later. But I do have news that may affect my dowry. Evangeline said that her father will help us sort through our finances and set them straight. We don’t know how much money my mother gave away, but—” At that, Iain’s smile broadened. “Actually, I did learn what she did with the rents.” He’d spent the morning with Cain Sinclair, and it was then that he’d discovered the truth. “Apparently, she didn’t give the money to an Irishman. It was a Scotsman. She gave the rents over to Sinclair a month ago, so he could invest them for her. They made a fine profit for you and your family.” Rose shook her head and a laugh escaped her. “So I do have a dowry, after all. Not that it matters anymore.” He leaned to kiss her again, and added, “You could be penniless, and I wouldn’t care, Rose. I’m marrying you because I love you. Because you make me want to become a better man. And because I cannot be living without you.” She leaned in and rested her nose against his. “I love you, Iain. Earl or not.” “I’ll be the earl in name,” he agreed. “There will be a great deal of work before I can restore Ashton. But with you at my side, I think we can manage it.” He stroked his thumb against her palm, and she let out a soft sigh. Then he came up behind her and drew both arms around her waist. Her body nestled against his, in the most natural feeling in the world. “You are the bride I’m meant to have. Ever since you threatened me with a rake.” She let out a soft laugh. “You’re fortunate that I didn’t use it against you.” He”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“I am still surprised that you are not against this match, considering how little Iain has to offer.” “He loves my daughter,” Lady Penford countered. “And I rather think his heart is worth more than all the gold in England.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Forgive me, Lady Rose,” Moira apologized, “but I feel you have been a victim in all this. My son took grievous advantage of you.” Rose sat down, resting her gloved hands in her lap. “Lady Ashton, your son helped me learn to walk again. We became very close, and I do love him very much. Whether he is the earl or not.” Moira’s face tightened, and she turned back to Iris. “Your daughter deserves so much more than this. I am so sorry for the scandal. Mrs. Everett was responsible for locking them in together, so I’ve learned. But nonetheless, I must caution both of you. Iain let you believe he was someone he was not. He has no inheritance to offer, nothing at all. It would be best if you walked away before making a terrible mistake.” “Love is never a mistake,” Lady Penford said softly. “And I support whatever decision my daughters want. Just as you should support your son.” “I cannot think of him as my son,” Lady Ashton insisted. “He never should have been born.” The hatred in her voice startled Rose, and she reached out for her mother’s hand. But Lady Penford faced the matron with serenity. “Every child is a blessing. And if I had a man like Iain Donovan as my son, I would count myself fortunate indeed.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“I should have rid myself of you when I learned I was with child. But it would have been a mortal sin.” She stared at him, and in her eyes, he saw nothing but hatred. “I’ve suffered every day you lived. And I will not stand by and let you ruin another woman’s life.” He expected Rose to speak, to say something to defend them. But her silence was damning. Though she continued to hold his hand, he could feel her grip loosening. She didn’t want him any more than his mother had. He should have expected it. And although he ought to let her go, now that she knew he was a bastard, damned if he wanted to. His only thread of honor had snapped in front of a truth he didn’t want to face. Iain stared at the women with no regrets for what he was about to do. He tightened his hand upon hers. “Most of the men and women in that ballroom will believe that I have compromised Lady Rose,” he said coolly. “I intend to marry her, no matter what anyone says about me.” “I cannot allow that,” Lady Wolcroft interrupted. “My granddaughter believed that you were an earl, a man who could provide a future for her. I believed that, too.” To Moira, she admitted, “I am sorry for my interference. You never told any of us about . . . why you hid him from the world. I thought you were merely estranged.” “I kept Iain away so that this would never happen,” his mother admitted. “I could not bring shame upon my husband.” It was as if he weren’t in the room at all. Iain refused to remain silent while they discussed his future. Ignoring all of them, he turned back to Rose. “Before all this happened, I asked you to marry me. Have your feelings changed, now that you know the truth?” The frozen expression on her face revealed her own doubts. “I feel as if I’ve stepped into the midst of a storm. I need a moment, Iain.” With that, she let go of his hand. The women closed in on her, and Lady Wolcroft sent him a dark look. “I think it’s best if you leave now, Ashton.” She opened the door and waited. Iain didn’t move. Instead, he locked his gaze upon Rose. “This is about what you want, a ghrá. They don’t matter.” She still wouldn’t look at him. But her hands were trembling as she gripped them together. “I—I need time to think.” It was as if he’d been imprisoned within panes of glass. He’d wanted to believe that she would be different. That she would love him enough to overlook the broken shards of the life he had. He didn’t want to leave her here with these vultures who would tell her how to live her life and what to do now. But when he saw her pale expression, his worst fears were confirmed. Love wasn’t enough to overcome the revelation that he was worth nothing. She’d wanted an earl, not a bastard. And no matter how much it broke him, the right thing was to let her go.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Whatever Iain might have said to you, Lady Rose, he spoke falsely.” “He has asked me to marry him.” She tried to conjure up a smile, but the disapproval on the women’s faces made that impossible. Her grandmother’s expression turned disappointed. “There was a time when I would have been glad to hear of this, Rose. But I am afraid that it cannot be.” She gripped Iain’s hand, feeling as if a trap were closing in on her. “And why is that?” Lady Ashton sent her a look of sympathy. “Because whatever Iain may have told you, he is not a legitimate heir. Nor is he the earl.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“You belong to me,” Iain murmured against her mouth. “Just as I belong to you.” She”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“They’re going to find us.” Iain rested both hands on either side of her. “The devil himself could set the door on fire, and I wouldn’t care, Rose.” He bent and kissed her neck. “I want you beneath me. I need to see your face and watch you while I pleasure you.” The words stole her breath, and she understood, then, that there was no stopping him. Boldly,”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“I’ve already asked you to marry me, Rose. This may simply hasten our wedding.” But then Iain sat down and drew up a chair for her to sit across from him. “Have you an answer for me?” She wanted to say yes, but was afraid of all the obstacles between them. “You still don’t think I’m strong enough to endure Ireland, do you?” “No. You would not be happy at Ashton as it stands now. But I could marry you and let you stay here, in England. At least until it’s safer for you to join me, or until I’ve restored order to our lands.” His offer was meant to protect her, she was certain. And yet, she didn’t feel it was right to live apart. “How long do you imagine that would be?” He shook his head, lifting his shoulders in a shrug. “I cannot say, Rose. All I know is that the thought of watching you wed another man is something I can’t endure. And if I tried to wed an heiress for her money, I would regret every moment. It’s not fair to her. Or to you.” Iain removed her glove, edging her palm with his thumb. The caress echoed through her body, and she warmed to his touch. His green eyes locked on hers, and he knelt down before her. “Marry me, Rose.” “I do care about you Iain,” she murmured. “But there are many decisions we need to discuss. Like how you will get food for your tenants when you have no money. I don’t even know how much money our family has or if I have a dowry at all.” Every time she’d tried to speak with her mother, Lady Penford could give her no answers. Lily had written to their land steward but had no more information than before. “Cain Sinclair has offered to donate some food and supplies. We also spoke of other ways to restore Ashton.” Though his response should have reassured her, she hadn’t missed the uncertainty in his tone. And though she did want to be with Iain, she worried about their future. He rose from his knees and sat down across from her. “If you are asking all these questions, I can only assume you are considering it.” She was, but she couldn’t quite dispel her fears. “I might.” With a daring smile, she added, “Perhaps you should convince me.” He pulled his chair closer so that their knees touched. Then he cupped her face and kissed her softly. Yearning awakened within her, and she responded, kissing him back with all her unspoken feelings. She did love this man and wanted to be with him. But never did she want him to look upon her with regret. Her”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“I know what I am supposed to do to save Ashton. But when I see you, there’s no one else in that ballroom for me. I want to kill any man who so much as looks at you. And the thought of giving you up is tearing me apart. I can’t do it.” She grew very still, her heart quickening. There was shadowed torment in his green eyes, but she felt the need for honesty. “But if you wed me and your people continue to suffer, you’ll grow to hate yourself.” “I already hate myself,” he murmured. Slowly, he crossed the room and stood before her. “It’s not right for me to rely on someone else to save Ashton. I need to find a way, using my own means.” His green eyes held hers with sincerity. “I want to give you the life you’ve dreamed of. A house. Children, if you want them—though I wouldn’t make a good father. But more than that, I want to be with you each day. Even if we have no money at all.” He took her hands in his. “I thought I could walk away, but it’s killing me, Rose.” In his eyes, she saw an emotion that echoed her own heart’s desire. She had fallen hard for this man and couldn’t bear to hurt him. “What do you want to do?” “First, I want to marry you. I’ll find another way to save Ashton. If I have to sell every last possession I own, I will do it.” She”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“As Iain pushed his way past the other guests, he didn’t seem aware that his family had arrived. He never saw the shocked expression that came over Lady Ashton’s face or the delight upon the faces of his sisters. Instead, he appeared ready to knock the viscount to the ground. He was angry, and that was quite clear when he reached her side. “Lady”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“A few minutes later, she spied Lord Ashton arriving. The moment he saw her, his eyes locked upon hers. He crossed the room like a barbarian bent upon claiming his woman.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“A few minutes later, she spied Lord Ashton arriving. The moment he saw her, his eyes locked upon hers. He crossed the room like a barbarian bent upon claiming his woman. The very idea sent a flare of heat through her, followed by frustration. She didn’t doubt for a moment that if she had Evangeline’s money or if she were stronger, he would have offered for her. A surge of anger rose up within her. Why did he insist on pursuing her, when he’d claimed he could not wed her? Was she not good enough? She straightened her spine, awaiting the confrontation. But before he reached her, Lord Burkham intervened. “He looks rather menacing, Lady Rose. Shall I guard you from the Irishman?” “I’ll be fine, Lord Burkham. But thank you.” As Iain pushed his way past the other guests, he didn’t seem aware that his family had arrived. He never saw the shocked expression that came over Lady Ashton’s face or the delight upon the faces of his sisters. Instead, he appeared ready to knock the viscount to the ground. He was angry, and that was quite clear when he reached her side. “Lady Rose, would you care to dance?” Lord Burkham asked. She recognized his invitation as a means of avoiding Iain. But it was like tossing oil upon Iain’s fury. “Thank you, but no.” She appreciated the viscount’s offer, but she was more curious about why Iain was here. “May I speak with you, Lady Rose?” There was a slight tic in Iain’s clenched jaw, and his eyes narrowed upon her. “Of course.” She waited for him to continue, but he sent a hard glare toward the viscount. “I’ll just . . . go now, shall I?” Lord Burkham ventured, appearing discomfited by the earl’s hostility. “Yes, do,” Iain answered. Once the viscount had left, he lowered his voice and said quietly, “Follow me. We need to talk in private.” She rather agreed with that, though when she passed Mrs. Everett, she didn’t miss the matron’s visible annoyance. “Go toward the library,” she said in a low voice. “I will meet you there.” But Iain wasn’t about to let go of her. His grip tightened upon her hand, and he cut a path through the crowd of people, leading her away from everyone. “Wait,” she started to protest. He needed to know that his mother and sisters were here. She was about to tell him, when he suddenly spun back. The look in his eyes was primal, like a man bent upon his needs. “I haven’t slept since the last moment we were together. I’m going to kiss you until you can’t stand up,” Iain said roughly. “I can do it here in front of everyone, or you can let me take you somewhere no one will see us.” Dear”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“You’re mine, Rose. No matter what happens to us in the future, you’ll know that at this moment, you belong to me.” He”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“If the choice were mine, I would marry you now. I would take you upstairs to my bed and spend every hour loving you.” His”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Guilt flooded through him for touching her. Iain knew that Rose deserved so much more than a man like him, but he’d taken advantage of her sweet offering. God help him, when she’d welcomed his kiss, his primal instincts had flared like a Celtic barbarian: Mine. During the weeks they’d spent together, he had come to care about this woman. He’d watched her overcome adversity and stand tall. She was brave and resilient, and when he looked into her face, she made him want to become something more. He wanted to be worthy of someone like her. After”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“He pulled back, and a faint smile edged his mouth. Then he reached out to her hair and plucked lilac blossoms from the strands. She answered his smile and teased, “What are you doing, Lord Ashton?” His answer was a roguish grin. “Deflowering you.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“There are many places within this garden for a man and woman to be alone. Were you wanting to walk with me?” Rose closed her eyes, not knowing what to say. She ought to inform him that no, she would never consider such a thing. And yet . . . she missed the rough bristle of his cheeks when he had kissed her. She missed the softness of his mouth and the way his hands awakened such feelings inside. “You need to stop looking at me like that, a ghrá, or I’ll kiss you right here.” I want you to. But she only smiled instead. Iain let out a soft curse in Irish. “You’re killing me, a mhuírnín.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“I am glad you came to join me,” he said. “I was about to abduct you from your chair.” “Would you have dragged me across the room?” “I would never drag you anywhere, a ghrá. I would lift you into my arms and carry you off.” And”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Once he was gone, her mind blurred with thoughts of Iain. He had danced with four different women, and she had no doubt that all of them were enthralled with him. But by the end of the last set, she caught him watching her. He was standing near the terrace with his own drink in hand. Although three other ladies stood nearby, conversing and flirting with him, his attention was not fixed upon them at all. Instead, he was watching her. Rose flushed beneath his attention. She remembered the wicked words he’d spoken during their dance, and her body was imagining Iain’s touch upon her bare skin. For”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Once again, I apologize for your fall. I should have guessed that the reason for your refusal was because you were unable to move so swiftly.” He reached out to her hand and asked, “Can you forgive me?” She saw no reason to be petty, but gave a brief nod, pulling back her hand from his. “I accept your apology. And now, I think you should go.” Once again, he wasn’t listening. “I want to begin again. I know that I’ve made mistakes, dearest Rose. I want to set aside the months we lost and rekindle what there was between us.” Dearest Rose? Why on earth would he call her that? And she was now well aware that there had been nothing between them. Nothing at all. “You sent me six letters in six months. I hardly think there was much between us, Lord Burkham.” “But we were good friends. That is, we are good friends,” he corrected. His smile broadened. “I still believe we would suit each other quite well. You are a beautiful lady, and friendship leads to a strong marriage, I believe.” No, love does, she corrected silently. But now she had the answer she’d anticipated. And while it saddened her to think of the young woman she’d been, who had given her heart so freely to this man, she was glad that she hadn’t married him. “We can remain friends, my lord. But that is all.” He appeared oblivious to her refusal and beamed at her. “I am so glad to hear it, Lady Rose.” With a glance over at the refreshments, he inquired, “Would you like a glass of lemonade? Are you thirsty?” Rose wasn’t, but she nodded. It gave her a way of sending him off, leaving her to be alone with her thoughts. She”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Take me to the far side of the room,” she pleaded. “Near the food and lemonade. I can pretend to be thirsty.” “And what about Burkham?” he asked. “The man is watching you.” What about the viscount indeed? she thought. He’d done nothing to catch her, but had stepped back just as she’d fallen. A twinge of resentment caught her. “I don’t want to speak with him.” Thomas should have prevented her from falling. It was almost as if he’d wanted to humiliate her. But why? And did he intend to keep his distance, behaving as if nothing had happened? A moment later, the viscount crossed the room. Immediately, Iain stepped in front of her. “Were you wanting something, Burkham?” The viscount appeared discomfited by his presence. “Ashton, if you don’t mind, I would like a word with Lady Rose.” “To apologize, you mean.” The earl’s voice held resentment, and she didn’t at all disagree. She hadn’t wanted to join in the country dance, but Lord Burkham had insisted. “I am sorry she fell. And if you wouldn’t mind giving us a moment alone . . .” “No.” Iain crossed his arms over his chest, and she nearly smiled. It looked as if he wanted to pummel the man senseless. “But I will allow you to apologize before you slither away.” Burkham cleared his throat and sidestepped so she could see his face. “Ashton is right. I do owe you an apology. I didn’t expect you to fall.” “I told you I didn’t want to dance. You wouldn’t listen.” He sent her a crooked smile, one that would have caused her heart to soften, a year ago. Now, she saw it as an empty gesture. “Forgive me. I was jealous of Ashton because I thought we had agreed you would save the first dance for me.” Jealousy would imply that he actually cared about her, and she simply didn’t believe it. “You weren’t here.” “I was late, and that, of course, was my fault,” he finished. “But I didn’t expect to find you dancing with another man.” She gave a shrug. Of course not. Because you thought no man would want me. “Did you want to dance with Lord Ashton?” he asked. There was a thread of annoyance in his tone, one she didn’t like. “Yes,” she answered honestly. Although she’d danced with Iain primarily because of the wager she’d lost, it was also because she trusted him. He understood her limitations and hadn’t tried to push her past them. Iain went to stand beside her, and he rested his hand upon the back of her chair in a silent mark of possession. “I think you should be returning to Miss Everett now,” Iain suggested. “Be on your way.” The viscount appeared to consider it, but then Lady Castledon arrived, holding Evangeline’s hand in hers. She smiled warmly at Iain and said, “Do be a darling and dance with Miss Sinclair. I’ve told her all about you, Lord Ashton.” There was no way for him to refuse without embarrassing Evangeline, but he sent Rose a questioning look. “I will be fine,” she told him. “Go on and enjoy yourself.” Iain bowed to Evangeline and tucked her hand in his arm, but his expression held an open threat toward Lord Burkham. The”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“For a moment, she remained on the floor, dimly aware of Burkham asking if she was all right. Then, someone lifted her from the floor and carried her away. It was Lord Ashton. Within seconds, he’d brought her to the opposite side of the room. She remembered his earlier suggestion and kept her eyes closed, as if she’d fallen into a faint. But inwardly, she wanted to die. This was supposed to be her moment of triumph, of proving what she could do. Instead, everyone had seen her failure. She had embarrassed herself, and a hard lump of disappointment caught in her throat. “It’s all right,” Iain murmured. “I’m bringing you to the terrace where you can get some air. Your sister and grandmother are following us.” Against her eyelids, the tears spilled out. It had been a disastrous night, and now, she only wanted to go home. Her”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“You look as if you belong here,” she murmured. “Our lessons helped.” His mouth tilted slightly. “I don’t belong here, and we both know it.” He lowered his voice and added, “I find myself not wanting to obey any of the rules.” “What do you mean?” Her voice came out breathless as the music slowed to a stop. Iain led her away from the dancers, back toward the wall. “I know I should lead you back to your chair and behave as if nothing happened. But that’s not what I’m wanting.” Her pulse quickened at his words. “What are you wanting, Lord Ashton?” His gaze was penetrating. “I want to kiss the soft skin of your throat and take out the pins of your hair until it surrounds your shoulders.” He tucked her hand into his arm and added, “And I’m wanting to unfasten the buttons of your gown, one by one. To kiss every part of your bare skin. But I can’t.” Goosebumps”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Behind them emerged Lord Burkham. He, too, was watching. But there was no warmth in his expression. She didn’t know what that meant, nor did she care. This was no longer about him; it was about all that she’d done to overcome her illness. “Lord Burkham is here at last,” she informed Ashton. “Just behind you.” “Good. I hope he regrets leaving you behind and realizes his mistake,” he admitted. “If I were you, I’d not dance with him at all.” “It wouldn’t be polite to refuse him,” she said. “After all, we were nearly betrothed. I cannot refuse to dance with him.” “Of course you can. And ‘nearly betrothed’ means nothing at all.” His hand squeezed her waist lightly. There was something about Iain Donovan that drew her close, tempting her to surrender. She was intimately aware of his touch, of his palm upon her spine, pulling her near. If they were alone, she had no doubt that he would kiss her again. And it would unravel her senses if he did. He led her gently into the dance, moving slower than the other couples. She tried to follow him, but her footsteps were not light at all. It was far more difficult than she’d ever imagined. “Don’t be nervous, a chara. I won’t let you fall.” True to his word, Iain cut their pace in half, moving slowly as he turned her. Her skin warmed, her cheeks growing flushed. But she trusted him implicitly, knowing that he spoke the truth. He would never let her go. His hand tightened against her waist, and the heat of his palm warmed the silk of her gown. “I know you won’t.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Would you grant me the honor of your first dance, Lady Rose?” Can you manage it? he seemed to be asking. She looked around the ballroom once more, trying to decide what was best. She supposed she could either dance with Lord Ashton and show everyone that she was no longer an invalid . . . or she could remain in a chair beside the wall. “Only if you dance with Miss Sinclair next,” she countered with a smile of her own. It was a reasonable enough request. “If Miss Sinclair is willing, I should be very glad of her company.” He sent her a charming smile, which made Evangeline’s fan flutter faster. “Of course, I would be happy to dance with you, Lord Ashton,” the young woman agreed. Her expression turned worried, and she continued, “But as for Lady Rose, I fear that—” She stopped abruptly, and looked perplexed, as if to remind them both, She cannot walk. But the moment Iain extended his hand, Rose took it and stood slowly. He gave her a moment to steady her balance, and then she leaned against him when she took her first step. Her eyes fixed upon his with a silent plea, Keep it slow. At least then she could hide her heavy limp. She heard Evangeline give a soft gasp, and there were murmurs all around them. It took all her concentration to walk, but Rose leaned against Iain, determined to keep her balance. “There’s a lass.” He smiled at her, allowing her to set the pace. Her heart hammered faster, and she felt the eyes of every guest staring at her. Never in her life had she felt so self-conscious. Though she had longed to take her first steps with Lord Burkham at her side, now she was beginning to reconsider. Iain was the man who had helped her to walk again, and of anyone here, she trusted him not to let her stumble. He knew the limits of her endurance, and she could confess when she needed to stop and rest. “You look grand this night.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze as they moved closer to the dancing. “Thank you.” She had worn a sky-blue gown with a full skirt and a lace shawl to cover her bare shoulders. It wasn’t the most fashionable gown, but her grandmother had deemed it quite appropriate for the evening. Because she expected me to remain in a chair, Rose thought. No one expected me to dance. “Do you think you can manage this?” Iain asked. His expression revealed the sincerity of a man who didn’t want her to be embarrassed. “Only if it’s a waltz.” A quick-paced dance would be quite beyond her balance. But right now, this was about proving herself to others. She wanted everyone to see that she had overcome her illness and could walk again. She took one step that was too heavy, and stumbled forward. Iain caught her immediately and halted, waiting for her to regain her balance. Her cheeks burned, and she blurted out, “I am sorry.” “Don’t be.” He brought her to the edge of the dancers, nearest to the wall. They would be away from the others, and yet, she could join in. The music shifted into a lilting waltz, and he rested his hand against her waist. “If you begin to tire, step on my feet. Your skirts will hide it, and no one will notice,” he advised. He’d”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie