The Lightkeeper's Daughter Quotes

“I’ll try to find an herb that will help. I shall research it.” Her voice held determination. He smiled. “My little healer. You try to fix everyone. Can you fix my heart?” “Has someone harmed it?” “I fear it’s been irretrievably ensnared by you.” Her smile widened, and she placed her small gloved hand on his forearm. “That’s a perfect state for it. I shall endeavor to keep it that way.” “And what of the state of your own heart?” She sobered. “I fear it is as entangled as yours.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“She touched his cheek. “I wondered what love felt like,” she said. “Now I know.” He crushed her to his chest again. There was no pretense with her. He kissed her again, not caring to hold back the depth of his love. His breathing was ragged when he raised his head. “Oh Addie, Addie, what did I do before you came into my life?” Tears shone on her lashes. “I don’t think I lived before tonight.” “We must be married. Quite soon, darling girl. I can’t wait for long.” “I’d marry you tonight,” she said. “Right now.” He traced the curve of her cheek with his finger. “I’ll ask your father for your hand tonight.” A shadow darkened the joy in her eyes. “What about Lord Carrington?” “What about him?” “Father seems quite set on a match with him.” She wet her lips. “I’ve been thinking about what you said. That God might be disciplining him. You might be right.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“I can’t impose on my friends for too long. I’m not sure what to do.” He tipped her face up and brushed a kiss across her lips. “You’ll marry me, of course. As soon as it can be arranged.” Her pulse skipped, and she pulled back. “Right away?” His eyes were smiling and full of love. “I’d marry you tomorrow if we could arrange it that quickly.” The thought of being a family with him and Edward brought heat rushing to her cheeks. “I’d like that more than anything in the world,” she said. “Tell me what to do and I’ll arrange it.” “There are so many things to do, I don’t know where to start,” she said, laughing. The smile left his face. “When, my love?” The possessiveness in his voice heated her cheeks even more. “I need at least two weeks. I have to make a dress.” “I’ll buy you one.” “I want to make it. I’ll only have one wedding day.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“You seem ill at ease, Miss Sullivan. I assure you I’m completely harmless,” he said.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“I’m coming,” John growled. He rolled his pants legs up a little more, then gingerly stepped into the water. He grimaced. “Boy howdy, is it cold!” Addie giggled behind her hand. “You’ll get used to it in a minute.” He still wore his bowler, vest, and jacket, but with his pants rolled up and the wonder on his face, he reminded her of a little boy dressed in his father’s clothes. She leaned down and flicked cold water at him. A dollop splashed on his cheek and rolled down his neck. His eyes went wide, then he grinned and took off his hat. He scooped up a hatful of water and started toward her. Adrenaline kicked in, and she scurried backward with her hands out. “I give, I give!” He advanced on her. “You’re not getting off that easy.” “Do it, Papa!” Edward splashed water as he practically danced along beside his father. Gideon barked excitedly as if he approved as well. “Traitor,” Addie told him. Her feet slid on the moss-covered rocks. She threw out her hands to try to regain her balance, and John caught her arm. She clutched at him, and in the next moment, she was in his arms, and they both tumbled into the stream. Cold water filled her mouth and nose and soaked her clothing. Her water-heavy dress dragged her down, but she managed to sit up. Laughter bubbled from her throat when she saw John. His wet hair hung in his face, and his suit was soaked. “Hungry?” She picked a flopping minnow off his shoulder and tossed it back into the water. “That was too small to keep anyway,” he said.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“You’re in love with him?” “What? With whom?” “Don’t play the ingenue. With John North. It’s as plain as the ribbons on your hat.” Heat rose in Addie’s cheeks. “He’s an intriguing man.” “You’re blushing! It’s true. You’re in love with him.” Addie turned back toward the counter. Now would be a good time for their dessert to arrive. “I don’t know what love is.” “Your heart pounds when he’s around. You watch for him in a crowded room. You daydream about what it’s like to kiss him.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“I miss him,” she said. “Gideon.” His eyes softened. “I imagine Henry has forgotten about finding a mate for him. I’ll see what I can do. Edward would be quite taken with a puppy, and perhaps Gideon could pass along his intuition.” “I hope so, because you’ll be going back to the city soon, won’t you?” “I will. I’d hoped to take you with me.” She dropped her gaze. “I’m not sure my father will allow it.” “What do you want, Addie?” At least John used the name her soul responded to. She raised her gaze from the carpet. “I want to be with you,” she said. “Such a bold thing for me to say.” He reached out and wrapped a curl around his finger. “We must see what we can do about that.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“Not leaving so soon, are you?” he asked when he reached her. “Lord Carrington was in pursuit,” she said. He nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. “And you ran like a rabbit.” “Like a jackrabbit,” she agreed, smiling. “How did you know it was me?” He touched a curl hanging to her shoulder. “No one else has hair like that.” His comment brought her pleasure. “Thank you. I think.” She smiled up into his face. He put her hand on his arm and turned back toward the ballroom. “It’s necessary for us to face our fears. I promise to protect you.” “How easy for you to say,” she said. “You aren’t out of your element like I am mine. I don’t even know how to dance.” “We can remedy that.” He laid his right hand on top of hers, where it rested on his left arm. “I’m not the best dancer in the world, but I can waltz without breaking your toes.” “I can’t give you the same promise,” she said. “You’ll be risking your feet if you dance with me.” “I do believe it would be worth it,” he said, leading her back into the crowd.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“I hope you know how to get out,” she said. “I have a good sense of direction, but I wouldn’t mind being stuck in here with you for a few days.” She lifted a brow. “You might change your mind when I grow grouchy from hunger.” “Oh you’re that kind of lady, eh? One who demands food?” “Especially sweets.” “I admit I noticed how you prefer the trifles.” “Don’t talk about it or I might have to go back for food.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“We’ll explore it together if you promise me a kiss when we get to the middle.” Color stained her cheeks. “A lady never promises any such thing.” “I might have to steal one, then.” She opened her fan and waved it, but he could see the heat spreading up her face and grinned.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“When he reached the yard, he found Edward with Addie and her dog under a redwood tree. She was lying on her back with her slippers resting on the trunk. Edward’s head was on her stomach, and the dog lay with its head on its paws. Her hair hung from its pins, and his eyes traced the silken strands looped on the grass. “My nymph,” he said. She jerked to an upright position and began tucking her hair back into its proper position. Though she sprang to her feet, bits of mud and grass clung to her skirt as a reminder of the unladylike position in which he’d found her. His smile broadened.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“What are you doing here, Carrington? I didn’t expect you today.” “I came to see if Miss Sullivan would care to go for a drive,” Carrington said, turning hopeful eyes toward Addie. Her cheeks grew pink. “I’m flattered, Mr. Carrington, but I’m sorry to say I must decline. Edward needs me, and I have other work I must attend to.” Carrington huffed and turned to John. “You surely aren’t going to work Miss Sullivan all the time, young man.” “Of course not. She’s welcome to take off any afternoon she pleases, and one whole day a week,” John said, glancing at Addie. “Just please clear it with me, Miss Sullivan.” “You’re very generous,” Addie said, standing. “Thank you for your offer, Lord Carrington, but I’m going to be much too busy for the next few weeks for a social life. I need to devote all my free time to Mrs. Eaton’s wardrobe. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to tend to Edward.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“She was around two. She and Laura went down in a shipwreck. I heard Henry didn’t eat or sleep for days. He searched for them for weeks, but there was never any sign of them. There were no survivors.” “How sad,” she whispered. He touched her chin and turned her liquid eyes toward him. “Don’t cry. It happened a long time ago. I’m sure Henry is over it all by now.” “Love like that never dies.” He smiled. “Such romanticism. No wonder you read poetry.” “Does he ever talk about them?” He released her chin and shook his head. “Clara would be in tears if he did. The servants tell how he raved like a madman when he heard the news. Molly said she’d never heard a grown man cry like that.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“Is something wrong, Lieutenant North?” “Beware of Carrington,” he said. “Mr. Carrington was very kind,” she said. “He made no untoward remarks.” “He’s already got you lined up in his mind as his next wife. He’s buried one already.” Her breath came fast, and spots of color lodged in her cheeks. “What happened to his other wife?” Surely she wasn’t interested! “She died in childbirth.” “Recently?” He dropped his gaze. “No,” he muttered, struggling to maintain his temper. “About ten years ago.” “The poor man,” she murmured. She removed her hand from John’s arm. “But I’m not interested in becoming wife number two.” “I’m relieved to hear it,” he said. She tipped her head. “Are you? Why would that concern you?” “He’s much too old for you,” he said. She smiled, and her dimple appeared. “Surely he’s not more than fifty.” “As I said. An old man.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“Did you love Katherine too much to replace her?” He smiled. “What a romantic you are, my dear. Our marriage was less than warm.” “I’m sorry,” she said, resting her hand on her chin. “I saw a photograph of her. She was very beautiful.” “And spoiled.” John’s smile faltered. “Edward embarrassed her. I fear at times I embarrassed her more.” Addie appeared so small in the large chair as she propped her chin on her hand. “You?” she asked. Her tone implied it was beyond her comprehension that anyone wouldn’t be honored to be on his arm. No one in his life had ever treated him with so much respect. No wonder she intrigued him.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“Wringing out the washcloth, he touched it to the blood. She didn’t flinch. “Nasty scrape,” he said. He washed the area as gently as he could. “I can’t see it well.” “As I said.” He smiled and set about cleaning the injury. The only time she winced was when he applied the iodine. “Sorry,” he said. “The sting will ease in a moment.” He rose and stepped back. “I wouldn’t hurt you if I could help it,” he said.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“Miss Addie!” Edward, too, rushed to her side, but Gideon reached her first and pranced around her. “I’m all right,” she said as John arrived. He knelt beside her and slipped his arm around her. “Are you injured?” She had no idea of her true condition with him so close. Assessing the pain level, she leaned her head against his shoulder. His presence was the best medicine. “I-I don’t think so.” Edward threw himself atop her, and she pulled him onto her lap when she realized he was crying. “It’s okay, darling.” “You’re bleeding,” the child wailed. John moved away, and she hugged Edward, relishing the little-boy scent of grass and dog. “It’s merely a scratch, Edward. Proof of valor.” John was still near enough that she could smell his bay rum hair tonic. “I should call the doctor,” John said. He placed his hand on her shoulder. “No, no, I think I can get up with your assistance.” Aware she was showing more of her leg than was seemly, Addie flipped her skirt into place. She brushed a kiss across Edward’s cheek and scooted him onto the grass. “Papa’s going to help me up.” She grasped John’s arm and allowed him to lift her to her feet. “Does anything hurt?” he asked. She smiled into his face. “Only my pride.” “Let’s get you inside.” She glanced at the heap of wheels and metal. “No, I want to get back on the bicycle.” His mouth gaped. “You aren’t afraid?” “I’m terrified. But if I don’t get back on now, I might never do it. The fall will expand in my mind. I want to learn this.” She released his arm and stepped away, though she preferred to stay close to him. “The bicycle appears unharmed.” “But you’re not. You’re bleeding.” She bent her elbow up to have a look. “As I said, it’s merely a scratch.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“Delighted to meet you, Miss Sullivan,” he boomed. “I hope you’ll forgive me for remarking on how fresh and pretty you look this evening.” Addie blushed. “Thank you, Lord Carrington.” She withdrew her hand from John’s arm. “I’d better make sure Edward gets his hands clean. If you’ll excuse me.” She stepped through the front door. Both men watched the graceful sway of her skirt. “Pretty girl. Yours?” Carrington asked. “Of course not,” John said. Carrington bared his teeth in a smile. “Excellent. I have a mind to call on her.” “She’s thirty years your junior, Carrington!” “And pretty and fresh as a flower.” John barely managed to hold his temper. “If you’re here to see Henry, he’s gone to a concert.” “A fine reason to call again tomorrow.” Carrington tipped his hat and strode to the buggy. John stood slack jawed, emotions reeling. That man couldn’t be allowed to get his hands on her.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“There is no subterfuge in you, Miss Adeline. Why is that?” Color came and went in her cheeks. “Everyone has layers. Even me.” He leaned closer as his son neared and allowed a curl to wrap his finger. “I look forward to peeling back those layers.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“Come in with us,” she called. The moist sea air caused her auburn locks to curl. The thought that there might be an opportunity to kiss that smiling pink mouth nearly prompted him to obey. The slim tights of her swimming costume showed off the shape of her legs, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She put Edward down, then stood with her hands on her hips. “Roll up your trousers. At least let the waves break at your ankles.” “I didn’t bring a swimsuit,” John said. He grinned. “Besides, don’t you know that sailors drown in an inch of water?” “Coward!” She staggered out of the sea, then paused to wring the water from her skirt.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter

“The wind tore the hat from his head and sent it sailing straight at Addie. She snagged it in midair. He slipped in the sand, then his legs flew out from under him, and he landed on his backside. The items he carried scattered in a circle around him. She gasped and ran to help. A seagull cawed overhead, and a white blob dropped. It landed squarely on the shoulder of John’s jacket. Addie stopped, observing first the mess on his suit, then the sand on his pants. His face reddened, but she wasn’t sure if it was from embarrassment or anger. His lip curled when he spied the bird droppings on his jacket. A giggle erupted from Addie’s lips. And another one. “I’m sorry,” she gasped through her laughter. “But if you could see your face. Such disgust. It’s only a little offering from the gull to show his affection.” He stood before she reached him and bent to brush the sand from his trousers. “I think you were more deserving of that deposit from the gull.”
― Colleen Coble, The Lightkeeper's Daughter