To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband's dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted, was still twitching upon the floor.

....Only you mattered in that moment. Only you. And I would have done anything to save you. I would have paid any price committed any sin sold my very soul to do it.

If one has a purpose, life is bearable enough, do you not think so?

If you were a man, your ladyship, I would cordially horsewhip you for that remark.

Now I was more certain than ever of my decision. I could not love a man who did not love Jane Austen.

I stepped closer still. He closed his eyes again and covered my hand with his own. 'You smell of violets. You always smell of violets,' he said. 'You've no idea how many times I have walked these moors and smelled them and thought you were near. On and on I walked, following the scent of you, and you were never there. When I saw you in the hall tonight, I thought I had finally gone mad.

She didn't look at me and I didn't look at her. Some questions are so direct the only way to ask them is sideways.