You will allow that one's curiosity must be aroused when one learns that a lady is prepared to elope to escape from advances one had not the least intention of making!
Georgette HeyerBut it is only in epic tragedies that gloom is unrelieved. In real life tragedy and comedy are so intermingled that when one is most wretched ridiculous things happen to make one laugh in spite of oneself.
Georgette HeyerShe stretched out her hand, saying, โVernon! My dear, what a delightful surprise!โ โWhatโs surprising about it?โ he enquired, lifting his black brows. โDidnโt you ask me to come?โ The smile remained pinned to Lady Buxtedโs lips, but she replied with more than a touch of acidity: โTo be sure I did, but so many days ago that I supposed you had gone out of town!โ โOh, no!โ he said, returning her smile with one of great sweetness.
Georgette Heyer