It was growing late, and though one might stand on the brink of a deep chasm of disaster, one was still obliged to dress for dinner.
Georgette HeyerRemind me one day to teach you how to achieve a sneer, Hugh. Yours is too pronounced, and thus but a grimace. It should be but a faint curl of the lips.
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 HeyerMiss Trent regarded her thoughtfully. "Well, it's an odd circumstance, but I've frequently observed that whenever you boast of your beauty you seem to lose some of it. I expect it must be the change in your expression." Startled, Tiffany flew to gaze anxiously into the ornate looking-glass which hung above the fireplace. "Do I?" she asked naively. "Really do I, Ancilla?" "Yes, decidedly," replied Miss Trent, perjuring her soul without the least hesitation.
Georgette Heyer