My daughter," I said blankly. "I see. Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought it took a man, as well as a woman, to make a child. Is this infant's father to be a crab, or a seagull maybe? Or were you planning to shipwreck some likely sailor on my doorstep, so I can make convenient use of him?
Juliet MarillierI wish- I wish I could dry these tears, I wish I could make this better for you. But I don't know how.
Juliet MarillierDon't you long for something different to happen, something so exciting and new it carries you along with it like a great tide, something that lets your life blaze and burn so the whole world can see it?
Juliet MarillierWhy should I be polished and improved like goods for sale? I might not even want to marry! And besides, I have many skills. I can read and write and play the flute and harp. Why should I change to please some man? If he doesnโt like me the way I am, then he can get some other girl for his wife.
Juliet MarillierThis is aโa proposal of marriage?โ he asked me, and there was the very smallest trace of a smile at the corner of his mouth, something I had never seen before. โI suppose so,โ I said, blushing again. โAnd, as you see, Iโm doing it properly, on my knees.โ โThis would, however, be a partnership of equals youโre offering, I imagine?โ โUndoubtedly.โ (448-49)
Juliet Marillier