This 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 MarillierIf a man has to say trust me, Gogu conveyed, it's a sure sign you cannot. Trust him, that is. Trust is a thing you know without words.
Juliet MarillierPerhaps he could still weave together the broken threads of his life. And yet, I wanted him here now. I needed him here. In the darkness, if I sat very still, I could almost feel his presence by me, quite near, but not too near. Didn't I promise to keep you safe, he would say softly. I have never broken a promise. Don't look so worried, Jenny. And yet, he would be careful. Careful not to move too close. Careful not to frighten me. Waiting still. I am your shelter. Don't be afraid.
Juliet MarillierIf she were here I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off her. I would hold her so close she'd beg me to let her breathe. I'd kiss her so hard she'd plead for mercy. I'd unfasten her clothing and lie with her onthat hard bed, and what was between us would be as far above the ordinary congress between man and woman as the stars are above their pale reflections in the lake below.
Juliet Marillier