82
" More than once, I've seen you talk yourself into the wrong decision by thinking too much. But if you could manage to climb out of that labyrinth of a brain long enough to discover what you want... not what you decide you should want, but what your instinct tells you... you might find what your soul is calling for."
"I don't have a soul. There's no such thing."
Looking exasperated and amused, Winterborne asked, "Then what keeps your brain working and your heart beating?"
"Electrical impulses. An Italian scientist by the name of Galvani proved it a hundred years ago, with a frog."
Firmly, Winterborne said, "I can't speak for the frog, but you have a soul. And I'd say it's high time you paid attention to it. "
― Lisa Kleypas , Chasing Cassandra (The Ravenels, #6)
92
" Hearts don't start out frozen," Cassandra said wisely. "Something happened to you."
Mr. Severin gave her a slightly mocking glance. "How do you know so much about the heart?"
"I've read novels-" Cassandra began earnestly, and was disgruntled to hear his quiet laugh. "Many of them. You don't think a person can learn things from reading novels?"
"Nothing that actually applies to life." But the blue-green eyes contained a friendly sparkle, as if he found her charming.
"But life is what novels are about. A novel can contain more truth than a thousand newspaper articles or scientific papers. It can make you imagine, just for a little while, that you're someone else- and then you understand more about people who are different from you."
The way he listened to her was so very flattering, so careful and interested, as if he were collecting her words like flowers to be pressed in a book. "I stand corrected," he said. "I see I'll have to read one. "
― Lisa Kleypas , Chasing Cassandra (The Ravenels, #6)
97
" How far you've brought us," Kathleen murmured, resting against him, "in such a short time. You've turned us all into a family."
"Don't give me credit for that, love," Devon said, ducking his head to press a crooked grin against the side of her face. "We all did it together."
Kathleen turned in his arms to regard the trio of goldfinches. "I wonder what they'll do," she mused aloud, "now that they're out in the world, in the open air?"
He snuggled her back against him, and nuzzled her cheek. "Whatever they want. "
― Lisa Kleypas , Chasing Cassandra (The Ravenels, #6)
100
" You can say whatever you like to me. I'm your oyster."
Before she could restrain herself, an appalled giggle escaped her. "Please don't say that. You're no such thing."
"You can choose another word, if you like." Mr. Severin extended his arm to escort her downstairs. "But the fact is, if you ever need anything- any favor, any service, large or small- I'm the one to send for. No questions asked. No obligations attached. Will you remember that?"
Cassandra hesitated before taking his arm. "I'll remember." As they proceeded to the first floor, she asked in bewilderment, "But why would you make such a promise?"
"Haven't you ever liked someone or something right away, without knowing exactly why, but feeling sure you would discover the reasons later?"
She couldn't help smiling at that, thinking, Yes, as a matter of fact. Just now. But it would be too forward to say so, and besides, it would be wrong to encourage him. "I would be glad to call you a friend, Mr. Severin. But I'm afraid marriage will never be a possibility. We don't suit. I could please you only in the most superficial ways."
"I would be happy with that," he said. "Superficial relationships are my favorite kind."
A regretful smile lingered at her lips. "Mr. Severin, you couldn't give me the life I've always dreamed of."
"I hope your dream comes true, my lady. But if it doesn't, I could offer you some very satisfying substitutes."
"Not if you're heart is frozen," Cassandra said.
Mr. Severin grinned at that, and made no reply. But as they neared the last step, she heard his reflective, almost puzzled murmur.
"Actually... I think it just thawed a little. "
― Lisa Kleypas , Chasing Cassandra (The Ravenels, #6)
