Home > Work > The Viscount's Tempting Minx (The Dukes of War, #1)
1 " Masquerades are frivolous, scandalous—” “Scandalous?” “People in costume lose their minds completely. The ‘ladies,’ if there are any, have been known to be free with their favors and dampen their gowns to make them more transparent—” “I did bring a bowl of water, in case you wished to blend with the masses. "
― Erica Ridley , The Viscount's Tempting Minx (The Dukes of War, #1)
2 " My butler informs me you had a book on your person when you came to call.” She did not look up. “His vision is excellent, my lord.” “Was it your journal?” he pressed. He wondered if she kept a diary as well . . . and what she might write about him. He hoped something scandalous. He’d love to make it come true. "
3 " Lord Sheffield tucked a stray tendril behind her ear and cupped her cheek in one hand. “Do you see a kissing ball anywhere?” “N-no.” She darted a quick glance about the room. It was decorated as a Venetian masquerade, not as a Christmastide celebration. There was no holly to be found. “Why do you ask?” “Because I don’t want you to think I have any reason for doing this other than because I wish to. "
4 " A footman approached bearing a tray of sparkling wine. Lord Sheffield motioned the footman away before he could offer them a glass of champagne. “Forgive me,” he murmured in Amelia’s ear. “I cannot wait another moment to have you in my arms. "
5 " She lifted her chin and glared at him. “If you had but asked, I would’ve informed you that I do not attend masquerades.” “That is precisely why I didn’t ask. "
6 " Have you considered—between now and any future leg-shackling, that is—the possibility of spending some time not running things?” “Oh, I do,” she said earnestly. “Twice daily! I try very hard not to run things in my sleep, nor whilst cleaning my teeth. Far too difficult to bark orders with tooth powder in one’s mouth. "
7 " As a lady of clocklike precision yourself, you may appreciate my schedule. I have kept strictly to it every day for the past decade. From eight in the morning to eight in the evening, I devote myself to my duties. Then from eight in the evening to eight in the morning, I . . . do . . . not. "
8 " He leaned back. “What, may I ask, is the nature of our business?” She inclined her head. “Just so. It came to my attention earlier today that you had canceled the seventy-fifth annual Christmas Eve ball. I would have called upon you immediately, but I’m afraid a prior engagement tied my hands until this very moment.” He tried to make sense of her words. She was apologizing for not descending upon him more promptly for a meeting he’d never in his wildest dreams anticipated? "
9 " I do consider it my responsibility to know everything there is to know about anything that could be considered my domain. I believe I am quite adept at the management of people and events.” His green eyes twinkled. “You’ve certainly managed me since the day I was born.” “I was but three years old when you were born,” she protested. “I didn’t start managing you for at least another year. "
10 " There’s a Lady Amelia Pembroke here to see you, my lord. She was most insistent.”Benedict glanced up from his desk. “I trust you informed her that I was not receiving, and refused to let her in?”“Of course.” The butler hesitated before continuing, “She said she would simply wait until you are receiving.”Benedict put down his pen. “Wait where, pray?”“Upon the front step, my lord. I’m afraid the lady brought... the lady brought... a book. She cannot be budged. "
11 " The ladies, I daresay, will have already selected silk gowns and appropriate jewels," the countess droned on, "and are quite capable of comporting themselves in line with both propriety and fashion.”“I don’t care about fashion,” Lord Sheffield murmured into Amelia’s ear, “but I’m sorely disappointed whenever a lady I escort decides to comport herself with propriety. "
12 " Who said the soirée needs to take place in the same old ballroom?" Amelia arched a brow. "All we need is a new venue.”“We?” Ravenwood reared back, horrified.“Not you, dear brother. Viscount Sheffield and I.”“Does the poor flat even know who you are?” Ravenwood burst out.Her smile turned calculating. “He’s about to. "
13 " That’s not a catalog!” Amelia's brother set aside his empty glass and plate to peer across the maplewood table. “Why the devil are you reading Debrett’s Peerage?”“It most certainly is a catalog," she replied, "and the most expedient one at my disposal. I’ve decided to take a husband. His name must be within these pages. "
14 " We should go,” he said gruffly, his face inscrutable.“Why?” Her heartbeat thundered. She gripped his arms tight to keep herself from twining her own about his neck. He lowered his mouth to her ear, brushing it with a feather-soft kiss. “It isn’t safe.”Her answering shiver had nothing to do with the cold. She had never stood so close to any man, had never fought the urge to press herself even closer.“What could happen?” she whispered.He cupped her face in his hands. “Anything. "
15 " At this, the duke stopped mid-step and nearly choked with laughter. “Beg your pardon, Sheffield.” He cast a speaking glance at his sister then turned his merry gaze back to Benedict. “Did you try to get your way?”Benedict lifted a shoulder with a self-deprecating smile.The duke clapped him on the shoulder, unabashed. “You’ll learn soon enough.”Benedict gazed down at Lady Amelia. “I believe I already have. "
16 " Ravenwood ran a hand through his wavy chestnut hair, upsetting the careful work of his valet. Or not. Given the popularity of the “frightened owl” hairstyle today, Amelia couldn’t fathom much effort being involved at all. "
