25
" I hope you may still take one or two of these mignardises.”
Miss Charlotte considered the matter: The approach of Maximum Tolerable Chins was, in this household at least, treated with all the gravity of an outbreak of war. “I suppose, if I eliminate all puddings from my other meals, I may take one of these a day at tea.”
Mrs. Watson exhaled, resting her palm against her heart.
“And perhaps we can resume our canne de combat practice. We might yet stave off Maximum Tolerable Chins, if you put me through my paces, ma’am.”
Mrs. Watson chortled. Miss Charlotte was not otherwise the most eager participant in vigorous activities. Maximum Tolerable Chins might be doing her a favor, forcing her to exercise more. "
― Sherry Thomas , The Art of Theft (Lady Sherlock, #4)
31
" Miss Yarmouth blushed furiously, but now that she’d started, her courage seemed to rise. “I know you are still married, sir. But your petition for divorce is certain to be granted. And if you’ll please listen to me . . .”
“I am listening.”
“I’ve heard what people say about you and Miss Charlotte Holmes. That you love and admire her, but can’t marry her because she is no longer respectable and you must think of the children.”
That had never been the reason he wouldn’t marry Holmes, but he wasn’t about to explain himself to Miss Yarmouth, who in any case went on without waiting for corrections.
“But I am respectable. And the children already know me. And since you must find another mother for them, you know they will accept me. You know that their welfare is of tremendous importance to me. And I hope that during my years of service, you have gained some insight into my character, my lord. I am loyal, you know that. I will never betray you. And I understand that our arrangement will be one of convenience—that your heart belongs elsewhere. I will never be jealous or unpleasant. I will make this a harmonious, happy home.”
Or at least that was what he thought he heard. His ears rang. "
― Sherry Thomas , The Art of Theft (Lady Sherlock, #4)
40
" I—I don’t wish to go either. I adore Miss Lucinda and Master Carlisle—they are such lovely children. But I’m not getting any younger.”
“I understand,” he said again, and wondered whether there was anything he could do to cushion his children from this blow.
“Unless, that is, my lord, you wish to—”
She looked up now, her eyes imploring. He stared back at her, half in incomprehension, half in . . . all too much comprehension.
Dear God, Holmes would probably have seen where this was going while Miss Yarmouth was still on the other side of the door. "
― Sherry Thomas , The Art of Theft (Lady Sherlock, #4)