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21 " The flesh was weak, but it was not dumb. It had its own animal intelligence. In her husband's bed her body had felt like dead clay, but it had come back to life this morning in the apple grove.How had she forgotten such pleasure? It invigorated the senses and enlarged the lungs. Riding through the meadow, the air had tasted richer and the brush of his worsted jacket against her bare wrist had riveted her whole awareness. Even her silent, inward turmoil had felt bittersweet to her. "
― Meredith Duran , At Your Pleasure
22 " Perhaps Nora was right: God watched but did not concern Himself with this kingdom. In His son He had exhausted His interest in suffering. Now He waited indifferently until Judgment Day. "
23 " He could not admire her destructive loyalty to her brother. But it was born of the steel at her core. As a girl, she had not disguised that steel, speaking boldly, daring the world to cross her. But now that she carried it concealed, it took on a new element of power, like the hidden stiletto that could save a man's life when all else was stripped from him ... men too often mistook bravado for courage. Her courage was not wasted on display.But what a wealth of riches she offered to those who possessed her loyalties. She put her whole self into their defense and never accepted defeat. Even if her wits saw the weakness in a cause, she would sacrifice herself for the sake of honor. "
24 " Rather stupid creatures, aren't they?' he said to draw her eyes back to this.'No. I find them quite - admirable, in fact.''How so?'She gave him a frown, as though doubting the sincerity of his interest. The hesitance was new to her, and it grated him, for it suggested an unpleasant history - one in which her youthful confidence had been eroded, gradually, by men who took no interest in her thoughts.'Go on,' he said. 'Do you mean to follow Mandeville, and argue that bees show how self-interest and vice might profit the world?'She laughed. 'Oh, no. I was thinking far less philosophically. Besides, Mandeville wrongs the poor bees in his verse. They are quite Christian in their industry, don't you think? Unceasing in their duties. And yet - one cannot say their docility signifies stupidity, or any dullness of sentiment. When one of their own is threatened, they rouse in unison to defend him. Even the lowliest drone might count on his brethren's support, and I think - I think there is great virtue, great comfort, in such brotherhood.'[...] 'You are no drone, Nora. And unthinking loyalty is no virtue by my account.'Her mouth flattened. She locked eyes with him for a hard second. 'Do not imagine my loyalty is unthinking. "
25 " And here is *your* test of courage, Lord Rivenham: did memories of me ever trouble your sleep, or did the painted ladies of the court keep you sufficiently occupied?'The barbed question did not seem to register the proper sting. 'You are of two minds,' he replied easily. 'You desire me to say I never thought of you, so you may sleep tonight without the aid of medicine, safe in the throes of your anger. But you also know that the ghost of you followed me to my bed every night - and now that I've admitted it, you will wish you'd never asked.She threw his hand away from her. His honesty felt like a betrayal. "
26 " You said we must coexist peaceably,' he continued. 'I agree. Instruct me how.''That was a lie,' she said, her voice choked. 'I meant to trick you to my table. You know this!''Truths sometimes appear in unbidden forms. "
27 " He had achieved indifference to her in London. Why not here, too? But here was where he had loved her. "
28 " He could not admire her destructive loyalty to her brother. But it was born of the steel at her core. As a girl, she had not disguised that steel, speaking boldly, daring the world to cross her. But now that she carried it concealed, it took on a new element of power, like the hidden stiletto that could save a man’s life when all else was stripped from him. Adrian had never glimpsed such ferocity of will in another woman—or man, for that matter "