---
title: "21 Last night Quotes By Sabrina Jeffries"
description: "21 Last night quotes by Sabrina Jeffries. Plus more from Sabrina Jeffries and more Last night sayings from other authors."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d22/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_she-realized-she-d-been-staring-only-whe_2026189.jpg"
---

> [“She realized she’d been staring only when he said, his voice lower and huskier, “Who are you looking for?” His words snapped…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/she-realized-she-d-been-staring-only-when-he-said-his-voice-lower-and/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d22/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_she-realized-she-d-been-staring-only-whe_2026189.jpg)

> [“Beneath all his reckless remarks, he is a good man. And he genuinely wants to marry you-after last night at the ball…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/beneath-all-his-reckless-remarks-he-is-a-good-man-and-he-genuinely/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f88/sabrina-jeffries-1064_good-man_beneath-all-his-reckless-remarks-he-is-a_712949.jpg)

> [I'll join you, sir. You'll need help finding your way about the estate."His lips tightened into a disapproving line. "Begging your pardon,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/i-ll-join-you-sir-you-ll-need-help-finding-your-way-about-the-estate/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/46a/sabrina-jeffries-1064_begging_i-ll-join-you-sir-you-ll-need-help-findi_927330.jpg)

> [“She should let one of the gentlemen with their little wager and steal a kiss. That would help her cause far more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/she-should-let-one-of-the-gentlemen-with-their-little-wager-and-steal/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/215/sabrina-jeffries-1064_gaze_she-should-let-one-of-the-gentlemen-with_2892176.jpg)

> [“She asked about my intentions toward you.” He steadied his nerve to speak words that might hurt her. “I told her there…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/she-asked-about-my-intentions-toward-you-he-steadied-his-nerve-to/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/926/sabrina-jeffries-1064_gaze_she-asked-about-my-intentions-toward-you_2685085.jpg)

> [“Mr. Pinter!" He turned to find Lady Celia approaching. "Yes, my lady?" To his surprise, she glanced nervously at the open door…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/mr-pinter-he-turned-to-find-lady-celia-approaching-yes-my-lady-to-his/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/77a/sabrina-jeffries-1064_dreams_mr-pinter-he-turned-to-find-lady-celia-a_134855.jpg)

> [“Their ride back to Ealing was quiet. She avoided looking at him, while he couldn’t seem to stop looking at her. He…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/their-ride-back-to-ealing-was-quiet-she-avoided-looking-at-him-while/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/065/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_their-ride-back-to-ealing-was-quiet-she_790196.jpg)

> [“He kept stealing glances at Celia that were filled with longing and perhaps desire. Jackson didn’t like that one bit. When he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/he-kept-stealing-glances-at-celia-that-were-filled-with-longing-and/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a38/sabrina-jeffries-1064_another-woman_he-kept-stealing-glances-at-celia-that-w_1664595.jpg)

> [“He patted her hand. “But I will settle for an amiable wife.” It was as close to making a declaration of his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/he-patted-her-hand-but-i-will-settle-for-an-amiable-wife-it-was-as/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1e3/sabrina-jeffries-1064_first-place_he-patted-her-hand-but-i-will-settle-for_1413827.jpg)

> [“If it’s any consolation,” he murmured, “I had a miserable time last night.” “Good. You deserved to.” She smiled. “Not that I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/if-it-s-any-consolation-he-murmured-i-had-a-miserable-time-last-night/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/68b/sabrina-jeffries-1064_consolation_if-it-s-any-consolation-he-murmured-i-ha_2654037.jpg)

> [“You have to go rescue Gabe before he does something foolish. Chetwin is here and they’re near to coming to blows over…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/you-have-to-go-rescue-gabe-before-he-does-something-foolish-chetwin/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/53d/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_you-have-to-go-rescue-gabe-before-he-doe_1586261.jpg)

> [“Though I’m surprised that you read novels.” “I do have other interests than shooting, you know.” “I never said otherwise.” “But you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/though-i-m-surprised-that-you-read-novels-i-do-have-other-interests/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b18/sabrina-jeffries-1064_books_though-i-m-surprised-that-you-read-novel_1327815.jpg)

> [“No,” she whispered. “No more.” His breath came hot and heavy against her ear as his arm crept back around her waist.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/no-she-whispered-no-more-his-breath-came-hot-and-heavy-against-her/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/687/sabrina-jeffries-1064_honorable-man_no-she-whispered-no-more-his-breath-came_240526.jpg)

> [“Oliver reached past her to yank the curtains closed, then moved to sit beside her. She stiffened, but didn’t resist as he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/oliver-reached-past-her-to-yank-the-curtains-closed-then-moved-to-sit/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/68d/sabrina-jeffries-1064_gaze_oliver-reached-past-her-to-yank-the-curt_2284081.jpg)

> [“Are you hurt? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” “No, miss, just my pride.” He cast her a rueful smile. “Don’t fret…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/are-you-hurt-he-didn-t-hurt-you-did-he-no-miss-just-my-pride-he-cast/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c0/sabrina-jeffries-1064_hard-time_are-you-hurt-he-didn-t-hurt-you-did-he-n_780391.jpg)

> [“She knew what she had to do.” “Did she? How odd for a pampered lady. Though I’m sure she complained constantly about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/she-knew-what-she-had-to-do-did-she-how-odd-for-a-pampered-lady/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_she-knew-what-she-had-to-do-did-she-how_503193.jpg)

> [“You’re the only person who doesn’t see the advantage in such a match.” “That’s because I don’t believe in marriages of convenience.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/you-re-the-only-person-who-doesn-t-see-the-advantage-in-such-a-match/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3fa/sabrina-jeffries-1064_hard-to-believe_you-re-the-only-person-who-doesn-t-see-t_1472066.jpg)

> [“When Oliver called time a few moments later, she’d beaten them all. But she’d beaten Mr. Pinter by only one bird. “It…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/when-oliver-called-time-a-few-moments-later-she-d-beaten-them-all-but/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96b/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_when-oliver-called-time-a-few-moments-la_2796411.jpg)

> [“Because you deserve a duke, damn it!” A troubled expression furrowed his brow. “You deserve a man who can give you the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/because-you-deserve-a-duke-damn-it-a-troubled-expression-furrowed-his/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c6/sabrina-jeffries-1064_amazing-woman_because-you-deserve-a-duke-damn-it-a-tro_961624.jpg)

> [“Speaking of shooting, my lady,” Mr. Pinter said as he came around the table, “I looked over your pistol as you requested.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/speaking-of-shooting-my-lady-mr-pinter-said-as-he-came-around-the/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73b/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_speaking-of-shooting-my-lady-mr-pinter-s_1258304.jpg)

> [“Maria managed to avoid Oliver for most of St. Valentine’s Day. It wasn’t difficult-apparently he spent half of it sleeping off his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/maria-managed-to-avoid-oliver-for-most-of-st-valentine-s-day-it-wasn/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/542/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_maria-managed-to-avoid-oliver-for-most-o_1387464.jpg)

## Other authors on Last night

## More by Sabrina Jeffries

> [“Wait, were you eavesdropping on my conversation with the duke? That's very rude." "Is it? Half of the plays in the world contain eavesdropping.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/wait-were-you-eavesdropping-on-my-conversation-with-the-duke-that-s/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [“I merely don't like drafts, or servants falling and breaking their ankles, making them incapable of serving me." "I understand completely." Her gaze held…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/i-merely-don-t-like-drafts-or-servants-falling-and-breaking-their/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [“So, Byrne, did you and Christabel get lost on the way down? Perhaps we should send you a floor plan for next time. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/so-byrne-did-you-and-christabel-get-lost-on-the-way-down-perhaps-we/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [“I wish you'd tell the truth, but since I know that isn't preferable--" "The truth is always preferable, my dear. It's just not always…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/i-wish-you-d-tell-the-truth-but-since-i-know-that-isn-t-preferable/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [The man is always the last to know when Cupid has struck him -Anonymous, Memoirs of a Mistress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/the-man-is-always-the-last-to-know-when-cupid-has-struck-him/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [“Listen carefully, and don’t panic.” With his eyes still on that wretched spot behind her, he slid his right hand slowly to the hilt…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/listen-carefully-and-don-t-panic-with-his-eyes-still-on-that-wretched/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [“It’s wonderful,” he choked out. “Absolutely wonderful.” He smoothed his hand over her belly. “I can’t imagine anything better than having a child with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/it-s-wonderful-he-choked-out-absolutely-wonderful-he-smoothed-his/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [The best time to write is when your life is in the toilet. Writing offers an escape from your problems, so if you force…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/the-best-time-to-write-is-when-your-life-is-in-the-toilet-writing/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [“That’s all she cared about—protecting her brother, who was probably some fop with a lame sword hand and a fear of pistols!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/that-s-all-she-cared-about-protecting-her-brother-who-was-probably/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [“You won’t try to kiss me again?” “Given your method for handling that problem? No. I don’t particularly like pain.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/you-won-t-try-to-kiss-me-again-given-your-method-for-handling-that/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [“Suddenly he spotted Gran deep in conversation with Kitty’s closest friend, and relief coursed through him. Gran would squelch the tale at once. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/suddenly-he-spotted-gran-deep-in-conversation-with-kitty-s-closest/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [“Then he happened to glance at the viscount, and his blood stilled. The viscount’s eyes followed Celia’s every move, and his finger kept stroking…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/then-he-happened-to-glance-at-the-viscount-and-his-blood-stilled-the/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [“Mr. Pinter!" He turned to find Lady Celia approaching. "Yes, my lady?" To his surprise, she glanced nervously at the open door to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/mr-pinter-he-turned-to-find-lady-celia-approaching-yes-my-lady-to-his/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [“Good lack-a-daisy, Clara!" her aunt reproached her. "The man might dress improperly, but he's behaving like a perfect gentleman otherwise. And being wonderfully kind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/good-lack-a-daisy-clara-her-aunt-reproached-her-the-man-might-dress/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

> [Watch it, minx," he warned with a lift of his brow. "If you intend to taunt me for every foolish statement I've made in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/watch-it-minx-he-warned-with-a-lift-of-his-brow-if-you-intend-to/)

[Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "ItemList",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-night/sabrina-jeffries/#itemlist",
            "name": "21 Last night Quotes By Sabrina Jeffries",
            "numberOfItems": 21,
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“She realized she’d been staring only when he said, his voice lower and huskier, “Who are you looking for?” His words snapped her out of her terrible trance. “I . . . I . . .” she thought furiously and said the only thing that came to mind. “For you. I was looking for you.” Suspicion flashed in his sea-blue eyes. “In the rigging?” “Yes. Why not?” “Either you’re very ignorant about what a captain does, or you’re lying. Why is it?” Ignoring the plummeting sensation in her stomach, she forced a smile to her face. “Really, Gideon, you are so suspicious. Last night you accused me of plotting behind your back, and this morning you accuse me of lying. Who else would I be looking for but you?”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/she-realized-she-d-been-staring-only-when-he-said-his-voice-lower-and/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d22/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_she-realized-she-d-been-staring-only-whe_2026189.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d22/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_she-realized-she-d-been-staring-only-whe_2026189.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d22/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_she-realized-she-d-been-staring-only-whe_2026189.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“She realized she’d been staring only when he said, his voice lower and huskier, “Who are you looking for?”…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Beneath all his reckless remarks, he is a good man. And he genuinely wants to marry you-after last night at the ball I am certain of that much. So accept his offer, for God's sake. And give me great-grandchildren. That is all I want.\" \"And what about what I want?\" \"You want him. I can see it whenever you look at him, the same way I can see it in his eyes whenever he looks at you.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/beneath-all-his-reckless-remarks-he-is-a-good-man-and-he-genuinely/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f88/sabrina-jeffries-1064_good-man_beneath-all-his-reckless-remarks-he-is-a_712949.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f88/sabrina-jeffries-1064_good-man_beneath-all-his-reckless-remarks-he-is-a_712949.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f88/sabrina-jeffries-1064_good-man_beneath-all-his-reckless-remarks-he-is-a_712949.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Beneath all his reckless remarks, he is a good man. And he genuinely wants to marry you-after last night at…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "I'll join you, sir. You'll need help finding your way about the estate.\"His lips tightened into a disapproving line. \"Begging your pardon, Lady Rosalind, but I didn't have a nursemaid when I was three, so I certainly don't need one now. I'm perfectly capable of navigating an estate alone.\"\"I'm sure you are - indeed, you demonstrated a remarkable proficiency for it last night, and in a strange house, too.",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/i-ll-join-you-sir-you-ll-need-help-finding-your-way-about-the-estate/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/46a/sabrina-jeffries-1064_begging_i-ll-join-you-sir-you-ll-need-help-findi_927330.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/46a/sabrina-jeffries-1064_begging_i-ll-join-you-sir-you-ll-need-help-findi_927330.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/46a/sabrina-jeffries-1064_begging_i-ll-join-you-sir-you-ll-need-help-findi_927330.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“I'll join you, sir. You'll need help finding your way about the estate.\"His lips tightened into a…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“She should let one of the gentlemen with their little wager and steal a kiss. That would help her cause far more than beating them. But what if Mr. Pinter won? What if he kissed her as he had last night? It would be just the sort of thing he’d do, to put off her suitors by making it appear she had an interest elsewhere. That perhaps he had an interest in her, too. Perhaps he does. She snorted. The only interest he had was in ruining her life. He still reported to her about her suitors. He would much rather be here, trying to upset all her plans, than doing his job. He shot well, though. She’d give him that. The man knew his way around a firearm.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/she-should-let-one-of-the-gentlemen-with-their-little-wager-and-steal/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/215/sabrina-jeffries-1064_gaze_she-should-let-one-of-the-gentlemen-with_2892176.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/215/sabrina-jeffries-1064_gaze_she-should-let-one-of-the-gentlemen-with_2892176.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/215/sabrina-jeffries-1064_gaze_she-should-let-one-of-the-gentlemen-with_2892176.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“She should let one of the gentlemen with their little wager and steal a kiss. That would help her cause far…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 5,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“She asked about my intentions toward you.” He steadied his nerve to speak words that might hurt her. “I told her there was nothing between us.” “Did you?” Her expression was impenetrable as she shifted her gaze to the road ahead. “Fortunately, I told her the same thing.” He gripped the reins. So much for hurting her. “But you know Gran,” Celia went on lightly. “She’ll think what she wants, no matter what either of us say.” “Well,” he managed, “her mind will surely be put to rest about you and me when you announce that you’re marrying the duke.” “ When I announce?” she echoed, then fell silent for a long moment. “There’s something I…ought to have mentioned before.” He gritted his teeth. Damn, damn, damn. She must have already announced it, last night after he’d left the ball. It was set in stone now. She was planning to let that bloody duke into her bed and her life, even though she didn’t- “I never had any intention of marrying the duke.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/she-asked-about-my-intentions-toward-you-he-steadied-his-nerve-to/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/926/sabrina-jeffries-1064_gaze_she-asked-about-my-intentions-toward-you_2685085.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/926/sabrina-jeffries-1064_gaze_she-asked-about-my-intentions-toward-you_2685085.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/926/sabrina-jeffries-1064_gaze_she-asked-about-my-intentions-toward-you_2685085.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“She asked about my intentions toward you.” He steadied his nerve to speak words that might hurt her. “I told…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 6,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Mr. Pinter!\" He turned to find Lady Celia approaching. \"Yes, my lady?\" To his surprise, she glanced nervously at the open door to the library and lowered her voice. \"I must speak to you privately. Do you have a moment?\" He ruthlessly suppressed the leap in his pulse. Lady Celia had never asked to talk to him alone. The singularity of that made him nod curtly and gesture to a nearby parlor. She preceded him, then stood looking about her with uncharacteristic anxiousness as he entered and left the door open, wanting no one to accuse him of impropriety. \"What is it?\" he asked, trying not to sound impatient. Or intrigued. He'd never seen Lady Celia looking unsure of herself. It tugged annoyingly at his sympathies. \"I had a dream last night. That is, I'm not sure if it actually was a dream. I mean, of course it was a dream, but...\" \"What's your point, madam?\" Her chin came up, and a familiar martial light entered her gaze. \"There's no need to be rude, Mr. Pinter.\" He couldn't help it; being this close to her was doing uncomfortable things to him. He could smell her perfume, a tempting mix of...whatever flowery things noblewomen wore to enhance their charms. Her charms needed no enhancement.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/mr-pinter-he-turned-to-find-lady-celia-approaching-yes-my-lady-to-his/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/77a/sabrina-jeffries-1064_dreams_mr-pinter-he-turned-to-find-lady-celia-a_134855.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/77a/sabrina-jeffries-1064_dreams_mr-pinter-he-turned-to-find-lady-celia-a_134855.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/77a/sabrina-jeffries-1064_dreams_mr-pinter-he-turned-to-find-lady-celia-a_134855.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Mr. Pinter!\" He turned to find Lady Celia approaching. \"Yes, my lady?\" To his surprise, she glanced…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 7,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Their ride back to Ealing was quiet. She avoided looking at him, while he couldn’t seem to stop looking at her. He tried to engage her in conversation, but the tart-tongued angel was in hiding, and he didn’t know how to get her back. Even Freddy must have realized that something had changed, for he kept his inane chatter to a minimum. By the time they reached Halstead Hall, Oliver’s nerves were on edge. He was relieved that he could excuse himself to go work in his study on the ledgers he’d ignored last night, but he didn’t get very far. Even after an hour of turning pages and noting transactions, he kept hearing Maria’s sighs of pleasure, kept seeing her teasing smile as she said, “Would you offer to ravish me?” Damned right he would. A knock came at the door, jerking him from his disturbing reverie. As he glanced at the clock, shocked to discover that two hours had passed, Jarret entered and strolled over to the desk. “Amazing,” the scapegrace said. “When the servant said you were in here working, I thought surely I’d misheard him.” “Very amusing.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/their-ride-back-to-ealing-was-quiet-she-avoided-looking-at-him-while/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/065/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_their-ride-back-to-ealing-was-quiet-she_790196.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/065/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_their-ride-back-to-ealing-was-quiet-she_790196.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/065/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_their-ride-back-to-ealing-was-quiet-she_790196.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Their ride back to Ealing was quiet. She avoided looking at him, while he couldn’t seem to stop looking at…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 8,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“He kept stealing glances at Celia that were filled with longing and perhaps desire. Jackson didn’t like that one bit. When he gave her his report he would emphasize the viscount’s utter unsuitability as a suitor. Devonmont’s, too. Lyons’s unsuitability was more murky. But Jackson could still make a case against the man, and he fully intended to do so as soon as he could get her alone. Preferably in a public area where what happened between them last night couldn’t occur again. Liar. You want to kiss her so badly you can taste it. It was a wonder he could shoot straight with her standing so near. She’d dressed to entice again today, this time in a heavy redingote the color of the forest. It turned her hazel eyes just green enough to remind him she was a Sharpe, with the same eyes as most of them. The expensive tailoring of her wool attire, a cross between a gown and a coat, reminded him she was a lady and an heiress, especially since she’d refrained from wearing her usual smock. He’d never seen her shoot and had assumed that her prowess must be exaggerated. It was not. He hadn’t been able to keep track of her kills while focusing on his own, but he was fairly certain the number came close to his. He noted her concentration, the care she took in aiming, the way she compensated for wind and other variables. He’d never met another woman like her. She was magnificent.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/he-kept-stealing-glances-at-celia-that-were-filled-with-longing-and/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a38/sabrina-jeffries-1064_another-woman_he-kept-stealing-glances-at-celia-that-w_1664595.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a38/sabrina-jeffries-1064_another-woman_he-kept-stealing-glances-at-celia-that-w_1664595.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a38/sabrina-jeffries-1064_another-woman_he-kept-stealing-glances-at-celia-that-w_1664595.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“He kept stealing glances at Celia that were filled with longing and perhaps desire. Jackson didn’t like that…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 9,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“He patted her hand. “But I will settle for an amiable wife.” It was as close to making a declaration of his intentions as he’d come. So of course Mr. Pinter chose that inopportune moment to enter the breakfast room. “And whose amiable wife are you settling for, sir?” he said in a snide tone. His gaze dropped to the viscount’s hand resting on hers, then darkened. She resisted the urge to snatch her hand free. The viscount bristled, tightening his hand almost possessively on hers. “Do I know you, sir?” “Not yet. The name is Jackson Pinter.” He came to stand directly across the table and bent forward over it to offer his hand to Lord Basto, forcing the viscount to release her hand to take it. “Some would call me Mrs. Plumtree’s ‘lackey,’” he added with a side glance at Celia. “Though I work for Lord Stoneville.” She colored, remembering the conversation they’d had a few months ago, when she’d called him that. He was clearly spoiling for a fight. No doubt he was still smarting over her pulling a pistol on him last night. “Mr. Pinter does investigations of all kinds,” she explained. “For money.” Mr. Pinter’s slate-gray eyes bore into her. “Some of us cannot live on our family’s fortune, my lady.” “While some of us are very fond of biting the hand that feeds them.” If he could throw her past words at her, then she could throw back what he’d said to her months ago. She was surprised when a reluctant smile tugged at his lips. “A hit direct, madam. Perhaps I should get out of the line of the fire while I still have my head.” “Perhaps you should refrain from putting yourself in the line of fire in the first place,” she quipped. “An officer of the law ought to know better.” “Know better than what?” Oliver asked as he entered with the duke at his side. Generally, she liked being in a room full of men. But when it was her brother, two suitors, and the only man whose kisses had ever affected her, there was a bit too much manliness in the air for her taste. “Your sister and I were just having one of our usual discussions,” Mr. Pinter said. “You mean she was raking you over the coals again?” Oliver said. “I believe the coal raking was mutual this time,” she said lightly. Oliver snorted. She could feel the viscount’s gaze on her, and the duke seemed to be watching both her and Mr. Pinter. It was very unsettling.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/he-patted-her-hand-but-i-will-settle-for-an-amiable-wife-it-was-as/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1e3/sabrina-jeffries-1064_first-place_he-patted-her-hand-but-i-will-settle-for_1413827.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1e3/sabrina-jeffries-1064_first-place_he-patted-her-hand-but-i-will-settle-for_1413827.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1e3/sabrina-jeffries-1064_first-place_he-patted-her-hand-but-i-will-settle-for_1413827.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“He patted her hand. “But I will settle for an amiable wife.” It was as close to making a declaration of his…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 10,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“If it’s any consolation,” he murmured, “I had a miserable time last night.” “Good. You deserved to.” She smiled. “Not that I care one way or the other.” “Stop pretending that you don’t care,” he said hoarsely. “We both care, and you know it. I care more than you can possibly imagine.” She wanted to believe him, but how could she? “You say that only to coax me into your bed.” He smiled mirthlessly. “I don’t need to coax women into my bed, my dear. They usually leap there of their own accord.” His smile faded. “This is the first time I’ve apologized to a woman. I’ve never given a damn what any woman thought of me, though plenty of them tried to make me do so. So please forgive me if I’m not handling this to your satisfaction. It’s not a situation I’m accustomed to.” He was holding her so tenderly, it made her want to weep. Every move they made was a seduction-his leg advancing as hers went back, his hand gripping her waist, the waltz beating a rhythm that made her want to whirl around the ballroom with him forever. Her mind told her she should resist him, but her heart didn’t want to listen. Her heart was a fool. She gazed past his shoulder. “My father used to go to a brothel. He never remarried, so he went there to…er…feed his needs. I had to go fetch him a few times when my cousins were working and my aunt was looking after my grandmother, who lived nearby.” She didn’t know why she was telling him this, but it was a relief to speak of it to someone. Even her aunt and cousins preferred to pretend it never happened. “It was mortifying. He would…forget to come home, and we would need money for something, so I would have to go after him.” “Good God.” Her gaze locked with his. “I swore I’d never let myself be put in such a position again.” She tipped up her chin. “That’s why I’m happy to have Nathan as my fiancé. He’s genteel and proper. He would never frequent a brothel.” Oliver’s eyes glittered darkly at her. “No. He would just abandon you to the tender mercies of men who do.” She forced a smile. “There’s more than one way to be abandoned. If a woman’s husband is forever at a brothel, he might as well be halfway across the sea. The result is the same.” A stricken expression crossed his face as he stared at her. Then he glanced away.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/if-it-s-any-consolation-he-murmured-i-had-a-miserable-time-last-night/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/68b/sabrina-jeffries-1064_consolation_if-it-s-any-consolation-he-murmured-i-ha_2654037.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/68b/sabrina-jeffries-1064_consolation_if-it-s-any-consolation-he-murmured-i-ha_2654037.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/68b/sabrina-jeffries-1064_consolation_if-it-s-any-consolation-he-murmured-i-ha_2654037.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“If it’s any consolation,” he murmured, “I had a miserable time last night.” “Good. You deserved to.” She…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 11,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“You have to go rescue Gabe before he does something foolish. Chetwin is here and they’re near to coming to blows over that stupid race. They’re in the card room.” “Oh, for God’s sake, I can’t believe Foxmoor invited that idiot.” He hurried off. As soon as Oliver disappeared into the house, Celia and Minerva tugged Maria inside, grinning. “Hurry, before he gets back.” They were met by Lord Gabriel and Lord Jarret, who strode up with several young men in tow. “Lord Gabriel!” Maria exclaimed. “Your brother-“ “Yes, I know. And while he’s gone…” He and Jarret introduced the other gentlemen to her. By the time Oliver returned, she’d promised dances to all of his brothers’ friends. Oliver’s frown deepened as he saw Gabe standing there, blithe as could be. He raised an eyebrow at his sister. “Was running me off in search of Chetwin your idea of a joke?” “I got confused, that’s all,” Celia said brightly. “We’ve been introducing Maria around while you were gone.” “Thank you for making her feel welcome,” he said, though he eyed the other gentlemen warily. Then he held out his arm to Maria. “Come, my dear, let me introduce you to our hosts, so we can dance.” “Sorry, old chap.” Gabe said, stepping between them, “but she’s already promised the first dance to me.” Oliver’s gaze swung to her, dark and accusing, “You didn’t.” She stared to feel guilty, then caught herself. What did she have to feel guilty about? He was the one who’d spent last night at a brothel. He was the one who’d been so caught up in his battle with his grandmother that he hadn’t even bothered to ask her for a dance. He’d just assumed that she would give him one, because he’d “paid” for her services. Well, a pox on him. Meeting his gaze steadily, she thrust out her chin. “You never mentioned it. I had no idea you wanted the first dance.” A black scowl formed on his brow. “Then I get the second dance.” “I’m afraid that one’s mine,” Jarret put in. “Indeed, I believe Miss Butterfield is engaged for every single dance. Isn’t that right, gentlemen?” A male swell of assent turned Oliver’s scowl into a glower. “The hell she is.” Mrs. Plumtree slapped his arm with her fan. “Really, Oliver, you must watch your language around young ladies. This is a respectable gathering.” “I don’t care. She’s my fi-“ He caught himself just in time. “Maria came with me. I deserve at least one dance.” “Then perhaps you should have asked for one before she became otherwise engaged,” Celia said with a mischievous smile. Gabe held out his arm to Maria. “Come, Miss Butterfield,” he said in an echo of his older brother’s words, “I’ll introduce you to our hosts.” As she took his arm, he grinned at Oliver. “You’d better start hoping you draw her name in the lottery for the supper waltz, old boy. Because that’s the only way you’re going to get to dance with her tonight.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/you-have-to-go-rescue-gabe-before-he-does-something-foolish-chetwin/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/53d/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_you-have-to-go-rescue-gabe-before-he-doe_1586261.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/53d/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_you-have-to-go-rescue-gabe-before-he-doe_1586261.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/53d/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_you-have-to-go-rescue-gabe-before-he-doe_1586261.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“You have to go rescue Gabe before he does something foolish. Chetwin is here and they’re near to coming to…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 12,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Though I’m surprised that you read novels.” “I do have other interests than shooting, you know.” “I never said otherwise.” “But you think me a complete tomboy. Admit it.” He measured his words. “I think you a woman with a few unusual interests that happen to be similar to those of some men. Those interests don’t, however, make you a tomboy.” No tomboy would fire his blood the way she did right now in her elegant redingote, despite the black smudges of power along its sleeves and the mud caked along its hem. And no tomboy would have kept him up last night imagining what it would be like to raise her skirts so he could run his hands along the pale swaths of thigh that lay above her garters. “And yet,” she said hoarsely, “you kissed me as if I were some mannish chit beneath your notice. God forbid you should treat me as a desirable woman in front of my suitors. It might give them ideas.” He stared at her, thunderstruck. She was angry because he’d accorded her the respect she deserved? “Forgive me, my lady,” he said acidly. “I didn’t think you’d want me to toss you down in the grass and ravish you. I see I was mistaken.” Two spots of color appeared on her cheeks. “There is a vast space between ravishing me and treating me like a child. The gentlemen expected you to kiss me on the lips, as they would have. You won such a kiss, after all. When you didn’t take it, I’m sure they thought it was because I was somehow…unattractive to you. And that only hurts my cause.” Her cause , which was to be affianced to one of those arses. Anger boiled up in him. “Let me see if I understand you correctly. You wanted me to kiss you with some degree of passion so your suitors would be convinced if your desirability as a woman. Is that right?” She cast him a resentful look, then nodded. He strode up close, unable to contain his temper. “Isn’t it enough for you that they’re already barking at your heels like randy hounds? That they’re seizing your hand at the breakfast table and inviting you for tete-a-tete practice at their estates?” “What good does that do me when you seek to turn their affections away at every turn? You provoked me to accept that shooting challenge because you wanted me to frighten them off with my enthusiasm for guns. Admit it.” All right, so that was true. But he had good reason for it. “I wanted them to see you for who you really are and not the woman you keep pretending to be.” “ Pretending to be?” she said in a choked voice. “And who is that? A lady worthy of marriage? You wanted to expose me as some…adventuress or man in woman’s attire or…oh, I don’t know what.” “No!” he protested, suddenly all at sea in their argument. “You know what, Mr. Pinter? Ever since we made our agreement, you’ve only made matters worse, for some nefarious reason of your own.” She planted her hands on her hips and gave him a look of pure defiance. “So you’re dismissed from my employ. I no longer require your services.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/though-i-m-surprised-that-you-read-novels-i-do-have-other-interests/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b18/sabrina-jeffries-1064_books_though-i-m-surprised-that-you-read-novel_1327815.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b18/sabrina-jeffries-1064_books_though-i-m-surprised-that-you-read-novel_1327815.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b18/sabrina-jeffries-1064_books_though-i-m-surprised-that-you-read-novel_1327815.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Though I’m surprised that you read novels.” “I do have other interests than shooting, you know.” “I never…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 13,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“No,” she whispered. “No more.” His breath came hot and heavy against her ear as his arm crept back around her waist. “Why not?” For a moment her mind was blank. What reason could she give that would make sense to him? If she protested that they weren’t married, he would simply put an end to that objection by marrying her, and that would be disastrous. Then she remembered Petey’s plan. “Because I’ve already promised myself to another.” His body went still against hers. An oppressive silence fell over them both, punctuated only by the distant clanging of the watch bell. But he didn’t move away, and at first she feared he hadn’t heard her. “I said—” she began. “I heard you.” He drew back, his face taught with suspicion. “What do you mean ‘another?’ Someone in England?” She considered inventing a fiancé in London. But that would have no weight with him, would it? “Another sailor. I . . . I’ve agreed to marry one of your crew.” His expression hardened until it looked chiseled from the same oak that formed his formidable ship. “You’re joking.” She shook her head furiously. “Peter Hargraves asked me to . . . to be his wife last night. And I agreed.” A stunned expression spread over his face before anger replaced it. Planting his hands on either side of her hips, he bent his head until his face was within inches from her. “He’s not one of my crew. Is that why you accepted his proposal—because he’s not one of my men? Or do you claim to have some feeling for him?” He sneered the last words, and shame spread through her. It would be too hard to claim she had feelings for Petey when she’d just been on the verge of giving herself to Gideon. But that was the only answer that would put him off her. Her ands trembled against his immovable chest. “I . . . I like him, yes.” “The way you ‘like’ me?” When she glanced away, uncertain what to say to that, he caught her chin and forced her to look at him. Despite the dim light, she could tell that desire still held him. And when he spoke again, his voice was edged with the tension of his need. “I don’t care what you agreed to last night. Everything has changed. You can’t possibly still want to marry him after the way you just responded to my touch.” “That was a mistake,” she whispered, steeling herself to ignore the flare of anger in his eyes. “Petey and I are well suited. I knew him from before, from the Chastity . I know he’s an honorable man, which is why I still intend to marry him.” A muscle ticked in Gideon’s jaw. “He’s not a bully, you mean. He’s not a wicked pirate like me, out to ‘rape and pillage.’” He pushed away from the trunk with an oath, then spun towards the steps. “Well, he’s not for you, Sara, no matter what you may think. And I’m going to put a stop to his courtship of you right now!”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/no-she-whispered-no-more-his-breath-came-hot-and-heavy-against-her/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/687/sabrina-jeffries-1064_honorable-man_no-she-whispered-no-more-his-breath-came_240526.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/687/sabrina-jeffries-1064_honorable-man_no-she-whispered-no-more-his-breath-came_240526.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/687/sabrina-jeffries-1064_honorable-man_no-she-whispered-no-more-his-breath-came_240526.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“No,” she whispered. “No more.” His breath came hot and heavy against her ear as his arm crept back around…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 14,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Oliver reached past her to yank the curtains closed, then moved to sit beside her. She stiffened, but didn’t resist as he looped one arm about her waist to pull her back against his hard body. “You don’t even know what you’re giving up,” he rasped, “what it’s like to shatter beneath a man’s touch. If you knew, you wouldn’t be so eager to throw that away for the cold comfort of a respectable marriage.” She closed her eyes against his words, but they were designed to tempt her, and tempt her they did. Last night had only roused her curiosity. Now, with the spicy scent of his cologne in her nostrils and his breath warming her cheek, she wanted to know more, feel more. His voice lowered to a whisper. “Let me at least show you what you’d be missing.” She felt rather than saw him shrug off his cloak, leaving him in his shirtsleeves. That sent a wayward thrill down her spine. “Have you forgotten that I’m deplorably a virgin?” she said, attempting to regain control over the situation. “No. And you’ll still be one when I’m done.” He pressed his lips against the bit of neck below her bonnet, making her shiver deliciously. Then he untied her bonnet and tossed it onto the opposite seat so he could press a kiss into her hair. “I only want to give you a taste of passion, sweetheart. Enough for you to see what it could be like between us.” “Oliver…” she protested, turning toward him. That proved a mistake, for he caught her head in his hands and kissed her. Boldly. Deeply. And she couldn’t bring herself to stop him. Mercy, how fiercely he kissed! He scarcely allowed her breath as his mouth plundered hers over and over, startling her pulse into a wild gallop. She curled her fingers into his shirt, not sure whether she was trying to hold him closer or push him away. It didn’t matter. He had full command of her, and he knew it. His large hands held her still as his tongue tangled with hers, and his thumbs slid down to caress her throat with a tenderness at odds with the wild abandon of his kisses.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/oliver-reached-past-her-to-yank-the-curtains-closed-then-moved-to-sit/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/68d/sabrina-jeffries-1064_gaze_oliver-reached-past-her-to-yank-the-curt_2284081.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/68d/sabrina-jeffries-1064_gaze_oliver-reached-past-her-to-yank-the-curt_2284081.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/68d/sabrina-jeffries-1064_gaze_oliver-reached-past-her-to-yank-the-curt_2284081.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Oliver reached past her to yank the curtains closed, then moved to sit beside her. She stiffened, but didn’t…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 15,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Are you hurt? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” “No, miss, just my pride.” He cast her a rueful smile. “Don’t fret yourself over it. I’m fine.” It was only when he caught Captain Horn’s assessing glance that he realized he was behaving more like a servant than a fiancé. As he slid his hand around Miss Willis’s waist, ignoring her startled expression, he noticed that the pirate watched them with interest. “Such a touching scene.” Captain Horn’s face wore a look of suspicion and muted anger. “And to think I never guessed until now the grand passion going on beneath my very nose.” “Like Miss Willis said, she chose me.” Peter thrust out his chest, affecting a protective stance . . . a little too late unfortunately. “She probably told you that she and I became friendly on the Chastity ” It was the story both he and Miss Willis had agreed upon last night, though they knew some would find it less than convincing. Apparently the captain was one of them. “She did claim something like that.” Claim. Clearly the man didn’t believe either one of them. Then the scourge of the seas cast a low, lascivious, glance over Miss Willis, making her tremble beneath Petey’s arm. “She and I have also become quite ‘friendly’ in the past two days. Haven’t we, Sara?” Petey turned to her, surprised to find her blushing furiously. She cast a guilty look, then lowered her gaze to her hands. “I-I don’t know what you’re t-talking about.” “Of course not,” the captain ground out. “I should’ve expected a two-faced English lady like you to deny the truth about our ‘friendship.’ Well, you may deny it to me, and you may even deny it to this sailor of yours.” He lowered his voice to a threatening hum. “But you’ll have a hell of a hard time denying it to yourself.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/are-you-hurt-he-didn-t-hurt-you-did-he-no-miss-just-my-pride-he-cast/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c0/sabrina-jeffries-1064_hard-time_are-you-hurt-he-didn-t-hurt-you-did-he-n_780391.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c0/sabrina-jeffries-1064_hard-time_are-you-hurt-he-didn-t-hurt-you-did-he-n_780391.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c0/sabrina-jeffries-1064_hard-time_are-you-hurt-he-didn-t-hurt-you-did-he-n_780391.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Are you hurt? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” “No, miss, just my pride.” He cast her a rueful smile. “Don’t…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 16,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“She knew what she had to do.” “Did she? How odd for a pampered lady. Though I’m sure she complained constantly about the lack of heat and food and furnishings.” Hell and blazes, he could see where this was going. “She did not. But it was only one night, and we were hiding from killers.” “Trust me, Jackson, killers or no, if you’d hauled me about the woods and put me through such deprivation, I would have been complaining. Loudly. Repeatedly. “ He pushed back from the table to eye her with abject skepticism. “No, you wouldn’t. You’d make the best of things.” “And she didn’t?” With a hard glare, he crossed his arms over his chest. “One night in a cottage is hardly a good test of how well she’d endure a lifetime in Cheapside?” “So last night was a test, was it? And even so, she passed it. In response, you talked about duty and honor and such. Made her feel as if marrying her would be your concession to propriety. Have I judged the situation aright?” It was getting harder to pretend that he’d behaved like anything but an arse this morning. “She has a bloody duke chomping at the bit to marry her, and you think she could be happy with me ? Here?” Aunt Ada planted her hands on her hips. “You know, I’m beginning to be insulted. I thought I’d made this quite a comfortable home, and now I find that you think it comparable to some hovel in the woods.” “That’s not what I-“ “If you showed the same lack of feeling with her as you are with me right now, it’s a wonder she didn’t slap the tar out of you.” She shook her head. “You decided her future without even considering her feelings. Don’t you find that presumptuous?”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/she-knew-what-she-had-to-do-did-she-how-odd-for-a-pampered-lady/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_she-knew-what-she-had-to-do-did-she-how_503193.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_she-knew-what-she-had-to-do-did-she-how_503193.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_she-knew-what-she-had-to-do-did-she-how_503193.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“She knew what she had to do.” “Did she? How odd for a pampered lady. Though I’m sure she complained…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 17,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“You’re the only person who doesn’t see the advantage in such a match.” “That’s because I don’t believe in marriages of convenience. Given your family’s history, I’d think that you wouldn’t either.” She colored. “And why do assume it would be such a thing? Is it so hard to believe that a man might genuinely care for me? That he might actually want to marry me for myself?” “Why would anyone wish to marry the reckless Lady Celia, after all,” she went on in a choked voice, “if not for her fortune or to shore up his reputation?” “I didn’t mean any such thing,” he said sharply. But she’d worked herself up into a fine temper. “Of course you did. You kissed me last night only to make a point, and you couldn’t even bear to kiss me properly again today-“ “Now see here,” he said, grabbing her shoulders. “I didn’t kiss you ‘properly’ today because I was afraid if I did I might not stop.” That seemed to draw her up short. “Wh-What?” Sweet God, he shouldn’t have said that, but he couldn’t let her go on thinking she was some sort of pariah around men. “I knew that if I got his close, and I put my mouth on yours…” But now he was this close. And she was staring up at him with that mix of bewilderment and hurt pride, and he couldn’t help himself. Not anymore. He kissed her, to show her what she seemed blind to. That he wanted her. That even knowing it was wrong and could never work, he wanted to have her. She tore her lips from his. “Mr. Pinter-“ she began in a whisper. “Jackson,” he growled. “Let me hear you say my name.” Backing away from him, she cast him a wounded expression. “Y-you don’t have to pretend-“ “I’m not pretending anything, damn it!” Grabbing her by the sleeves, he dragged her close and kissed her again, with even more heat. How could she not see that he ached to take her? How could she not know what a temptation she was? Her lips intoxicated him, made him light-headed. Made him reckless enough to kiss her so impudently that any other woman of her rank would be insulted. When she pulled away a second time, he expected her to slap him. But all she did was utter a feeble protest. “Please, Mr. Pinter-“ “Jackson,” he ordered in a low, unsteady voice, emboldened by the melting look in her eyes. “Say my Christian name.” Her lush dark lashes lowered as a blush stained her cheeks. “Jackson…” His breath caught in his throat at the intimacy of it, and fire exploded in his brain. She wasn’t pushing him away, so to hell with trying to be a gentleman. He took her mouth savagely this time, plundering every part of its silky warmth as his blood pulsed high in his veins. She tasted of red wine and lemon cake, both tart and sweet at once. He wanted to eat her up. He wanted to take her, right here in this room. So when she pulled out of his arms to back away, he walked after her. She didn’t stop backing away, but neither did she turn tail and run. “Last night you claimed this wouldn’t happen again.” “I know. And yet it has.” Like someone in an opium den, he’d been craving her for months. And how that he’d suddenly had a taste of the very thing he craved, he had to have more. When she came up against the writing table, he caught her about the waist. She turned her head away before he could kiss her, so he settled for burying his face in her neck to nuzzle the tender throat he’d been coveting. With a shiver, she slid her hands up his chest. “Why are you doing this?” “Because I want you,” he admitted, damning himself. “Because I’ve always wanted you.” Then he covered her mouth with his once more.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/you-re-the-only-person-who-doesn-t-see-the-advantage-in-such-a-match/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3fa/sabrina-jeffries-1064_hard-to-believe_you-re-the-only-person-who-doesn-t-see-t_1472066.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3fa/sabrina-jeffries-1064_hard-to-believe_you-re-the-only-person-who-doesn-t-see-t_1472066.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3fa/sabrina-jeffries-1064_hard-to-believe_you-re-the-only-person-who-doesn-t-see-t_1472066.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“You’re the only person who doesn’t see the advantage in such a match.” “That’s because I don’t believe in…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 18,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“When Oliver called time a few moments later, she’d beaten them all. But she’d beaten Mr. Pinter by only one bird. “It appears, Lady Celia, that you’ve won a new rifle,” the duke said graciously. “No,” she answered. They all stared at her. “It doesn’t seem sporting to win a challenge only because one of my opponents had a faulty firearm. Which we provided to him, by the way.” “Don’t worry,” Mr. Pinter drawled. “I won’t hold the fault firearm against you and your brothers.” “That’s not the point. This should be fair, and it isn’t.” “Then we’ll move forward,” Oliver said, “and let the servants flush the grouse again. Pinter can take one more shot. That’s probably all that the misfire delayed him by. If he misses, then you’ve won squarely. If he hits his target then it’s a tie, and we’ll decide a tie breaker.” “That seems fair.” She glanced over at Mr. Pinter. “What do you say, sir?” “Whatever my lady wishes.” His eyes met hers in a heated glance. She had the unsettling feeling that he referred to more than just the shooting. “Well, then,” she said lightly. “Let’s get on with it.” The beaters headed forward to flush the grouse, but either because of where the grouse had last settled or because of the beaters’ position, the birds rose farther away than was practical. “Damn it all,” Gabe uttered. “He won’t make a shot from here.” “You can ignore this one, and we’ll have them flushed again,” Celia said. But Mr. Pinter raised his gun to follow their flight. With a flash and the repugnant smell of black powder igniting, the gun fired and white smoke filled the air. She saw a bird fall. No, not one bird. He’d hit two birds with an impossible shot. Her breath lodged in her throat. She’d hit two with one shot a few times, due to how they clustered and how well the birdshot scattered, but to do it at such a distance… She glanced at him, astonished. No one had ever beaten her-and certainly not with such an amazing shot. Mr. Pinter gazed at her steadily as he handed off the gun to a servant. “It appears that I’ve won, my lady.” Her mouth went dry. “It does indeed.” Gabe hooted pleased at having escaped buying her a rifle. The duke and the viscount scowled, while Devonmont just looked amused as usual. All of that fell away as Mr. Pinter’s gaze dropped to her mouth. “Well done, Pinter,” Oliver said, clapping him on the shoulder. “You obviously more than earned a kiss.” For a moment, raw hunger flickered in his eyes. Then it was as if a veil descended over his face, for his features turned blank. He walked up to her, bent his head… And kissed her on the forehead. Hot color flooded her cheeks. How dared he kiss her last night as if she were a woman, and then treat her like a child in front of her suitors! Or worse, a woman beneath his notice! “Thank heavens that’s done,” she said loftily, trying to retain some dignity. The men all laughed-except Mr. Pinter, who watched her with a shuttered expression. As the other gentleman crowded round to congratulate him on his fine shot, she plotted. She would make him answer for every remark, every embarrassment of this day, as soon as she had the chance to get him alone. Because no man made a fool of her and got away with it.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/when-oliver-called-time-a-few-moments-later-she-d-beaten-them-all-but/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96b/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_when-oliver-called-time-a-few-moments-la_2796411.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96b/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_when-oliver-called-time-a-few-moments-la_2796411.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96b/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_when-oliver-called-time-a-few-moments-la_2796411.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“When Oliver called time a few moments later, she’d beaten them all. But she’d beaten Mr. Pinter by only one…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 19,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Because you deserve a duke, damn it!” A troubled expression furrowed his brow. “You deserve a man who can give you the moon. I can’t. I can give you a decent home in a decent part of town with decent people, but you…” His voice grew choked. “You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever known. It destroys me to think of what you’ll have to give up to be with me.” “I told you before-I don’t care!” she said hotly. “Why can’t you believe me?” He hesitated a long moment. “The truth?” “Always.” “Because I can’t imagine why you’d want me when you have men of rank and riches at your fingertips.” She gave a rueful laugh. “You grossly exaggerate my charms, but I can’t complain. It’s one of many things I adore about you-that you see a better version of me than I ever could.” Remembering the wonderful words he’d said last night when she’d been so self-conscious, she left the bed to walk up to him. “Do you know what I see when I look at you?” His wary gaze locked with hers. “Proper Pinter. Proud Pinter. ” “Yes, but that’s just who you show to the world to protect yourself.” She reached up to stroke his cheek, reveling in the ragged breath that escaped him. “When you let down your guard, however, I see Jackson-who ferrets out the truth, no matter how hard. Who risks his own life to protect the weak. Who’d sacrifice anything to prevent me from having to sacrifice everything.” Catching her hand, he halted its path. “You see a saint,” he said hoarsely. “I’m not a saint; I’m a man with needs and desires and a great many rough edges.” “I like your rough edges,” she said with a soft smile. “If I’d really wanted a man of rank and riches, I probably would have married long ago. I always told myself I couldn’t marry because no one wanted me, but the truth was, I didn’t want any of them.” She fingered a lock of hair. “Apparently I was waiting for you , rough edges and all.” His eyes turned hot with wanting. Drawing her hand to his lips, he kissed the palm so tenderly that her heart leapt into her throat. When he lifted his head, he said, “Then marry me, rough edges and all.” She swallowed. “That’s what you say now, when we’re alone and you’re caught up in-“ He covered her mouth with his, kissing her so fervently that she turned into a puddle of mush. Blast him-he always did that, too, when they were alone; it was when they were with others that he reconsidered their being together forever. And he still had said nothing of live. “That’s enough of that,” she warned, drawing back from him. “Until you make a proper proposal, before my family, you’re not sharing my bed.” “Sweeting-“ “Don’t you ‘sweeting’ me, Jackson Pinter.” She edged away from him. “I want Proper Pinter back now.” A mocking smile crossed his lips. “Sorry, love. I threw him out when I saw how he was mucking up my private life.” Love? No, she wouldn’t let that soften her. Not until she was sure he wouldn’t turn cold later. “You told Oliver you’d behave like a gentleman.” “To hell with your brother.” He stalked her with clear intent. Even as she darted behind a chair to avoid him, excitement tore through her. “Aren’t you still worried Gran will cut me off, and you’ll be saddled with a spoiled wife and not enough money to please her?” “To hell with your grandmother, too. For that matter, to hell with the money.” He tossed the chair aside as if it were so much kindling; it clattered across the floor. “It’s you I want.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/because-you-deserve-a-duke-damn-it-a-troubled-expression-furrowed-his/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c6/sabrina-jeffries-1064_amazing-woman_because-you-deserve-a-duke-damn-it-a-tro_961624.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c6/sabrina-jeffries-1064_amazing-woman_because-you-deserve-a-duke-damn-it-a-tro_961624.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c6/sabrina-jeffries-1064_amazing-woman_because-you-deserve-a-duke-damn-it-a-tro_961624.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Because you deserve a duke, damn it!” A troubled expression furrowed his brow. “You deserve a man who can…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 20,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Speaking of shooting, my lady,” Mr. Pinter said as he came around the table, “I looked over your pistol as you requested. Everything seems to be in order.” Removing it from his coat pocket, he handed it to her, a hint of humor in his gaze. As several pair of male eyes fixed on her, she colored. To hide her embarrassment, she made a great show of examining her gun. He’d cleaned it thoroughly, which she grudgingly admitted was rather nice of him. “What a cunning little weapon,” the viscount said and reached for it. “May I?” She handed him the pistol. “How tiny it is,” he exclaimed. “It’s a lady’s pocket pistol,” she told him as he examined it. Oliver frowned at her. “When did you acquire a pocket pistol, Celia?” “A little while ago,” she said blithely. Gabe grinned. “You may not know this, Basto, but my sister is something of a sharpshooter. I daresay she has a bigger collection of guns than Oliver.” “Not bigger,” she said. “Finer perhaps, but I’m choosy about my firearms.” “She has beaten us all at some time or another at target shooting,” the duke said dryly. “The lady could probably hit a fly at fifty paces.” “Don’t be silly,” she said with a grin. “A beetle perhaps, but not a fly.” The minute the words were out of her mouth, she could have kicked herself. Females did not boast of their shooting-not if they wanted to snag husbands. “You should come shooting with us,” Oliver said. “Why not?” The last thing she needed was to beat her suitors at shooting. The viscount in particular would take it very ill. She suspected that Portuguese men preferred their women to be wilting flowers. “No thank you,” she said. “Target shooting is one thing, but I don’t like hunting birds.” “Suit yourself,” Gabe said, clearly happy to make it a gentlemen-only outing, though he knew perfectly well that hunting birds didn’t bother her. “Come now, Lady Celia,” Lord Devonmont said. “You were eating partridges at supper last night. How can you quibble about shooting birds?” “If she doesn’t want to go, let her stay,” Gabe put in. “It’s not shooting birds she has an objection to,” Mr. Pinter said in a taunting voice. “Her ladyship just can’t hit a moving target.” She bit back a hot retort. Don’t scare off the suitors. “That’s ridiculous, Pinter,” Gabe said. “I’ve seen Celia-ow! What the devil, Oliver? You stepped on my foot!” “Sorry, old chap, you were in the way,” Oliver said as he went to the table. “I think Pinter’s right, though. Celia can’t hit a moving target.” “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she protested, “I most certainly can hit a moving target! Just because I choose not to for the sake of the poor, helpless birds-“ “Convenient, isn’t it, her sudden dislike of shooting ‘poor, helpless birds’?” Mr. Pinter said with a smug glance at Lord Devonmont. “Convenient, indeed,” Lord Devonmont agreed. “But not surprising. Women don’t have the same ability to follow a bird in flight that a man-“ “That’s nonsense, and you know it!” Celia jumped to her feet. “I can shoot a pigeon or a grouse on the wing as well as any man here.” “Sounds like a challenge to me,” Oliver said. “What do you think, Pinter?” “A definite challenge, sir.” Mr. Pinter was staring at her with what looked like satisfaction. Blast it all, had that been his purpose-to goad her into it? Oh, what did it matter? She couldn’t let a claim like this or Lord Devonmont’s stand. “Fine. I’ll join you gentlemen for the shooting.” “Then I propose that whoever bags the most birds gets to kiss the lady,” Lord Devonmont said with a gleam in his eye. “That’s not much of a prize for me ,” Gabe grumbled. She planted her hands on her hips. “And what if I bag the most birds?” “Then you get to shoot whomever you wish,” Mr. Pinter drawled. As the others laughed, Celia glared at him. He was certainly enjoying himself, the wretch. “I’d be careful if I were you, Mr. Pinter. That person would most likely be you. ”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/speaking-of-shooting-my-lady-mr-pinter-said-as-he-came-around-the/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73b/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_speaking-of-shooting-my-lady-mr-pinter-s_1258304.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73b/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_speaking-of-shooting-my-lady-mr-pinter-s_1258304.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73b/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_speaking-of-shooting-my-lady-mr-pinter-s_1258304.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Speaking of shooting, my lady,” Mr. Pinter said as he came around the table, “I looked over your pistol as…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 21,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Maria managed to avoid Oliver for most of St. Valentine’s Day. It wasn’t difficult-apparently he spent half of it sleeping off his wild night. Not that she cared one bit. She’d learned her lesson with him. Truly she had. Not even the beautiful bouquet of irises he’d sent up to her room midafternoon changed that. Now that she was dressing for tonight’s ball, she was rather proud of herself for having only thought of him half a dozen times. Per hour, her conscience added. “There, that’s the last one,” Betty said as she tucked another ostrich feather into Maria’s elaborate coiffure. According to Celia, the new fashion this year involved a multitude of feathers drooping from one’s head in languid repose. Maria hoped hers didn’t decide to find their repose on the floor. Betty seemed to have used a magical incantation to keep them in place, and Maria wasn’t at all sure they would stay put. “You look lovely, miss,” Betty added. “If I do,” Maria said, “it’s only because of your efforts, Betty.” Betty ducked her head to hide her blush. “Thank you, miss.” It was amazing how different the servant had been ever since Maria had taken Oliver’s advice to heart, letting the girl fuss over her and tidy her room and do myriad things that Maria would have been perfectly happy to do for herself. But he’d proved to be right-Betty practically glowed with pride. Maria wished she’d known sooner how to treat them all, but honestly, how could she have guessed that these mad English would enjoy being in service? It boggled her democratic American mind. Casting an admiring glance down Maria’s gown of ivory satin, Betty said, “I daresay his lordship will swallow his tongue when he sees you tonight.” “If he does, I hope he chokes on it,” Maria muttered. With a sly glance, Betty fluffed out the bouffant drapery of white tulle that crossed Maria’s bust and was fastened in the center with an ornament of gold mosaic. “John says the master didn’t touch a one of those tarts at the brothel last night. He says that his lordship refused every female that the owner of the place brought before him.” “I somehow doubt that.” Paying her no heed, Betty continued her campaign to salvage her master’s dubious honor. “Then Lord Stoneville went to the opera house and left without a single dancer on his arm. John says he never done that before.” Maria rolled her eyes, though a part of her desperately wanted to believe it was true-a tiny, silly part of her that she would have to slap senseless. Betty polished the ornament with the edge of her sleeve. “John says he drank himself into a stupor, then came home without so much as kissing a single lady. John says-“ “John is inventing stories to excuse his master’s actions.” “Oh no, miss! John would never lie. And I can promise you that the master has never come home so early before, and certainly not without…that is, at the house in Acton he was wont to bring a tart or two home to…well, you know.” “Help him choke on his tongue?” Maria snapped as she picked up her fan. Betty laughed. “Now that would be a sight, wouldn’t it? Two ladies trying to shove his tongue down his throat.” “I’d pay them well to do it.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Sabrina Jeffries"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/maria-managed-to-avoid-oliver-for-most-of-st-valentine-s-day-it-wasn/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/542/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_maria-managed-to-avoid-oliver-for-most-o_1387464.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/542/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_maria-managed-to-avoid-oliver-for-most-o_1387464.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/542/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_maria-managed-to-avoid-oliver-for-most-o_1387464.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Maria managed to avoid Oliver for most of St. Valentine’s Day. It wasn’t difficult-apparently he spent half…” — Sabrina Jeffries",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "@type": "CollectionPage",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-night/sabrina-jeffries/#webpage",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-night/sabrina-jeffries/",
            "name": "Last night Quotes by Sabrina Jeffries",
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "mainEntity": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-night/sabrina-jeffries/#itemlist"
            },
            "primaryImageOfPage": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d22/sabrina-jeffries-1064_last-night_she-realized-she-d-been-staring-only-whe_2026189.jpg"
            },
            "description": "21 Last night quotes by Sabrina Jeffries. Plus more from Sabrina Jeffries and more Last night sayings from other authors.",
            "breadcrumb": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-night/sabrina-jeffries/#breadcrumb"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-night/sabrina-jeffries/#breadcrumb",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Topics",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/categories/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "Last Night",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-night/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 5,
                    "name": "Sabrina Jeffries",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-night/sabrina-jeffries/"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```