--- title: "10 Last time Quotes By Judith McNaught" description: "10 Last time quotes by Judith McNaught. Plus more from Judith McNaught and more Last time sayings from other authors." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f74/judith-mcnaught-687_last-time_nick-sinclair-will-not-be-present-today_2197695.jpg" --- > [“Nick Sinclair will not be present today," he informed the thunderous-looking group. "He asked me to express his regrets and to explain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/nick-sinclair-will-not-be-present-today-he-informed-the-thunderous/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f74/judith-mcnaught-687_last-time_nick-sinclair-will-not-be-present-today_2197695.jpg) > [“That only leaves the third contender to discourage,” Alex said happily. “Who is he, and what do we know of him? Do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/that-only-leaves-the-third-contender-to-discourage-alex-said-happily/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/934/judith-mcnaught-687_dear-god_that-only-leaves-the-third-contender-to_522267.jpg) > [“Lucinda,” Elizabeth said for the third time in an hour, “I cannot tell you how sorry I am about this.” Five days…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/lucinda-elizabeth-said-for-the-third-time-in-an-hour-i-cannot-tell/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8bd/judith-mcnaught-687_gaze_lucinda-elizabeth-said-for-the-third-tim_279491.png) > [“Straightening reluctantly, she strolled about the room with forced nonchalance, her hands clasped behind her back, looking blindly at the cobwebs in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/straightening-reluctantly-she-strolled-about-the-room-with-forced/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f71/judith-mcnaught-687_last-night_straightening-reluctantly-she-strolled-a_3054534.png) > [“He stared at her in insolent silence, unable to believe the alluring, impulsive girl he remembered had become this coolly aloof, self-possessed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/he-stared-at-her-in-insolent-silence-unable-to-believe-the-alluring/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9f/judith-mcnaught-687_empty-stomach_he-stared-at-her-in-insolent-silence-una_206105.jpg) > [“At eight-thirty that night Ian stood on the steps outside Elizabeth’s uncle’s town house suppressing an almost overwhelming desire to murder Elizabeth’s…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/at-eight-thirty-that-night-ian-stood-on-the-steps-outside-elizabeth-s/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa4/judith-mcnaught-687_future-wife_at-eight-thirty-that-night-ian-stood-on_819642.png) > [“Well, what happened to your scruples in the woodcutter’s cottage? You knew I thought you’d already left when I went inside.” “Why…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/well-what-happened-to-your-scruples-in-the-woodcutter-s-cottage-you/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/45c/judith-mcnaught-687_amber-eyes_well-what-happened-to-your-scruples-in-t_2034884.jpg) > [“Lady Thornton!” the prosecutor rapped out, and he began firing questions at her so rapidly that she could scarcely keep track of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/lady-thornton-the-prosecutor-rapped-out-and-he-began-firing-questions/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/89a/judith-mcnaught-687_last-time_lady-thornton-the-prosecutor-rapped-out_309699.png) > [“Lady Cameron,” he said, playing his role with elan as he nodded toward Ian. “You recall our friend Lord Thornton, Marquess of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/lady-cameron-he-said-playing-his-role-with-elan-as-he-nodded-toward/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf0/judith-mcnaught-687_beautiful-women_lady-cameron-he-said-playing-his-role-wi_1059002.jpg) > [“At that moment Elizabeth would have said or done anything to reach him. She could not believe, actually could not comprehend that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/at-that-moment-elizabeth-would-have-said-or-done-anything-to-reach/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) [Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ac6/judith-mcnaught-687_every-night_at-that-moment-elizabeth-would-have-said_795567.png) ## Other authors on Last time ## More by Judith McNaught > [“What, may I ask, does your one truck contain if not gowns?” Inspiration struck, and Elizabeth smiled radiantly. “Something of great value. Priceless value,”…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/what-may-i-ask-does-your-one-truck-contain-if-not-gowns-inspiration/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [“When she was turning the bacon, he came up behind her, his hands settling on her waist as he peered over her shoulder. “That…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/when-she-was-turning-the-bacon-he-came-up-behind-her-his-hands/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [“At five minutes to five,Jim walked into Mary's office, wearing his gray sweater and balancing four pieces of birthday cake on two plates. He…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/at-five-minutes-to-five-jim-walked-into-mary-s-office-wearing-his/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [“To have him look at her as if she was a piece of office equipment whose presence offended him but whom he was obliged…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/to-have-him-look-at-her-as-if-she-was-a-piece-of-office-equipment/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [“Am I to assume the Valerie I was introduced to earlier was the Valerie of our greenhouse notes?” He realized his mistake the instant…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/am-i-to-assume-the-valerie-i-was-introduced-to-earlier-was-the/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [“How ‘bout some coffee?” Jake said as he hurried over to the coffee pot on the stove and filled a mug with the remainder…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/how-bout-some-coffee-jake-said-as-he-hurried-over-to-the-coffee-pot/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [“He bowed politely to Hortense, who tipped her head toward the elderly gray-haired lady beside her, who seemed to be dozing, her head drooping…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/he-bowed-politely-to-hortense-who-tipped-her-head-toward-the-elderly/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [“He finished his meeting a few minutes later and almost rudely ejected his business acquaintances from his library, then he went in search of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/he-finished-his-meeting-a-few-minutes-later-and-almost-rudely-ejected/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [“When I’m under stress,” he emphasized, sliding the magnificent emerald onto her finger, “I buy everything in sight. It took my last ounce of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/when-i-m-under-stress-he-emphasized-sliding-the-magnificent-emerald/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [Some people feel love in their hearts, Julie. Some of us feel it all way into our souls. We're the ones who can't forget.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/some-people-feel-love-in-their-hearts-julie-some-of-us-feel-it-all/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [“Lady Thornton, how very good of you to find the time to pay us a social call! Would it be too pushing of me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/lady-thornton-how-very-good-of-you-to-find-the-time-to-pay-us-a/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [“The truth is that I want you. I have always wanted you, and you know that.” “I hate that word,” she burst out, trying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/the-truth-is-that-i-want-you-i-have-always-wanted-you-and-you-know/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [“In some ways it seemed wrong that he lived here now, in this solitary place. At least part of the time he ought to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/in-some-ways-it-seemed-wrong-that-he-lived-here-now-in-this-solitary/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [“We need to straighten out some personal matters between us. Why don't we do it over dinner tonight?" he suggested. Lauren courteously refused with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/we-need-to-straighten-out-some-personal-matters-between-us-why-don-t/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) > [she kissed him with all the aching longing that being this close to him evoked; she kissed him in all the ways he had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/she-kissed-him-with-all-the-aching-longing-that-being-this-close-to/) [Judith McNaught](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-mcnaught/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "ItemList", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-time/judith-mcnaught/#itemlist", "name": "10 Last time Quotes By Judith McNaught", "numberOfItems": 10, "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Nick Sinclair will not be present today,\" he informed the thunderous-looking group. \"He asked me to express his regrets and to explain that he was called away on an urgent matter.\" In unison, six outraged faces turned to glare with impotent hostility at the vacant chair of their missing member. \"Last time it was a labor relations problem. What the hell is Sinclair's problem this time?\" a jowly man demanded unsympathetically. \"A merger,\" the chairman answered. \"He said he is going to try to negotiate the most important merger of his life.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Judith McNaught" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/nick-sinclair-will-not-be-present-today-he-informed-the-thunderous/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f74/judith-mcnaught-687_last-time_nick-sinclair-will-not-be-present-today_2197695.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f74/judith-mcnaught-687_last-time_nick-sinclair-will-not-be-present-today_2197695.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f74/judith-mcnaught-687_last-time_nick-sinclair-will-not-be-present-today_2197695.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Nick Sinclair will not be present today,\" he informed the thunderous-looking group. \"He asked me to express…” — Judith McNaught", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“That only leaves the third contender to discourage,” Alex said happily. “Who is he, and what do we know of him? Do I know him?” It was the moment Elizabeth had been dreading. “You never heard of him until a few weeks ago, when you returned.” “What?” she asked, nonplussed. Elizabeth drew a steadying breath and nervously rubbed her hands against the sides of her blue skirts. “I think,” she said slowly, “I ought to tell you exactly what happened a year and a half ago-with Ian Thornton.” “There’s no need to ever tell me if it will cause you unhappiness to speak of it. And right now, we surely ought to be thinking of the third man-“ “The third man,” Elizabeth interrupted tightly, “is Ian Thornton.” “Dear God! ” Alex gasped in horror. “Why? I mean-“ “I don’t know why,” Elizabeth admitted with angry confusion. “He accepted my uncle’s proposition. So it is either some sort of complete misunderstanding or it is his idea of a joke, and neither makes much sense-“ “A joke! He ruined you. He must be a complete monster to find it amusing now.” “The last time I saw him, he did not find the situation amusing, believe me,” Elizabeth said, and, sitting down, she told the whole story, trying desperately to keep her emotions under control so that she would be able to think clearly when she and Alex finalized their plans.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Judith McNaught" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/that-only-leaves-the-third-contender-to-discourage-alex-said-happily/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/934/judith-mcnaught-687_dear-god_that-only-leaves-the-third-contender-to_522267.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/934/judith-mcnaught-687_dear-god_that-only-leaves-the-third-contender-to_522267.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/934/judith-mcnaught-687_dear-god_that-only-leaves-the-third-contender-to_522267.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“That only leaves the third contender to discourage,” Alex said happily. “Who is he, and what do we know of…” — Judith McNaught", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Lucinda,” Elizabeth said for the third time in an hour, “I cannot tell you how sorry I am about this.” Five days ago, Lucinda had arrived at the inn at the Scottish border where she joined Elizabeth for the journey to Ian Thornton’s house. This morning, their hired coach broke an axle, and they were now ignominiously ensconced on the back of a hay wagon belonging to a farmer, their trunks and valises tipping precariously to and fro along the rutted path that evidently passed for a road in Scotland. The prospect of arriving in a hay wagon on Ian Thornton’s doorstep was so horrible that Elizabeth preferred to concentrate on her guilt, rather than her forthcoming meeting with the monster who had ruined her life. “As I said the last time you apologized, Elizabeth,” Lucinda replied, “it is not your fault, and therefore not your responsibility to apologize, for the deplorable lack of roads and conveyances in this heathen country.” “Yes, but if it weren’t for me you wouldn’t be here.” Lucinda sighed impatiently, clutched the side of the hay wagon as it made a particularly sharp lurch, and righted herself. “And as I have already admitted, if I hadn’t been deceived into mentioning Mr. Thornton’s name to your uncle, neither of us would be here. You are merely experiencing some nervousness at the disagreeable prospect of confronting the man, and there is no reason in the world-“The wagon tipped horribly and they both clutched at the sides of it for leverage. “-no reason in the world to continue apologizing. Your time would be better spent preparing yourself for the unhappy occasion.” “You’re right, of course.” “Of course,” Lucinda agreed unhesitatingly. “I am always right, as you know. Nearly always,” she amended, obviously thinking of how she had been misled by Julius Cameron into revealing the name of Ian Thornton as one of Elizabeth’s former suitors.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Judith McNaught" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/lucinda-elizabeth-said-for-the-third-time-in-an-hour-i-cannot-tell/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8bd/judith-mcnaught-687_gaze_lucinda-elizabeth-said-for-the-third-tim_279491.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8bd/judith-mcnaught-687_gaze_lucinda-elizabeth-said-for-the-third-tim_279491.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8bd/judith-mcnaught-687_gaze_lucinda-elizabeth-said-for-the-third-tim_279491.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Lucinda,” Elizabeth said for the third time in an hour, “I cannot tell you how sorry I am about this.” Five…” — Judith McNaught", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Straightening reluctantly, she strolled about the room with forced nonchalance, her hands clasped behind her back, looking blindly at the cobwebs in the corner of the ceiling, trying to think what to say. And then inspiration struck. The solution was demeaning but practical, and properly presented, it could appear she was graciously doing him a favor. She paused a moment to arrange her features into what she hoped was the right expression of enthusiasm and compassion, then she wheeled around abruptly. “Mr. Thornton!” Her voice seemed to explode in the room at the same time his startled amber gaze riveted on her face, then drifted down her bodice, roving boldly over her ripened curves. Unnerved but determined, Elizabeth forged shakily ahead: “It appears as if no one has occupied this house in quite some time.” “I commend you on that astute observation, lady Cameron,” Ian mocked lazily, watching the tension and emotion play across her expressive face. For the life of him he could not understand what she was doing here or why she seemed to be trying to ingratiate herself this morning. Last night the explanation he’d given Jake had made sense; now, looking at her, he couldn’t quite believe any of it. Then he remembered that Elizabeth Cameron had always robbed him of the ability to think rationally. “Houses do have a way of succumbing to dirt when no one looks after them,” she stated with a bright look. “Another creditable observation. You’ve certainly a quick mind.” “Must you make this so very difficult!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “I apologize,” he said with mocking gravity. “Do go on. You were saying?” “Well, I was thinking, since we’re quite stranded here-Lucinda and I, I mean-with absolutely nothing but time on our hands, that this house could certainly use a woman’s touch.” “Capital idea!” burst out Jake, returning from his mission to locate the butter and casting a highly hopeful look at Lucinda. He was rewarded with a glare from her that could have pulverized rock. “It could use an army of servants carrying shovels and wearing masks on their faces,” the duenna countered ruthlessly. “You needn’t help, Lucinda,” Elizabeth explained, aghast. “I never meant to imply you should. But I could! I-“ She whirled around as Ian Thornton surged to his feet and took her elbow in a none-too-gentle grasp. “Lady Cameron,” he said. “I think you and I have something to discuss that may be better spoken in private. Shall we?” He gestured to the open door and then practically dragged her along in his wake. Outdoors in the sunlight he marched her forward several paces, then dropped her arm. “Let’s hear it,” he said. “Hear what?” Elizabeth said nervously. “An explanation-the truth, if you’re capable of it. Last night you drew a gun on me, and this morning you’re awash with excitement over the prospect over the prospect of cleaning my house. I want to know why.” “Well,” Elizabeth burst out in defense of her actions with the gun, “you were extremely disagreeable!” “I am still disagreeable,” he pointed out shortly, ignoring Elizabeth’s raised brows. “ I haven’t changed. I am not the one who’s suddenly oozing goodwill this morning.” Elizabeth turned her head to the lane, trying desperately to think of an explanation that wouldn’t reveal to him her humiliating circumstances. “The silence is deafening, Lady Cameron, and somewhat surprising. As I recall, the last time we met you could scarcely contain all the edifying information you were trying to impart to me.” Elizabeth knew he was referring to her monologue on the history of hyacinths in the greenhouse. “I just don’t know where to begin,” she admitted. “Let’s stick to the salient points. What are you doing here?”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Judith McNaught" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/straightening-reluctantly-she-strolled-about-the-room-with-forced/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f71/judith-mcnaught-687_last-night_straightening-reluctantly-she-strolled-a_3054534.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f71/judith-mcnaught-687_last-night_straightening-reluctantly-she-strolled-a_3054534.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f71/judith-mcnaught-687_last-night_straightening-reluctantly-she-strolled-a_3054534.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Straightening reluctantly, she strolled about the room with forced nonchalance, her hands clasped behind her…” — Judith McNaught", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“He stared at her in insolent silence, unable to believe the alluring, impulsive girl he remembered had become this coolly aloof, self-possessed young woman. Even with her dusty clothes and the smear of dirt on her cheek, Elizabeth Cameron was strikingly beautiful, but she’d changed so much that-except for the eyes-he scarcely recognized her. One thing hadn’t changed: She was still a schemer and a liar. Straightening abruptly from his stance in the doorway, Ian walked forward. “I’ve had enough of this charade, Miss Cameron. No one invited you here, and you damn well know it.” Blinded with wrath and humiliation, Elizabeth groped in her reticule and snatched out the handwritten letter her uncle had received inviting Elizabeth to join Ian there. Marching up to him, she slapped the invitation against his chest. Instinctively he caught it but didn’t open it. “Explain that,” she commanded, backing away and then waiting. “Another note, I’ll wager,” he drawled sarcastically, thinking of the night he’d gone to the greenhouse to meet her and recalling what a fool he’d been about her. Elizabeth stood beside the table, determined to have the satisfaction of hearing his explanation before she left-not that anything he said could make her stay. When he showed no sign of opening it, she turned furiously to Jake, who was sorely disappointed that Ian was deliberately chasing off two females who could surely be persuaded to do the cooking if they stayed. “Make him read it aloud!” she ordered the startled Jake. “Now, Ian,” Jake said, thinking of his empty stomach and the bleak future that lay ahead for it if the ladies went away, “why don’t you jes’ read that there little note, like the lady asked?” When Ian Thornton ignored the older man’s suggestion, Elizabeth lost control of her temper. Without thinking what she was actually doing, she reached out and snatched the pistol off the table, primed it, cocked it, and leveled it at Ian Thornton’s broad chest. “Read that note!” Jake, whose concern was still on his stomach, held up his hands as if the gun were pointed at him. “Ian, it could be a misunderstanding, you know, and it’s not nice to be rude to these ladies. Why don’t you read it, and then we’ll all sit down and have a nice”-he inclined his head meaningfully to the sack of provisions on the table-“ supper. ” “I don’t need to read it,” Ian snapped. “The last time I read a note from Lady Cameron I met her in a greenhouse and got shot in the arm for my trouble.” “Are you implying I invited you into that greenhouse?” Elizabeth scoffed furiously. With an impatient sigh Ian said, “Since you’re obviously determined to enact a Cheltenham tragedy, let’s get it over with before you’re on your way.” “Do you deny you sent me a note?” she snapped. “Of course I deny it!” “Then what were you doing in the greenhouse?” she shot back at him. “I came in response to that nearly illegible note you sent me,” he said in a bored, insulting drawl. “May I suggest that in future you devote less of your time to theatrics and some of it to improving your handwriting?” His gaze shifted to the pistol. “Put the gun down before you hurt yourself.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Judith McNaught" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/he-stared-at-her-in-insolent-silence-unable-to-believe-the-alluring/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9f/judith-mcnaught-687_empty-stomach_he-stared-at-her-in-insolent-silence-una_206105.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9f/judith-mcnaught-687_empty-stomach_he-stared-at-her-in-insolent-silence-una_206105.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9f/judith-mcnaught-687_empty-stomach_he-stared-at-her-in-insolent-silence-una_206105.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“He stared at her in insolent silence, unable to believe the alluring, impulsive girl he remembered had…” — Judith McNaught", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 6, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“At eight-thirty that night Ian stood on the steps outside Elizabeth’s uncle’s town house suppressing an almost overwhelming desire to murder Elizabeth’s butler, who seemed to be inexplicably fighting down the impulse to do bodily injury to Ian. “I will ask you again, in case you misunderstood me the last time,” Ian enunciated in a silky, ominous tone that made ordinary men blanch. “ Where is your mistress? ” Bentner didn’t change color by so much as a shade. “ Out! ” he informed the man who’d ruined his young mistress’s life and had now appeared on her doorstep, unexpected and uninvited, no doubt to try to ruin it again, when she was at this very moment attending her first ball in years and trying bravely to live down the gossip he had caused. “She is out, but you do not know where she is?” “I did not say so, did I?” “Then where is she?” “That is for me to know and you to ponder.” In the last several days Ian had been forced to do a great many unpleasant things, including riding across half of England, dealing with Christina’s irate father, and finally dealing with Elizabeth’s repugnant uncle, who had driven a bargain that still infuriated him. Ian had magnanimously declined her dowry as soon as the discussion began. Her uncle, however, had the finely honed bargaining instincts of a camel trader, and he immediately sensed Ian’s determination to do whatever was necessary to get Julius’s name on a betrothal contract. As a result, Ian was the first man to his knowledge who had ever been put in the position of purchasing his future wife for a ransom of $150,000. Once he’d finished that repugnant ordeal he’d ridden off to Montmayne, where he’d sopped only long enough to switch his horse for a coach and get his valet out of bed. Then he’d charged off to London, stopped at his town house to bathe and change, and gone straight to the address Julius Cameron had given him. Now, after all that, Ian was not only confronted by Elizabeth’s absence, he was confronted by the most insolent servant he’d ever had the misfortune to encounter. In angry silence he turned and walked down the steps. Behind him the door slammed shut with a thundering crash, and Ian paused a moment to turn back and contemplate the pleasure he was going to have when he sacked the butler tomorrow.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Judith McNaught" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/at-eight-thirty-that-night-ian-stood-on-the-steps-outside-elizabeth-s/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa4/judith-mcnaught-687_future-wife_at-eight-thirty-that-night-ian-stood-on_819642.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa4/judith-mcnaught-687_future-wife_at-eight-thirty-that-night-ian-stood-on_819642.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aa4/judith-mcnaught-687_future-wife_at-eight-thirty-that-night-ian-stood-on_819642.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“At eight-thirty that night Ian stood on the steps outside Elizabeth’s uncle’s town house suppressing an…” — Judith McNaught", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 7, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Well, what happened to your scruples in the woodcutter’s cottage? You knew I thought you’d already left when I went inside.” “Why did you stay,” he countered smoothly, “when you realized I was still there?” In confused distress Elizabeth raked her hair off her forehead. “I knew I shouldn’t do it,” she admitted. “I don’t know why I remained.” “You stayed for the same reason I did,” he informed her bluntly. “We wanted each other.” “I was wrong,” she protested a little wildly. “Dangerous and-foolish!” “Foolish or not,” he said grimly, “I wanted you. I want you now.” Elizabeth made the mistake of looking at him, and his amber eyes captured hers against her will, holding them imprisoned. The shawl she’d been clutching as if it was a lifeline to safety slid from her nerveless hand and dangled at her side, but Elizabeth didn’t notice. “Neither of us has anything to gain by continuing this pretense that the weekend in England is over and forgotten,” he said bluntly. “Yesterday proved that it wasn’t over, if it proved nothing else, and it’s never been forgotten-I’ve remembered you all this time, and I know damn well you’ve remembered me.” Elizabeth wanted to deny it; she sensed that if she did, he’d be so disgusted with her deceit that he’d turn on his heel and leave her. She lifted her chin, unable to tear her gaze from his, but she was too affected by the things he’d just admitted to her to lie to him. “All right,” she said shakily, “you win. I’ve never forgotten you or that weekend. How could I?” she added defensively. He smiled at her angry retort, and his voice gentled to the timbre of rough velvet. “Come here, Elizabeth.” “Why?” she whispered shakily. “So that we can finish what we began that weekend.” Elizabeth stared at him in paralyzed terror mixed with violet excitement and shook her head in a jerky refusal. “I’ll not force you,” he said quietly, “nor will I force you to do anything you don’t want to do once you’re in my arms. Think carefully about that,” he warned, “because if you come to me now, you won’t be able to tell yourself in the morning that I made you do this against your will-or that you didn’t know what was going to happen. Yesterday neither of us knew what was going to happen. Now we do.” Some small, insidious voice in her mind urged her to obey, reminded her that after the public punishment she’d taken for the last time they were together she was entitled to some stolen passionate kisses, if she wanted them. Another voice warned her not to break the rules again. “I-I can’t,” she said in a soft cry. “There are four steps separating us and a year and a half of wanting drawing us together,” he said. Elizabeth swallowed. “Couldn’t you meet me halfway?” The sweetness of the question was almost Ian’s undoing, but he managed to shake his head. “Not this time. I want you, but I’ll not have you looking at me like a monster in the morning. If you want me, all you have to do is walk into my arms.” “I don’t know what I want,” Elizabeth cried, looking a little wildly at the valley below, as if she were thinking of leaping off the path. “Come here,” he invited huskily, “and I’ll show you.” It was his tone, not his words, that conquered her. As if drawn by a will stronger than her own, Elizabeth walked forward and straight into his arms that closed around her with stunning force. “I didn’t think you were going to do it,” he whispered gruffly against her hair.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Judith McNaught" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/well-what-happened-to-your-scruples-in-the-woodcutter-s-cottage-you/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/45c/judith-mcnaught-687_amber-eyes_well-what-happened-to-your-scruples-in-t_2034884.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/45c/judith-mcnaught-687_amber-eyes_well-what-happened-to-your-scruples-in-t_2034884.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/45c/judith-mcnaught-687_amber-eyes_well-what-happened-to-your-scruples-in-t_2034884.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Well, what happened to your scruples in the woodcutter’s cottage? You knew I thought you’d already left when…” — Judith McNaught", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 8, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Lady Thornton!” the prosecutor rapped out, and he began firing questions at her so rapidly that she could scarcely keep track of them. “Tell us the truth, Lady Thornton. Did that man”-his finger pointed accusingly to where Ian was sitting, out of Elizabeth’s vision-“fid you and bribe you to come back here and tell us this absurd tale? Or did he find you and threaten your life if you didn’t come here today? Isn’t it true that you have no idea where your brother is? Isn’t it true that by your own admission a few moments ago you fled in terror for your life from this cruel man? Isn’t it true that you are afraid of further cruelty from him-“ “ No! ” Elizabeth cried. Her gaze raced over the male faces around and above her, and she could see not one that looked anything but either dubious or contemptuous of the truths she had told. “No further questions!” “ Wait! ” In that infinitesimal moment of time Elizabeth realized that if she couldn’t convince them she was telling the truth, she might be able to convince them she was too stupid to make up such a lie. “Yes, my lord,” her voice rang out. “I cannot deny it-about his cruelty, I mean.” Sutherland swung around, his eyes lighting up, and renewed excitement throbbed in the great chamber. “You admit this is a cruel man?” “Yes, I do,” Elizabeth emphatically declared. “My dear, poor woman, could you tell us-all of us-some examples of his cruelty?” “Yes, and when I do, I know you will all understand how truly cruel my husband can be and why I ran off with Robert-my brother, that is.” Madly, she tried to think of half-truths that would not constitute perjury, and she remembered Ian’s words the night he came looking for her at Havenhurst. “Yes, go on.” Everyone in the galleries leaned forward in unison, and Elizabeth had the feeling the whole building was tipping toward her. “When was the last time your husband was cruel?” “Well, just before I left he threatened to cut off my allowance-I had overspent it, and I hated to admit it.” “You were afraid he would beat you for it?” “No, I was afraid he wouldn’t give me more until next quarter!” Someone in the gallery laughed, then the sound was instantly choked. Sutherland started to frown darkly, but Elizabeth plunged ahead. “My husband and I were discussing that very thing-my allowance, I mean-two nights before I ran away with Bobby.” “And did he become abusive during that discussion? Is that the night your maid testified that you were weeping?” “Yes, I believe it was!” “Why were you weeping, Lady Thornton?” The galleries tipped further toward her. “I was in a terrible taking,” Elizabeth said, stating a fact. “I wanted to go away with Bobby. In order to do it, I had to sell my lovely emeralds, which Lord Thornton gave me.” Seized with inspiration, she leaned confiding inches toward the Lord Chancellor upon the woolsack. “I knew he would buy me more, you know.” Startled laughter rang out from the galleries, and it was the encouragement Elizabeth desperately needed. Lord Sutherland, however, wasn’t laughing. He sensed that she was trying to dupe him, but with all the arrogance typical of most of his sex, he could not believe she was smart enough to actually attempt, let alone accomplish it. “I’m supposed to believe you sold your emeralds out of some freakish start-out of a frivolous desire to go off with a man you claim was your brother?” “Goodness, I don’t know what you are supposed to believe. I only know I did it.” “Madam!” he snapped. “You were on the verge of tears , according to the jeweler to whom you sold them. If you were in a frivolous mood, why were you on the verge of tears?” Elizabeth gave him a vacuous look. “I liked my emeralds.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Judith McNaught" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/lady-thornton-the-prosecutor-rapped-out-and-he-began-firing-questions/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/89a/judith-mcnaught-687_last-time_lady-thornton-the-prosecutor-rapped-out_309699.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/89a/judith-mcnaught-687_last-time_lady-thornton-the-prosecutor-rapped-out_309699.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/89a/judith-mcnaught-687_last-time_lady-thornton-the-prosecutor-rapped-out_309699.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Lady Thornton!” the prosecutor rapped out, and he began firing questions at her so rapidly that she could…” — Judith McNaught", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 9, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Lady Cameron,” he said, playing his role with elan as he nodded toward Ian. “You recall our friend Lord Thornton, Marquess of Kensington, I hope?” The radiant smile Elizabeth bestowed on Ian was not at all what the dowager had insisted ought to be “polite but impartial.” It wasn’t quite like any smile she’d ever given him. “Of course I remember you, my lord,” Elizabeth said to Ian, graciously offering him her hand. “I believe this waltz is mine,” he said for the benefit of Elizabeth’s avidly interested admirers. He waited until they were near the dancers, then he tried to sound more pleasant. “You seem to be enjoying yourself tonight.” “I am,” she said idly, but when she looked up at his face she saw the coolness in his eyes; with her new understanding of her own feelings, she understood his more easily. A soft, knowing smile touched her lips as the musicians struck up a waltz; it stayed in her heart as Ian’s arm slid around her waist, and his left hand closed around her fingers, engulfing them. Overhead a hundred thousand candles burned in crystal chandeliers, but Elizabeth was back in a moonlit arbor long ago. Then as now, Ian moved to the music with effortless ease. That lovely waltz had begun something that had ended wrong, terribly wrong. Now, as she danced in his arms, she could make this waltz end much differently, and she knew it; the knowledge filled her with pride and a twinge of nervousness. She waited, expecting him to say something tender, as he had the last time. “Belhaven’s been devouring you with his eyes all night,” Ian said instead. “So have half the men in this ballroom. For a country that prides itself on its delicate manners, they sure as hell don’t extend to admiring beautiful women.” That, Elizabeth thought with a startled inner smile, was not the opening she’d been waiting for. With his current mood, Elizabeth realized, she was going to have to make her own opening. Lifting her eyes to his enigmatic golden ones, she said quietly, “Ian, have you ever wanted something very badly-something that was within your grasp-and yet you were afraid to reach out for it?” Surprised by her grave question and her use of his name, Ian tried to ignore the jealousy that had been eating at him all night. “No,” he said, scrupulously keeping the curtness from his voice as he gazed down at her alluring face. “Why do you ask? Is there something you want?” Her gaze fell from his, and she nodded at his frilled white shirtfront. “What is it you want?” “You.” Ian’s breath froze in his chest, and he stared down at her lustrous hair. “What did you just say?” She raised her eyes to his. “I said I want you, only I’m afraid that I-“ Ian’s heart slammed into his chest, and his fingers dug reflexively into her back, starting to pull her to him. “Elizabeth,” he said in a strained voice, glancing a little wildly at their avidly curious audience and resisting the impossible impulse to take her out onto the balcony, “why in God’s name would you say a thing like that to me when we’re in the middle of a damned dance floor in a crowded ballroom?” Her radiant smile widened. “I thought it seemed like exactly the right place,” she told him, watching his eyes darken with desire. “Because it’s safer?” Ian asked in disbelief, meaning safer from his ardent reaction. “No, because this is how it all began two years ago. We were in the arbor, and a waltz was playing,” she reminded him needlessly. “And you came up behind me and said, ‘Dance with me, Elizabeth.’ And-and I did,” she said, her voice trailing off at the odd expression darkening his eyes. “Remember?” she added shakily when he said absolutely nothing. His gaze held hers, and his voice was tender and rough. “Love me, Elizabeth.” Elizabeth felt a tremor run through her entire body, but she looked at him without flinching. “I do.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Judith McNaught" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/lady-cameron-he-said-playing-his-role-with-elan-as-he-nodded-toward/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf0/judith-mcnaught-687_beautiful-women_lady-cameron-he-said-playing-his-role-wi_1059002.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf0/judith-mcnaught-687_beautiful-women_lady-cameron-he-said-playing-his-role-wi_1059002.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf0/judith-mcnaught-687_beautiful-women_lady-cameron-he-said-playing-his-role-wi_1059002.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Lady Cameron,” he said, playing his role with elan as he nodded toward Ian. “You recall our friend Lord…” — Judith McNaught", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 10, "item": { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“At that moment Elizabeth would have said or done anything to reach him. She could not believe, actually could not comprehend that the tender, passionate man who had loved and teased her could be doing this to her-without listening to reason, without even giving her a chance to explain. Her eyes filled with tears of love and terror as she tried brokenly to tease him. “You’re going to look extremely silly, darling, if you claim desertion in court, because I’ll be standing right behind you claiming I’m more than willing to keep my vows.” Ian tore his gaze from the love in her eyes. “If you aren’t out of this house in three minutes,” he warned icily, “I’ll change the grounds to adultery.” “I have not committed adultery.” “Maybe not, but you’ll have a hell of a time proving you haven’t done something. I’ve had some experience in that area. Now, for the last time, get out of my life. It’s over.” To prove it, he walked over and sat down at his desk, reaching behind him to pull the bell cord. “Bring Larimore in,” he instructed Dolton, who appeared almost instantly. Elizabeth stiffened, thinking wildly for some way to reach him before he took irrevocable steps to banish her. Every fiber of her being believed he loved her. Surely, if one loved another deeply enough to be hurt like this…It hit her then, what he was doing and why, and she turned on him while the vicar’s story about Ian’s actions after his parents’ death seared her mind. She, however, was not a Labrador retriever who could be shoved away and out of his life. Turning, she walked over to his desk, leaning her damp palms on it, waiting until he was forced to meet her gaze. Looking like a courageous, heartbroken angel, Elizabeth faced her adversary across his desk, her voice shaking with love. “Listen carefully to me, darling, because I’m giving you fair warning that I won’t let you do this to us. You gave me your love, and I will not let you take it away. The harder you try, the harder I’ll fight you. I’ll haunt your dreams at night, exactly the way you’ve haunted mine every night I was away from you. You’ll lie awake in bed at night, wanting me, and you’ll know I’m lying awake, wanting you. And when you cannot stand it anymore,” she promised achingly, “you’ll come back to me, and I’ll be there, waiting for you. I’ll cry in your arms, and I’ll tell you I’m sorry for everything I’ve done, and you’ll help me find a way to forgive myself-“ “ Damn you! ” he bit out, his face white with fury. “What does it take to make you stop?” Elizabeth flinched from the hatred in the voice she loved and drew a shaking breath, praying she could finish without starting to cry. “I’ve hurt you terribly, my love, and I’ll hurt you again during the next fifty years. And you are going to hurt me, Ian-never, I hope, as much as you are hurting me now. But if that’s the way it has to be, then I’ll endure it, because the only alternative is to live without you, and that is no life at all. The difference is that I know it, and you don’t-not yet.” “Are you finished now?” “Not quite,” she said, straightening at the sound of footsteps in the hall. “There’s one more thing,” she informed him, lifting her quivering chin. “ I am not a Labrador retriever! You cannot put me out of your life, because I won’t stay.” When she left, Ian stared at the empty room that had been alive with her presence but moments before, wondering what in hell she meant by her last comment.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Judith McNaught" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-mcnaught/at-that-moment-elizabeth-would-have-said-or-done-anything-to-reach/", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ac6/judith-mcnaught-687_every-night_at-that-moment-elizabeth-would-have-said_795567.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ac6/judith-mcnaught-687_every-night_at-that-moment-elizabeth-would-have-said_795567.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ac6/judith-mcnaught-687_every-night_at-that-moment-elizabeth-would-have-said_795567.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“At that moment Elizabeth would have said or done anything to reach him. She could not believe, actually…” — Judith McNaught", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } } } ] }, { "@type": "CollectionPage", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-time/judith-mcnaught/#webpage", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-time/judith-mcnaught/", "name": "Last time Quotes by Judith McNaught", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-time/judith-mcnaught/#itemlist" }, "primaryImageOfPage": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f74/judith-mcnaught-687_last-time_nick-sinclair-will-not-be-present-today_2197695.jpg" }, "description": "10 Last time quotes by Judith McNaught. Plus more from Judith McNaught and more Last time sayings from other authors.", "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-time/judith-mcnaught/#breadcrumb" } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-time/judith-mcnaught/#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 Time", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-time/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "name": "Judith McNaught", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/last-time/judith-mcnaught/" } ] }, { "@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 } } ] } ```