Children Quote by Georgette Heyer
““Desford said abruptly: "How old are you, my child? Sixteen? Seventeen?" "Oh, no, I am much older than that!" she replied. "I'm as old as Lucasta - all but a few weeks!" "Then why are you not downstairs dancing with the rest of them?" he demanded. "You must surely be out!" "No, I'm not," she said. "I don't suppose I ever shall be, either. Unless my papa turns out not to be dead, and comes home to take care of me himself. But I don't think that at all likely, and even if he did come home it wouldn't be of the least use, because he seems never to have sixpence to scratch with. I am afraid he is not a very respectable person. My aunt says he was obliged to go abroad on account of being monstrously in debt." She sighed, and said wistfully: "I know that one ought not to criticize one's father, but I can't help feeling that it was just a little thoughtless of him to abandon me.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Grand Sophy” by Georgette Heyer, 1950
A young woman reflects on her father's neglect and the social expectations placed on her, revealing fear and yearning for stability.
In simple terms: She worries about her father's debts and lack of support.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge past hurts but seek self-reliance.
Themes
family
responsibility
social expectations
inheritance
independence
Mood
wistful
anxious
reflective
Type
literary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- courtship
- financial insecurity
- family reputation
- personal growth
Key Concepts
parental neglect
class pressure
self-worth
Questions to Reflect On
- How does she envision a better future for herself?
- What steps can she take to become independent?
A Different Perspective
She may be idealizing an absent father, overlooking her own agency.
![“[...]my memory is reasonably good—unlike yours, dear sir!” “Mine is erratic,” he said imperturbably. “I remember only what interests me.” quote by Georgette Heyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cdf/georgette-heyer-1080_dear_my-memory-is-reasonably-good-unlike-your_101725.jpg)
