Lady Quote by Georgette Heyer
““What, sir, would you think of a member of the Weaker Sex who assumed the guise of a man, and left the home of her natural protector by way of the window?" "I should assume," replied Sir Richard, "that she had strong reasons for acting with such resolution." "She did not wish to marry me," said Mr. Griffin gloomily. "Oh!" said Sir Richard. "Well, I'm sure I can't see why she should be so set against me, but that's not it, sir. The thing is that here's my mother determined to find her, and to make her marry me, and so hush up the scandal. But I don't like it above half. If she dislikes the notion so much, I don't think I ought to marry her, do you?" "Emphatically not!" "I must say I am very glad to hear you say that, Sir Richard!" said Mr. Griffin, much cheered. "For you must know that my mother has been telling me ever since yesterday that I must marry her now, to save her name. But I think she would very likely make me uncomfortable, and nothing could make up for that, in my opinion." "A lady capable of escaping out of a window in the guise of a a man would quite certainly make you more than uncomfortable," said Sir Richard. "Yes, though she's only a chit of a girl, you know. In fact, she is not yet out. I am very happy to have had the benefit of the opinion of a Man of the World. I feel that I can rely on your judgment." "On my judgment, you might, but in nothing else, I assure you," said Sir Richard. "You know nothing of me, after all. How do you know that I am not now concealing your cousin from you?" "Ha-ha! Very good, upon my word! Very good, indeed!" said Mr. Griffin, saluting a jest of the first water.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Regency Romance, 1930s, unknown title
A woman disguises herself as a man to escape an unwanted marriage, prompting debate about autonomy and social expectations.
In simple terms: A woman pretends to be a man to avoid a forced marriage.
Consider personal agency over family pressure.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- arranged marriage
- family conflict
- gender disguise
- social scandal
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you do if family forced a marriage?
- How does disguise affect power dynamics?
The humor may downplay the seriousness of forced marriage.