Gaze Quote by Judith McNaught
““Didn’t anyone ever tell you that a lady never deserts her partner before the dance is over?” “It’s over!” Elizabeth said in a choked whisper, and they both knew she referred to more than just the dancing. “I’m not nearly the greenhand you must take me for,” she warning, frowning darkly at his frilled shirtfront. A ruby winked back at her from the folds of his white neckcloth. “I give you my word,” he said quietly, “not to force myself upon you tomorrow.” Oddly, Elizabeth believed him, but even so she knew she could never keep such an assignation. “I give you my word as a gentleman,” he said again. “If you were a gentleman, you’d never make me such a proposition,” Elizabeth said, trying to ignore the dull ache of disappointment in her chest. “Now there’s an unarguable piece of logic,” he replied grimly. “On the other hand, it’s the only choice open to us.” “It’s no choice at all. We shouldn’t even be out here.” “I’ll wait for you at the cottage until noon tomorrow.” “I won’t be there.” “I’ll wait until noon,” he insisted.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Unknown title by Judith McNaught, 1990s
A woman confronts a lover’s broken promise, exposing the fragile trust and social expectations in courtship.
In simple terms: Broken promises reveal fragile trust in relationships.
Key Takeaway
Question promises and protect yourself.
Themes
trust
betrayal
courtship
social expectations
Mood
tension
hopeful
Type
dramatic
romantic
When to use this quote
- romantic negotiations
- social gatherings
- personal boundaries
Key Concepts
honor
gender roles
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Can trust be rebuilt after a broken promise?
- What societal pressures influence personal vows?
A Different Perspective
Promises may be broken despite sincere words.
![“[...] we will leave this place, and go into other lodgings - you as the mistress; and I as the maid." "I should be found out, ma'am," interposed Louisa, trembling at the prospect before her. "I am not a lady." "And I am," said Magdalen bitterly. "Shall I tell you what a lady is? A lady is a woman…” quote by Wilkie Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c71/wilkie-collins-2078_class_we-will-leave-this-place-and-go-into-oth_993573.jpg)
