Bastard Quote by Julie Anne Long
““May I see your dance card?” “Don’t you believe me?” She presented it to him with a flourish. He ran his fingers down the list of names. “Hmm . . . Waterburn? Bastard. D’Andre. Definitely a worthless bastard. Lord Camber, a thoroughgoing bastard. Lord Michaelson? Bastard. Peter Cheswick? Bast—” She snatched it from him, laughing. “I wouldn’t dance a waltz with you, anyway, Lord Dryden.” “No?” “You might accidentally lock eyes with Lisbeth Redmond, stumble, and fling me across the room to avoid crushing my feet.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Duchess of Midnight by Julie Anne Long, 2022
A character uses a dance card to mock aristocratic suitors, exposing their flaws and her disdain for them
In simple terms: She mocks suitors using a dance card, showing contempt
Key Takeaway
Reject superficial suitors; value authenticity
Themes
mockery
class
gender dynamics
Mood
wry
defiant
Type
satirical
dialogue
When to use this quote
- courtship
- high society gatherings
- personal empowerment
Key Concepts
social hierarchy
power dynamics
identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humor protect against vulnerability?
- What does the dance card symbolize?
A Different Perspective
The humor may downplay deeper emotional consequences of rejection
