Courtship Quote by Lisa Kleypas
““Rake,” came the succinct reply. “Oh, all right,” Lillian grumbled. “I suppose he is a rake. But that may not be an impediment to his courtship of Lady Natalie. Some women like rakes. Look at Evie.” Evie continued to snip doggedly through the brocade ribbon, while a smile curved her lips. “I don’t l-like all rakes,” she said, her gaze on her work. “Just one.” Evie, the gentlest and most soft-spoken of them all, had been the one least likely to capture the heart of the notorious Lord St. Vincent, who had been the definitive rake. Although Evie, with her round blue eyes and blazing red hair, possessed a rare and unconventional beauty, she was unbearably shy. And there was the stammer. But Evie also had a reserve of quiet strength and a gallant spirit that seemed to have seduced her husband utterly. “And that former rake obviously adores you beyond reason,” Annabelle said.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “Lord of Scandal” by Lisa Kleypas, 2005
A shy woman sees the appeal of a charismatic but reckless man, yet she values her own quiet strength over his reputation.
In simple terms: Shy heroine notices a rake’s charm but trusts her own inner strength.
Recognize personal worth beyond a partner’s notoriety.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- dating
- self‑acceptance
- navigating reputation
- balancing affection and independence
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance admiration for charisma with personal values?
- What inner strengths help you resist harmful allure?
The “rake” archetype can romanticize harmful behavior.