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Marry Quote by Stephanie Laurens

“You may set your mind at rest, Miss Anstruther-Wetherby." He glanced down, the planes of his face granite-hard. "I'm not marrying you because of any social stricture. That, if you consider it, is a nonsensical idea. Cynsters, as you well know, do not give a damn about social strictures. Society…” quote by Stephanie Laurens
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““You may set your mind at rest, Miss Anstruther-Wetherby." He glanced down, the planes of his face granite-hard. "I'm not marrying you because of any social stricture. That, if you consider it, is a nonsensical idea. Cynsters, as you well know, do not give a damn about social strictures. Society, as far as we're concerned, can think what it pleases—it does not rule us." "But… if that's the case—and given your reputation I can readily believe it is—why insist on marrying me?" "Because I want to." The words were delivered as the most patently obvious answer to a simple question. Honoria held on to her temper. "Because you want to?" He nodded. "That's it? Just because you want to?" The look he sent her was calculated to quell. "For a Cynster, that's a perfectly adequate reason. In fact, for a Cynster, there is no better reason." He looked ahead again; Honoria glanced at his profile. "This is ridiculous. You only set eyes on me yesterday, and now you want to marry me?" Again he nodded. "Why?" The glance he shot her was too brief for her to read. "It so happens I need a wife, and you're the perfect candidate." With that, he altered their direction and lengthened his stride even more. "I am not a racehorse." His lips thinned, but he slowed--just enough so she didn't have to run. They'd gained the graveled walk that circled the house. It took her a moment to replay his words, another to see their weakness. "That's still ridiculous. You must have half the female population of the ton waiting to catch your handkerchief every time you blow your nose." He didn't even glance her way. "At least half." "So why me?" Devil considered telling her--in graphic detail. Instead, he gritted his teeth and growled: "Because you're unique." "Unique?" Unique in that she was arguing.””

Stephanie Laurens

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Cynster's Dilemma by Stephanie Laurens, 2025

A Cynster claims personal desire as sufficient reason for marriage, dismissing social expectations, yet his motives are self‑serving and manipulative.

In simple terms: He says he marries because he wants to, but he is using the excuse for personal gain.

Key Takeaway

Question motives behind seemingly simple choices.

Themes

love power social norms manipulation

Mood

skeptical reflective

Type

literary dialogue

When to use this quote

  • romantic relationships
  • arranged marriages
  • personal ambition
  • social pressure
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

selfishness authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “because I want to” truly signify?
  • Can personal desire alone justify commitment?
A Different Perspective

His justification may hide ulterior motives, making the answer hollow.

2.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

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