J.G. MacLeod > Quotes

“As the bus pulled away from the curb, James raised his hand in a small wave; he was still standing there when we reached the end of the street, like a beacon on a lighthouse warning tall ships to be careful in the fog.”
― J.G. MacLeod, Abalone

“Indeed,' Grady said, his eyes twinkling, 'she would make a good regiment captain.'
'Do not speak about me as if I am not here!' I called out, but another contraction began and I moaned loudly.
'Push, Ellen,' Grady told me, 'pretend you are Aileen – pretend this is easy…'
I started to sob. 'I cannot do it!' I moaned, 'I have to stop; I cannot go on for one more second!' My head slumped to the side and tears rolled down my cheeks....
'You are Ellen Montagu,' Grady stated loudly, 'you can do anything! Now push!”
― J.G. MacLeod, Two Paths

“I was not satisfied; I needed speed – wind in my hair. 'Faster Ahern,' I commanded, digging my heels into his sides. In an instant, he sprung forward and I gripped the reins for dear life. He catapulted ahead so fast that he was soon approaching the wooden fence. I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth, but Ahern instinctively leapt right over the fence and continued at full speed. I whooped loudly and opened my eyes. The two of us were speeding across the open pasture now; I could hardly see in front of me as the wind blew into my sensitive eyes. I leaned forward as I had learned from Cormac and together Ahern and I became aerodynamic.”
― J.G. MacLeod, Two Paths

“I have never seen such an exquisite creature in the woods before," a deep voice suddenly said. My eyes flew open and I glanced around to discern the speaker; I could not see a man anywhere in the trees. "From the back, you resemble a pretty little deer," the man continued. I stood slowly, brushing my gloved hands along the sides of my gown, still trying to make out the speaker's location. I heard him chuckle and then the sound of twigs breaking beneath his feet. He emerged to my right, dressed in a brown leather hunting vest, black breeches and matching riding boots. He was holding a crossbow and had a dagger at his waist. "I would suggest you be more careful; I might have stuck you if I had not noticed your lovely...bonnet," he finished in good humour.”
― J.G. MacLeod, Lady Ellen

“He laughed awkwardly and cleared his throat. 'Rain is better than hail,' he joked. I smiled at him shyly as the memory of our drive in the midst of a hailstorm on Inis Mor flooded back to me.
'It was a beautiful sight though,' I commented quietly, 'so not altogether unwelcome.'
Grady looked at me with his piercing sapphire eyes and replied with emotion, 'it was not as beautiful as you are – and you are most welcome.' I found myself blushing under his gaze and felt that if I tried to speak, I would be utterly tongue-tied. As we neared the entrance to the castle, Grady said, 'thank you for coming, Ellen; I must confess that I had my doubts…”
― J.G. MacLeod, Two Paths

“They were just being friendly," I said more softly, reaching out to touch James on the arm. I suddenly found myself lying on my side on the floor and realized in shock that James had shoved me - hard. He was looking down at me, his teeth gritted and his eyes flashing.”
― J.G. MacLeod, Abalone

“I know," I said, "but there's something about James that draws me in. I can't explain it." I shrugged my shoulders.
"Well, I can," Jan said with frustration, "it's called abuse."
I was shocked. "What?" I managed to say.
"You heard me," Jan replied. "James controls everything you do. He says jump and you ask how high.”
― J.G. MacLeod, Abalone

“I had come down on the same arm that James had grabbed in the car and it throbbed. I pulled off my sweater to look at it in the mirror and winced when I noticed finger marks on my forearm and a large purple bruise already forming on my elbow; I could only imagine what it would look like tomorrow when it really started to turn colour.”
― J.G. MacLeod, Abalone

“​“Ye can ask God tae forgive ye,” Ferghus suggested,”
― J.G. MacLeod, The Future Bride

“Their door was open. My mother was kneeling on the floor, her body racked with uncontrollable sobbing. There was a broken glass on the floor beside her. My father was standing at the far end of the room with his back to the doorway. Both of his hands were pressed against the wall and his head was bent. When I crossed the threshold he turned and scowled. "Go back to bed, Ellen," he commanded.”
― J.G. MacLeod, Lady Ellen

“My depression surrounds me like an infant suffocating in a plastic bag, each gasp a reminder of a parent’s neglect.  What a joke it is when people say, “talk about it – it will make you feel better” for when I even think about it I lie frozen like the frigid pond outside my window – hard and cold on the outside,”
― J.G. MacLeod, Abalone: One woman's courageous journey through abuse & healing

“Were you escorted when you rode Lord Ardilaun's horse?" Grady asked unexpectedly, his eyes twinkling again, "and more than once you said?" I was speechless, my mouth gaping open in my flustered state. Grady laughed and said, "good night, banphrionsa" before he turned and walked down the path towards his own house. I closed the door quickly and leaned my back against it. My skin was hot and I felt uncomfortable - although I could not define precisely why I felt that way.”
― J.G. MacLeod, Lady Ellen