Michelle Willingham > Quotes

“You might be a wallflower," he agreed, "but there's more to you, isn't there?"
"Why would you say that?"
"In my experience, the quietest women tend to be the most adventurous. There's a wildness that they let no one see.”
― Michelle Willingham, Undone by the Duke

“It took her a moment to realize that yes, he had indeed given her doorknobs for her birthday.”
― Michelle Willingham, Unraveled by the Rebel

“If you die, you won't be my uncle anymore," Royce offered.
"Planning to do me in, are you?"

Royce pondered this a moment before saying, "Not until I'm older."

"How very reassuring. I shall sleep better at night, knowing it. Be sure to let me know the date on which you plan to kill me, won't you?”
― Michelle Willingham, The Accidental Countess

“The thieves had stolen not only the ring and the few coins he possessed, but his horse, his coat, waistcoat, and shirt—even the shoes he’d worn. A fine welcome to England this was. After leaving the nightmare of Ireland behind him, he’d thought that here, everything would be better. Apparently not. Iain”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“He was even more distracted when Rose touched his cheeks. “You haven’t shaved in a few days, have you?” “I’ve been rather busy trying to reclaim my earldom,” he reminded her. “There was no time.” But the soft touch of her hands upon the bristled line of his jaw was driving him toward madness. Never had any woman touched him in this way. Her hands seemed to burn through his skin, awakening sensations that drove out common sense. He was aware of every line of her body, the scent of her skin, and the water droplets on her cheeks. She offered a wry smile. “Pirate.” He growled at her. “Argh.” His voice came out rough and husky, and she laughed softly. The”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“For a moment, she remained on the floor, dimly aware of Burkham asking if she was all right. Then, someone lifted her from the floor and carried her away. It was Lord Ashton. Within seconds, he’d brought her to the opposite side of the room. She remembered his earlier suggestion and kept her eyes closed, as if she’d fallen into a faint. But inwardly, she wanted to die. This was supposed to be her moment of triumph, of proving what she could do. Instead, everyone had seen her failure. She had embarrassed herself, and a hard lump of disappointment caught in her throat. “It’s all right,” Iain murmured. “I’m bringing you to the terrace where you can get some air. Your sister and grandmother are following us.” Against her eyelids, the tears spilled out. It had been a disastrous night, and now, she only wanted to go home. Her”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“What are you planning to do with that rake, a chara?” he inquired, taking another step closer. Rose gripped the handle with both hands and drew it closer, using the tool to keep him at a distance. “Nothing, if you go away.” Truthfully, she didn’t know exactly what she would do with the rake. It wasn’t exactly suitable for stabbing someone. She could poke him with it, but not much else. This”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Do you still claim to be an Irish earl, sir?” Her words held a dry humor, and the look in her eyes said she didn’t believe him at all. Iain’s mouth twisted in a smile. “My name is Lord Ashton, a chara. And you’ll have to wait and see, won’t you?”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“But I’m not thinking of the tenants just now. I’m thinking of how I’ll steal you away during the céilí.” He whispered of how he would carry her off during the dancing. She sent him a soft smile. “Do we have to wait that long? I was rather hoping my pirate husband would abduct me right now.” He laughed and pulled out her chair, seating her on it. “Soon, a ghrá.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“I should have rid myself of you when I learned I was with child. But it would have been a mortal sin.” She stared at him, and in her eyes, he saw nothing but hatred. “I’ve suffered every day you lived. And I will not stand by and let you ruin another woman’s life.” He expected Rose to speak, to say something to defend them. But her silence was damning. Though she continued to hold his hand, he could feel her grip loosening. She didn’t want him any more than his mother had. He should have expected it. And although he ought to let her go, now that she knew he was a bastard, damned if he wanted to. His only thread of honor had snapped in front of a truth he didn’t want to face. Iain stared at the women with no regrets for what he was about to do. He tightened his hand upon hers. “Most of the men and women in that ballroom will believe that I have compromised Lady Rose,” he said coolly. “I intend to marry her, no matter what anyone says about me.” “I cannot allow that,” Lady Wolcroft interrupted. “My granddaughter believed that you were an earl, a man who could provide a future for her. I believed that, too.” To Moira, she admitted, “I am sorry for my interference. You never told any of us about . . . why you hid him from the world. I thought you were merely estranged.” “I kept Iain away so that this would never happen,” his mother admitted. “I could not bring shame upon my husband.” It was as if he weren’t in the room at all. Iain refused to remain silent while they discussed his future. Ignoring all of them, he turned back to Rose. “Before all this happened, I asked you to marry me. Have your feelings changed, now that you know the truth?” The frozen expression on her face revealed her own doubts. “I feel as if I’ve stepped into the midst of a storm. I need a moment, Iain.” With that, she let go of his hand. The women closed in on her, and Lady Wolcroft sent him a dark look. “I think it’s best if you leave now, Ashton.” She opened the door and waited. Iain didn’t move. Instead, he locked his gaze upon Rose. “This is about what you want, a ghrá. They don’t matter.” She still wouldn’t look at him. But her hands were trembling as she gripped them together. “I—I need time to think.” It was as if he’d been imprisoned within panes of glass. He’d wanted to believe that she would be different. That she would love him enough to overlook the broken shards of the life he had. He didn’t want to leave her here with these vultures who would tell her how to live her life and what to do now. But when he saw her pale expression, his worst fears were confirmed. Love wasn’t enough to overcome the revelation that he was worth nothing. She’d wanted an earl, not a bastard. And no matter how much it broke him, the right thing was to let her go.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Guilt flooded through him for touching her. Iain knew that Rose deserved so much more than a man like him, but he’d taken advantage of her sweet offering. God help him, when she’d welcomed his kiss, his primal instincts had flared like a Celtic barbarian: Mine. During the weeks they’d spent together, he had come to care about this woman. He’d watched her overcome adversity and stand tall. She was brave and resilient, and when he looked into her face, she made him want to become something more. He wanted to be worthy of someone like her. After”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“I will invite myself to luncheon, and afterward, we can play whist or another game, if you’re wanting company.” Her lips tightened. “No one could ever accuse you of subtlety, Lord Ashton.” “I don’t know the meaning of the word.” She laughed at that, and he directed the team in the direction of her family’s townhouse. “You seem overly confident that I would want you to stay.” “Why wouldn’t you be wanting me to stay? It is preferable to staring at the wall, I hope.” “I would welcome your company,” she said. “But again, I worry that others will believe you are courting me.” “Don’t be so concerned about what others think.” He drew the horses to a stop when they reached her townhouse. “Is there any harm in spending an afternoon playing cards with me? Your sister can join us, along with your mother.” Her spirits lifted for a moment. “My mother would like that, I think. Grandmother has been keeping her behind closed doors as much as possible. I think she is becoming more melancholy each day.” Before the footman could come to help her disembark, Rose turned back to him. “Thank you for taking me for a drive.” With a soft smile, she added, “And you may stay for luncheon, before you suffer the indignity of losing to me in cards.” He only shook his head. “Nay, a chara. We’re to be partners in the game. It is your mother and sister who must prepare to lose.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“I had better not risk dancing. I would fall without question.” “You could likely manage to dance, if you wanted to. If you dance with me, I will never let you fall.” She”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“The expression on his face was kindly, but there was something more within his gaze. She didn’t understand it but couldn’t bring herself to turn away. Instead, she studied him in return. His dark hair was slightly long, but his face was clean shaven. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she took off her glove, reaching out to touch his cheek. “You shaved.” “So I did.” She traced the planes of his face, fully aware that she shouldn’t be doing this. And yet, he didn’t seem to mind her touch. He allowed it, and when she touched his opposite cheek, he warned, “Careful, Lady Rose.” His voice held a gruff quality that made her stop. But when she tried to pull her hand away, he covered it with his own, bringing it to his mouth. Against her palm, his mouth was warm. The heat of his lips made gooseflesh rise upon her skin. Her imagination conjured up the image of his breath upon her body, and her breasts tightened inside her corset. She didn’t understand these sensations or why she should feel anything at all. Dozens of men had kissed her hand, though never like this. “I’m sorry,” she murmured and tried to pull back. “I’m not.” The wicked smile returned, and he kept her palm firmly in his own. “But it only seems fair that I should be allowed to do the same.” She was frozen in place when his palm cupped her cheek. His thumb traced the outline of her jaw, moving lower to her chin. Her heartbeat quickened, blood rushing to her face. She told herself that this meant nothing, that they were only friends. But he was overstepping the boundaries of friendship, reaching for something he couldn’t have. The look in his eyes seemed to reach beneath her defenses. This man was taking apart her good sense, tempting her in a way she didn’t understand. “I am going to stay and teach you to walk, Rose.” He lifted her hand and stole another kiss that left her reeling. “That promise I’ve made, and that promise I’ll keep. But if ever you change your mind about Burkham, know that you are worth more than one letter a month.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“When I went into the attic to find the veil for Rose, I discovered this painting,” she began. “This is your great-grandfather, the third Earl of Ashton.” He wasn’t certain what to make of it, but then the weight of her words struck him. She’d said it was his great-grandfather. “He had green eyes,” Moira whispered. “You can see it for yourself.” Iain accepted the portrait, and when he took a closer look at the man, his blood ran cold. It was like looking into a mirror. There was no doubt at all that he was a blood relation to this man. He set down the portrait, and the hair stood up on his arms. Moira spoke first. “You have to understand how broken I was after I was violated by a man who was not my husband. And because Aidan sought revenge, he died. I found myself with a living reminder of that night.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “Every time I looked at you, I could only think of the violence. I couldn’t see that you were a gift that Aidan left to me, so I wouldn’t be alone.” Moira turned away, her shoulders slumped forward. He couldn’t answer her, though he knew what she was saying. She finished with, “There is nothing I can say to undo the years I mistreated you. I neglected the only son remaining to me. The last piece of my husband, because I was too blind to see the truth.” For a time, he was frozen, not knowing how to respond. He was the Earl of Ashton in truth. By blood and by birthright. “I will leave, if you ask it of me,” she whispered. “I deserve to be cast out for what I did.” A part of him wanted to lash out at her, for the years she’d made him feel like a shadow worth nothing at all. But what good would it do? She had aged into a fragile shell of a woman who had based her life upon misery and bitterness. He had Rose now, the woman he loved more than life itself. He had brought her here to help him rebuild Ashton . . . but perhaps she could help him rebuild more than the estate. With a heavy sigh, he placed his hand upon his mother’s shoulder. “Will you walk with me when I meet my bride?” Moira took his hand and pressed it to her forehead. Against his fingers, he felt the wetness of her tears. “I will, yes. Thank you.” It would take time to let go of the past. But it would begin with a single step.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Are you wanting to go back to London, Rose? You could leave all this and return later.” But she shook her head. “My place is with you. There is so much to be done, you’ll need my help.” “There’s one thing in particular that I’ll be needing your help with,” he admitted. “The tenants, I know, and the supplies. We should—” “Not that.” He bent in and nibbled her ear. “I’ll be needing your help to make children, my darling wife.” A deep ache caught her at his words. “So you’ve changed your mind, then.” “Aye.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Why is he not here with you now?” Rose shrugged. “He has his duties in Parliament. But he has written to me often. I received a letter just last week.” “Did you, then? And I suppose he’s come to visit you as well?” There was a shadowed look in her eyes. “No. But truthfully, I didn’t want him to visit. Not when I am like this.” Her face grew somber, as if she was embarrassed by her inability to walk. Although he understood her reluctance, he felt compelled to point out, “If I were betrothed to a beautiful woman who fell ill, the demons of hell couldn’t keep me away from her.” “It’s different between Lord Burkham and me. It’s more formal, as is befitting a viscount.” It sounded to Iain as if Lord Too-Busy-Burkham wasn’t at all worthy of a woman like Rose. “Don’t you resent him for staying away?” “Not at all.” She behaved as if nothing was wrong. Yet, Iain sensed that he’d struck a nerve. Her expression remained serene, but in her eyes there was a hint of worry. Iain”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“It does feel wrong, allowing you to carry me, when I can walk now. Someone might see us.” “If anyone does see me carrying you, then I shall toss you into the bushes,” he teased. She”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Why is it that nearly every time I see you, you are half-naked, Mr. Donovan?” He sent her a wicked smile, glancing at the prim wrapper that covered her from chin to ankles. The ruffled garment was shapeless, like a muslin suit of armor. “Why is it that every time I see you, you are always fully dressed, Lady Rose?” She”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“He had never before been trapped in a summerhouse with a beautiful woman in his arms, and it wasn’t unwelcome. Her slender body was light, though her skirts billowed down to the ground. “I fear this is rather awkward for you.” She sent him a chagrined smile. “I didn’t mean for you to hold me until the rain stopped.” “I don’t mind it, a chara.” “I must be getting heavy.” Her face was flushed, as if she hadn’t considered the consequences of the rain. But her slight weight meant nothing at all to him. He met her gaze, and in her brown eyes, he saw that she was unsettled by his presence. Though he had done nothing at all except hold her, he was well aware of her slender curves. Her gown was damp, outlining her figure, and he found himself studying her closely. There was no hint of red in her brown hair now, for it was soaked from the rain. Her eyelashes were tipped with droplets, and the deep brown of her eyes fascinated him. Her nose had a slight tilt, and her cheeks held the flush of embarrassment. Even her lips were a soft pink, her upper lip slightly smaller than the lower. She pressed them together for a moment and then whispered, “Why are you staring at me?” “Because you are a beautiful woman. Why wouldn’t I stare?” He knew he ought to smile to reassure her that he was only teasing and it meant nothing, but that wasn’t entirely true. She was lovely, and he saw no harm in telling her so. “You are making me feel uncomfortable,” she admitted. “And I should remind you that my heart is already given to another man.” “Don’t worry, a chara. I wouldn’t be trespassing where I’m not wanted. They’re only words.” She still appeared uneasy. “Perhaps you should put me down on the bench again, Lord Ashton.” “If you’re wanting me to, I will. But I should warn you that the rain will soak through your gown and make you colder. It might not be wise.” “Nothing I do is very wise, it seems.” She lowered her gaze to avoid his. “I know how improper this is. My grandmother would be appalled if she could see you holding me right now. Even though we do have a chaperone.” She nodded toward Hattie, who was still cowering from the storm. “I-I should have brought Calvert along.” He didn’t deny it. The scent of her skin enticed him, and he was caught up in watching a single raindrop slide down her throat. Her breathing seemed to shift, and she was staring back at him now. Her eyes passed over his hair and his face. In her scrutiny, he wondered if she found him appealing enough. He’d never given much thought to his looks, but he hoped she was not displeased. “Why are you looking at me?” he murmured. Her mouth tightened, but she managed a smile. “I suppose, for the same reason you looked at me.” “Because you find me handsome?” He continued watching her, and the longer he held her, the more it struck him that he liked having this woman in his arms. “Well, you are that,” she admitted with a smile. “But I wondered if you might be a pirate in disguise, planning to carry me off. Despite my intentions to wed Lord Burkham.” There was teasing in her voice, meant to lighten the mood. “I”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“She felt light, though her gown was barricaded with a whalebone corset and blue silk. Even holding her like this was foreign, for the only time he’d ever carried a lady in his arms was when he’d brought Lady Rose back to her bed. This was different. It felt as if he were carrying a piece of porcelain and at any moment, he might stumble and break her. But he couldn’t deny that it felt good to carry her in his arms. “Can”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“If the choice were mine, I would marry you now. I would take you upstairs to my bed and spend every hour loving you.” His”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Are you afraid of me, Lady Rose?” “Now why should I be afraid of a groom?” she countered. “That is who you are, am I right? You seem to know your way around a stable.” “You know that’s not who I am.” He kept his pace even with hers and sent her a dark smile. “I told you. I am the Earl of Ashton, and your grandmother invited me here.” She”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“Let us begin speaking of the proper way to arrive at a ballroom.” “If we must.” Iain sat down beside her and began removing his own shoes and stockings. She blinked a moment and asked, “What exactly are you doing, Lord Ashton?” “Joining you.” With his trousers rolled up to his knees, he slid his own feet into the water. “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, that’s cold enough to freeze the teats off a witch.” She grimaced at his raw speech. “Well, that’s . . . not quite the way I would have described it. And you cannot speak in such a manner when we reach London.” He moved his feet in the water and shrugged. “You think I will shock the ladies with my manners.” “Indeed,” she agreed.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“The image of Lady Rose came to mind, and he rather wished he could see her now, even if only for a conversation and a cup of tea. Although she refused to consider him as anything more than a friend, never would he forget the forbidden softness of her kiss. Or the way she’d smiled at him when she’d taken her first steps. With her, he could be the man he was—not the man he was trying to be. But he had to set aside his own desires and think of her needs. He could never destroy her life by asking her to wed a man like him. Lady Rose deserved a life of happiness after all she’d endured—not a life in Ireland.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“I have a solution. You should wed one of my daughters. I like you, and I would give you my blessing.” Both Rose and Lily’s expressions were aghast, and he suppressed a laugh. They were horrified at the idea, which should have been insulting, except that he knew their reasons. “If either of your daughters would consent to being my wife, I would not refuse. I like your eldest, in particular.” He winked at Rose, who shook her head with exasperation. “Excellent.” Lady Penford smiled brightly. “That’s settled then. The wedding can be held within a few weeks.” Rose coughed, nearly spewing her wine over the table. “Really, Mother. Why are you so eager to be rid of me?” Iain leaned back in his chair, rather enjoying the entertainment of Lady Penford’s conversation. It was quite possible that she’d taken a tonic before supper and was quite pickled. Lady Penford’s expression turned wistful. “I like weddings. Weddings lead to babies, and I should quite like grandchildren.” Rose glanced at Lily and said, “I am beginning to think I should take a tray in my room. This is not a conversation I wish to pursue any further.” Iain was rather intrigued. The women were speaking freely, as if he weren’t there at all. He reached for his wineglass, only to find that Calvert hadn’t filled it. When he lifted it and motioned for the footman, he received a furious glare for his trouble. “Grandbabies are marvelous,” Lady Castledon agreed. “My stepdaughter, Christine, just gave birth to a new son last Christmas. He is the most perfect child I’ve ever seen.” “Rubbish,” Lady Wolcroft pronounced. “You say that about every grandchild.” Lady Castledon only smiled. “There is no such thing as an imperfect grandchild. You already know this.” She glanced over at Lily and Rose, nodding to each of them.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“tae”
― Michelle Willingham, Undressed by the Earl

“One of the maids hurried inside the kitchen, a cailín of about sixteen. The girl sent him a curious look, and her gaze slid over his bare torso in open admiration. Though he rather felt like a roasted goose on display, Iain said nothing, in case the maid turned out to be an unexpected ally. Mrs.”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“So you intend to find a bride with the help of my grandmother, is that it?” She wondered what sort of woman he hoped to woo. It wasn’t going to be easy, for few women would marry a man who wanted her for nothing but money. Only someone quite desperate. Ireland lay in ruins, and it was unlikely that any woman would want to live there. “Indeed. Unless you change your mind, that is.” He reached out and took her gloved hand. His touch lingered upon her, warming the kidskin glove. When he stared into her eyes, she had a sudden rash thought that he was about to kiss her. Right here, in front of her footman and Beauregard. “Keep your hands to yourself, Mr. Donovan. Or I shall be forced to whack you with a parasol.” “Or a rake,” he suggested cheerfully. He winked at her, and she relaxed when she realized that he was only teasing her. “I could be quite lethal with gardening tools. You don’t want to imagine what I would do with a pair of shears.” He winced and made a face. “You terrify me.” Her smile widened. “You should be scared. I can be quite fierce when provoked.” “I can easily believe that.” His green eyes locked upon hers. “You are a strong woman, Lady Rose. You would tell everyone to go and kiss the devil’s backside before you’d turn away from your family or those who need you. Am I wrong?”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie

“The longer he held Lady Rose in his arms, the more he desired her. Iain was captivated by her full lips, and for a moment, their breathing seemed to fall into a rhythm. Rose’s arms had softened against him, until they hung loosely around his neck. Her brown eyes met his with awareness and a sense that this should not be happening between them. But he couldn’t deny that he wanted to lower her body and claim her mouth. He wanted to taste the sweetness of her lips and give in to his own temptation. “You”
― Michelle Willingham, Good Earls Don't Lie