Anne Barton > Quotes

“You said you wanted me to be honest with you,” he said.

“Always. Unless you're about to tell me that I'm kissing incorrectly. That would be beyond humiliating.”
― Anne Barton, To All the Rakes I've Loved Before

“It was truly amazing what character defects people would tolerate if one had a title, a fortune, and a few interesting scars.”
― Anne Barton, Once She Was Tempted

“Owen groped the back of his skull, felt a knot budding, and groaned. “Please tell me you didn’t realize it was me.”

“Of course I didn’t,” she hissed. “I never imagined you’d barge into my room at two o’clock in the morning.”

“You don’t know me very well.”
― anne barton, When She Was Wicked

“A lonely cloud drifted in front of the sun, casting long shadows beside him, and he clenched the reins in his fists. They’d enjoy a few weeks of stolen moments, clandestine meetings. After that, they’d say good-bye, and he’d pretend she wasn’t the best thing to ever happen to him. He’d make sure she and her family never wanted for anything, if her stubborn pride would let him. And in time, she’d meet a kind man, get married, have children, and forget him.

But never, ever, would Owen forget her.”
― Anne Barton, When She Was Wicked

“As Anabelle walked with Owen to the center of the ballroom, her first thought was that the orchestra really should be playing. They’d only played a set, for heaven’s sake, and already they were taking a break.

Her second thought was that while the only people actually on the dance floor were Owen and her, the whole population of England appeared to be circled around it.”
― Anne Barton, When She Was Wicked

“She took excruciatingly small steps. If Owen’s calculations were correct, maintaining their current pace on the footpath would ensure their return to the picnic in the fall of 1820.”
― Anne Barton, When She Was Wicked

“She wanted to escape.

He’d thought that they were all getting on reasonably well. His sisters liked the dresses Anabelle made for them. She liked her new spectacles. He liked the way she kissed.”
― Anne Barton, When She Was Wicked

“Most importantly, however, she had to figure out how on earth she’d manage to watch Miss Starling flirt outrageously with Owen and refrain from ripping her eyes out. It would require a bit of thought.”
― Anne Barton, When She Was Wicked

“It occurred to her she should amend her List of Nevers to include rules governing her unusual relationship with the duke. The first addendum would be “Never remove one’s cap—or allow it to be removed—in the presence of the duke, as it may well be the only impediment to wanton behavior by both parties.” Yes, now that she thought on it, rules were definitely necessary.”
― Anne Barton, When She Was Wicked

“I’m glad I got to meet your sister,” he said. He was still distracted and staring out the window at the buildings rushing by. If she had to guess, dreaming of waltzing with Daphne.

“She is as kind as she is beautiful,” Anabelle said softly. Which made it dreadfully difficult to resent her.

“Do you want to know what I liked best about her?”

No. No, she did not, but she swallowed, nodded, and braced herself for his response. She suspected “her cornflower blue eyes” or “her shining gold hair.” Men were predictable creatures.

“I liked the way she made you laugh. I’ve never heard you laugh that way before.” He turned to her then and cupped her cheeks in his warm hands. “And the way she called you Belle. It suits you...Belle.”
― Anne Barton, When She Was Wicked

“I’m not certain we have time for the entire story, Olivia. We’ve been out here for a quarter of an hour and you’re still in 1807.”
― Anne Barton, Scandalous Summer Nights

“I suppose truth can be terribly inconvenient.”
― Anne Barton, Once She Was Tempted

“James wondered if he could scale the wall outside of Olivia’s window.

“One more thing, Averill.”

James looked him in the eye.

“Don’t even think about attempting a midnight visit to my sister’s room.”

Damn it. “The thought never crossed my mind.”
― Anne Barton, Scandalous Summer Nights