Sharay Mitchell

“Why? It’s because I love you, damn me to hell. Because I’ve always loved you. Because I loved you when you were with John, and I loved you when I was in India, and God only knows I don’t deserve you, but I love you, anyway.” Francesca sagged against the door. “How’s that for a witty little joke?” he mocked. “I love you. I love you, my cousin’s wife. I love you, the one woman I can never have. I love you, Francesca Bridgerton Stirling, who—” “Stop,” she choked out. “Now? Now that I’ve finally gotten started? Oh, I don’t think so,” he said grandly, waving one of his arms through the air like a showman. He leaned in close—painfully, uncomfortably close. And his smile was terrifying as he asked, “Are you scared yet?”
― Julia Quinn, When He Was Wicked

“And I hope you will not think me foolish when I also extend my thanks.

Thank you, Michael, for letting my son love her first.
—from Janet Stirling, dowager Countess of Kilmartin, to Michael Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin”
― Julia Quinn, When He Was Wicked

“He could live without her love, but not without her happiness.”
― Julia Quinn, When He Was Wicked

“He walked to the window, leaning heavily on the sill. “If this is to end, you will have to do it. You will have to walk away, Francesca. Because now . . . after everything . . . I’m just not strong enough to say goodbye.”
― Julia Quinn, When He Was Wicked