Mariana’s Reviews > A Scandalous Adventure > Status Update

“This is a kind of brandy we make here from apples and pears,” Max said. “I thought you might like to try it.” Not long after the second bottle had been broached, it was agreed that Max was a very good fellow, even if he lived in this odd little country. Susannah could have done worse."

Love it! Bribe the family with booze.

"Susannah knew her mother’s “calm” talks. They generally consisted of an explanation of why what you had done or were planning to do was foolish, and why you should do as Mother wished instead."

"Susannah was his wife, and his wife she would remain. Max did not care if her father was a marquess or a merchant. He did not care how sudden their marriage might appear. All that was unimportant. He and Susannah were bound together in ways far beyond laws and customs. They had faced danger together already. She was his warrior countess. They would defy the whole world if they had to."

"Slowly he smiled and it turned to his secretary. “Tell the count he may come see me in my study in half an hour’s time.” ....

The secretary stood immobile, feeling rather as if the earth had shifted on its axis. Then he too smiled and started off to the office where Count Herzlos and his son and daughter were waiting. There was a spring in his step. He looked forward to delivering this message."

"What was the general doing here? The question popped into Max’s head, and he pushed it aside to be considered later."

I love the use of the "splendiferous" adjective.