Julia Quinn

By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend's sister--the lovely and almost-on-the-shelf--Daphne Bridgerton.  But the two of the know the truth--it's all an elaborate ruse to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers.  And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable....

The Duke and I

Beyza

Sarah

Ellie 

“She hated that men thought that women were fickle, changeable creatures, and she hated even more that she was living up to that image right then.”

“She'd needed to cry; she realized that. There'd been too much trapped inside her - too much feeling, too much confusion, hurt, and anger. She'd had to let it out. But now here was no more time for emotion. She needed to keep a cool head and remain focused on her goal.”

prawnie

Anthony let out a low chuckle. “I’m your brother. I don't notice those things.” He gave her a sly, sideways look. "Did you bring it?" 

“My list? Heavens, no. What can you be thinking?"

He watched as she carefully chose her words. “Nigel isn't capable of malice,”she said slowly. "All he is quilty of is misjudgment." 

“You're a more generous soul than I, then” Simon said quietly.

There was an awkward moment of slence, and then Daphne said, “It has been some time since you have attended a London ball, has it not? Nigel and I must have been quite a welcome.” 

“You were a welcome sight. He was not.”

The Duke and I quotes

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