71 Quotes & Sayings By Georgette Heyer

If it comes to that, " retorted Frederica, with spirit, " I am continually shocked by the things you don't scruple to say to me, cousin! You are quite abominable! " He sighed. "Alas, I know it! The reflection gives me sleepless nights. Georgette Heyer

Those fine eyes of hers had a disconcertingly direct gaze, and very often twinkled in a manner disturbing to male egotism. She had common-sense too, and what man wanted the plainly matter-of-fact, when he could enjoy instead Sophia's delicious folly? Georgette Heyer

Queer creatures, females, " mused Mr. Standen, shaking his head. "Fellow's only got to be a rake to have 'em all dangling after him. Silly, really, because it stands to reason---- Well never mind that! Georgette Heyer

How could you receive a member of the Male Sex in your bedroom, and in your dressing gown? Sir, I must request you to leave immediately! "" You don't mean to tell me that's a dressing gown?" interrupted Mr Carlton, a dangerous gleam in his eyes." Well, it's by far the most elegant one I've ever been priviledged to see, and I suppose I must have seen scores of 'em in my time-paid for them too! Georgette Heyer

I don't ask you - fribble! ' snapped his lordship, rounding on him, with the speed of a whiplash. 'You may keep your tongue between your teeth! '" Yes, sir - happy to! ' uttered Claud, dismayed. 'No wish to offend you! Thought you might like to be set right! '' Thought I might like to be set right?'' No, no! Spoke without thinking! ' said Claud hastily. ' I know you don't! Georgette Heyer

I must own, too, that I can't be astonished at his being vexed to death over this business. It is excessively awkward! However, he doesn't lay the blame for that at my door: you mustn't think that! "" I should think not indeed! " exclaimed Anthea between amusement and indignation. "How could he possibly do so?"" No, very true, my love! " agreed Mrs Darracott. "I thought that myself, but it did put me on the fidgets when Richmond said he wanted to see me, because in general, you know, things I never even heard about turn out to be my fault. . Georgette Heyer

A jaw like a mastiff's, a frame like a giant's, eyes like two daggers, a smile like a tiger's snarl, " Bernard murmured." Aye, he is all that! ! " Master Herbert said." A murrain be on him! And when I came to him, what did I do? I did bow in all politeness, yet stiffly withal to show him I'd not brook his surliness."" I did hear ye did bow so low that your head came below your knees, " Bernard said. Georgette Heyer

He then, with great presence of mind, put a stop to any further recriminations by kissing her; and his indignant betrothed, apparently feeling that he was too deeply sunk in depravity to be reclaimable, abandoned (for the time being, at all events) any further attempt to bring him to a sense of his iniquity. Georgette Heyer

One minute he stood transfixed, the next he uttered a crushing oath, and took a hasty stride forward. Mr Ringwood, recovering from his own stupefaction, closed with him, just as George, flushing vividly, sprang to his Georgette Heyer

Sir William was also startled, but when Vicky smiled at him, rather in the manner of an engaging street-urchin, his countenance relaxed slightly, and he asked her what she was doing with herself now that she had come home to live." Well it all depends, " she replied seriously. Sir William had no daughters, but only his memories of his sisters to guide him, so he said that he had no doubt she was a great help to her mother, arranging flowers, and that kind of thing." Oh no, only if it's that sort of a day! " said Vicky.Sir William was still turning this remark over in his mind when the butler came in to announce that dinner was served. Georgette Heyer

But it is infamous that they have not told you! ’ declared Eustacie. ‘Je n’en reviendrai jamais! ’‘ If it’s all the same to you, miss, I’d just as soon you’d talk in a Christian language, ’ said Mr. Stubbs. Georgette Heyer

The more enchanted the idyll, greater must be the pain of its ending. Georgette Heyer

The Viscount stepped into the room. "Came to see if you was dead, " he said. "Laid Pom odds you weren't." Lethbridge passed his hand across his eyes. "I'm not, " he replied in a faint voice." No. I'm sorry, " said the Viscount simply. He wandered over to the table and sat down. "Horry said she killed you, Pom said So she might, I said No. Nonsense."Lethbridge still holding a hand to his aching head tried to pull himself together. "Did you?" he said. His eyes ran over his self invited guest. "I see. Let me assure you once more that I am very much alive."" Well I wish you'd put your wig on, " complained the Viscount. "What I want to know is why did Horry hit you on the head with a poker?" Lethbridge gingerly felt his bruised scalp. "With a poker was it? Pray ask her, though I doubt if she will tell you."" You shouldn't keep the front door open, " said the Viscount. "What's to stop people coming in and hitting you over the head? It's preposterous."" I wish you'd go home, " said Lethbridge wearily. The Viscount surveyed the supper-table with a knowing eye." Card-party?" he inquired. . Georgette Heyer

You must not imagine that Papa or I have the least notion of compelling you to marry anyone whom you hold in aversion, for I am sure that such a thing would be quite shocking! And Charles would not do so either, would you, dear Charles?”(Elizabeth Ombersley)“No, certainly not. But neither would I consent to her marriage with any such frippery fellow as Augustus Fawnhope! ”“Augustus, ” announced Cecilia, putting up her chin, “will be remembered long after you have sunk into oblivion! ”“ By his creditors? I don’t doubt it. Georgette Heyer

Has no one ever told you that it is the height of impropriety to kiss any gentleman, unless you have the intention of accompanying him immediately to the altar? Georgette Heyer

Well, it is very odd of you to threaten to throw your friends out of the window, I must say, " remarked Juliana.He smiled. "Not at all. It is only my friends that I would throw out of the window."" Dear me! " said Juliana, finding the male sex incomprehensible.- Chapter XIII Georgette Heyer

...Gentlemen don't understand anything, however wise they may be. Georgette Heyer

Perhaps, ” murmured his lordship, “I yielded to a compassionate impulse.”“ A what?” gasped his best friend. “Oh, did you think I never did so?” said his lordship, the satirical glint in his eyes extremely pronounced. “You wrong me! I do, sometimes–not frequently, of course, but every now and then! Georgette Heyer

Nothing doing. I've no doubt you think I should look noble as a sacrifice. But I've never wanted to look noble, and I won't be made to. -- Neville Fletcher Georgette Heyer

Don't worry. Chivalry has practically no appeal for me whatsoever. -- Neville Fletcher Georgette Heyer

Pray, what's the nature of his trouble?" Prudence asked solicitously." Oh, cursed bad news, my boy. That old aunt of his from whom he has expectations has rallied, and they say she'll last another ten years. Poor old Devereux, y'know! Must try and raise his spirits. Georgette Heyer

But where is my son? Where is the beautiful Miss Merriot? Georgette Heyer

He would not object, he said, to accepting a post as a librarian. But as Cecilia was unable to imagine that her father or her brother would feel any marked degree of satisfaction in giving her in marriage to a librarian, this very handsome concession on Mr Fawnhope's part merely added to her despondency. Georgette Heyer

His attention caught, her companion raised his eyes from the book which lay open beside him on the table and directed them upon her in a look of aloof enquiry. 'What's that? Did you say something to me, Venetia?''Yes, love, ' responded his sister cheerfully, 'but it wasn't of the least consequence, and in any event I answered for you. You would be astonished, I daresay, if you knew what interesting conversations I enjoy with myself. Georgette Heyer

So off had gone John to the wars again. But he had not remained for long in the position of a humble volunteer. Colonel Clifton, commanding the 1st Regiment of Dragoons, no sooner heard that Crazy Jack was back then he enrolled him as an extra aide-de-camp. Georgette Heyer

You know what I think? Fate! That's what it is fate! There's a thing that comes after a fellow:got a name, but I forgot what it is. Creeps up behind him, and puts him in the basket when he ain't expecting it. Georgette Heyer

My God, Justin, do you hate him so?"" Bah! " said his Grace..."does one hate an adder? Because it is venomous and loathsome one crushes it underfoot, as I shall crush this Comte. Georgette Heyer

If you imagine that I have the smallest desire to receive your hand as a reward for having performed a difficult task to your satisfaction you're beside the bridge, my child! I've no fancy for a reluctant wife. I want your love, not your gratitude. Georgette Heyer

Only trust me! You have fallen into a fit of despondency and there is not the least need! In fact, nothing could be more fatal, in any predicament! It encourages one to suppose that there is nothing to be done, when a little resolution is all that is wanted to bring matters to a happy conclusion. Georgette Heyer

You may have married her, but she is mine. Do you think I shall let you take her? She may be ten times your wife, but, by God, you shall never have her. Georgette Heyer

I have seen what comes of being patient, " Amanda said with a boding look. "And I have no opinion of it."" What does come of it?" Inquired Sir Gareth."Nothing! Georgette Heyer

It has always seemed to me that if one falls in love with any gentleman one becomes instantly blind to his faults. But I am not blind to your faults, and I do not think that everything you do or say is right! Only–Is it being–not very comfortable–and cross–and not quite happy, when you aren’t there?” “That, my darling, ” said his lordship, taking her ruthlessly into his arms, “is exactly what it s! ” “Oh–! ” Frederica gasped, as she emerged from an embrace which threatened to suffocate her. “Now I know! I am in love! . Georgette Heyer

Well, you have the right to make a sacrifice of yourself, but I'll be damned if I'll let you sacrifice me! Georgette Heyer

Believe me, it is quite unnecessary! I neither know nor care what it cost to redeem Lufra–and if you badger me on this very boring matter I shall not invite you to go with me when I try out my new team! ” There was a moment’s tense silence; then Jessamy raised his eyes, no longer glowing, but uncomfortably austere. “Very well, sir, ” he said quietly. “Will you tell me, if you please, what I owe you?”“ No, young Stiff-rump! I will not! . Georgette Heyer

Them Frenchies! ’ ‘Unchristian, that’s what I call ’em, ’ responded Mr. Stubbs severely. ‘I fair compassionate that wench. Georgette Heyer

He was not at the moment in very good odour at Bow Street. Such epithets as Blockhead and Blunderer had been used in connection with his last case. 'Jeremiah Stubbs, miss, ’ said the Runner. ‘I am here in the execution of my dooty. Georgette Heyer

I wish you did return my regard, " he said. "More than I have ever wished anything in my life! Perhaps you may yet learn to do so: I should warn you that I don't easily despair! Georgette Heyer

Entertaining females with accounts of jug-bitten maunderings is one of my favourite pastimes. Georgette Heyer

It was growing late, and though one might stand on the brink of a deep chasm of disaster, one was still obliged to dress for dinner. Georgette Heyer

You would more probably have gone to the guillotine, ' replied Sir Tristram, depressingly matter of Georgette Heyer

You will allow that one's curiosity must be aroused when one learns that a lady is prepared to elope to escape from advances one had not the least intention of making! Georgette Heyer

O God, I love you to the edge of madness, Venetia, but I'm not mad yet--not so mad that I don't know how disastrous it might be to you--to us both! You don't realize what an advantage I should be taking of your innocence! Georgette Heyer

Do you recall Fred Merriville?”She stared at him. “Fred Merriville? Pray, what has he to say to anything?”“ The poor fellow has nothing to say: he’s dead, alas! Georgette Heyer

Eccentricity may be diverting, Mama, but it is out of place in a wife: certainly in my wife! Georgette Heyer

Frederica tells the park-keepers that Lufra is a purebred "Barcelona collie". Alverstoke catches on and says "No, Frederica! I TOLD you--it is a HOUND, from Baluchistan! " She: "Oh, you might have mentioned it was from ASIA! Very remote; the dog had to be smuggled out because the natives were hostile. Georgette Heyer

You have a genius for bringing trouble upon yourself Georgette Heyer

The charm of your society, my Sparrow, lies in not knowing what you will say next — though one rapidly learns to expect the worst! Georgette Heyer

Do you know, I think that of all your idiosyncrasies that choke you give, when you are determined not to laugh, is the one that most enchants me. Georgette Heyer

The Reverend William Trent, whose mind was of a serious order, had several times warned his elder sister that too lively a sense of humour frequently led to laxity of principle. She now perceived how right he was; and wondered, in dismay, whether it was because he invariably made her laugh that instead of regarding the Nonesuch with revulsion she was obliged to struggle against the impulse to cast every scruple to the winds, and to give her life into his keeping. Georgette Heyer

You don’t understand! ” she exclaimed bitterly.“ That, ” said his lordship, with a touch of acidity, “is a foolish accusation which lacks even the saving grace of originality! Every generation, my child, has said, or thought, that the preceding one was devoid of understanding or experience. Georgette Heyer

Well, sir, do you mean to remain there, commending my father’s taste in wine, or do you mean to accompany me to Ashtead?”“Set off for Ashtead at this hour, when I have been traveling for two days?” said Sir Horace. “Now, do, my boy, have a little common sense! Why should I?”“I imagine that your parental feeling, sir, must provide you with the answer! If it does not, so be it! I am leaving immediately! ”“ What do you mean to do when you reach Lacy Manor?” asked Sir Horace, regarding him in some amusement.“ Wring Sophy’s neck! ” said Mr. Rivenhall savagely.“ Well, you don’t need my help for that, my dear boy! ” said Sir Horace, settling himself more comfortably in his chair. Georgette Heyer

As soon as one promises not to do something, it becomes the one thing above all others that one most wishes to do. Georgette Heyer

Don't you dare call me arrogant! If ever I had any at all-which I deny! - how much could I possibly have left after having been ridden over rough-shod by you and Thomas, do you imagine? Georgette Heyer

And that reminds me, Mama! I have just intercepted another of that puppy’s floral offerings to my sister. This billet was attached to it.” (Charles) Georgette Heyer

But if Frederica was aware of my sentiments, and begged Cousin Alverstoke to intervene–! ” She shuddered, and clasped her hands tensely together. “You see, he could, Harry! He could arrange for Endymion to be sent abroad, for instance, and then I think I should die. Oh, my dear brother, there’s no one to help us but you, and I count on your support! Georgette Heyer

M'sieur, I am as a slave to my wife." He kissed the tips of his fingers. "I am as the dirt beneath her feet." He clasped his hands. "I must bestow on her all that she desires, or die! "" Pray make use of my sword, " invited his Grace. "It is in the corner behind you. Georgette Heyer

That's what you think of me, is it, girl?" said his lordship, a glint in his Georgette Heyer

When fate's got it in for you there's no limit to what you may have to put up with. Georgette Heyer

That drew a laugh from Jessamy, but he said, after a moment: “You had better flay me. It was my fault–all my fault! ”“ I was wondering how long it would be before you contrived to convince yourself that you were to blame, ” said Alverstoke caustically. “I haven’t the slightest wish to know how you arrived at such an addlebrained conclusion, so don’t put yourself to the trouble of telling me! . Georgette Heyer

I'm really not quite as frippery a fellow as you seem to think! I own that in my grasstime I committed a great many follies and extravagances, but, believe me, I've long since out-grown them! I don't think they were any worse than what nine out of ten youngsters commit, but unfortunately I achieved, through certain circumstances, a notoriety which most young men escape. I was born with a natural aptitude for the sporting pursuits you regard with so much distrust, and I inherited, at far too early an age, a fortune which not only enabled me to indulge my tastes in the most expensive manner imaginable, but which made me an object of such interest that everything I did was noted, and talked of. That's heady stuff for greenhorns, you know! There was a time when I gave the gossips plenty to talk about. But do give me credit for having seen the error of my ways!. Georgette Heyer