Jessica Cluess Quotes

Here's an idea," Magnus said as we followed the surging crowds away from the docks. "Since you're to be a sorcerer, Miss Howel, perhaps we should address you as one. We all use our plain surnames with one another. So, may I call you Howel?"
I wanted to be one of them, didn't I? "All right. Shall I call you Magnus?"
"Perfection. What do you say, Blackwood? Is she Howel the sorcerer?"
"Miss Howel is a lady. One must always address ladies with proper respect." Blackwood nodded to me, the image of politeness, but I understood. He would not acknowledge me as his equal. He did not consider me a sorcerer.

I know your mind, and I swear to God if you take it upon yourself to go to him, I will drag you home even if it kills me. Do you hear?" His eyes shone with panic. "I'll never let him have you.

Well, it was either be brilliant or work very hard. Brilliance takes less effort.

With the young men gone, Eliza turned to me. "I've had a delicious thought. Once you're commended, we can design a Howel seal. No one's designed a new sorcerer's seal in ages, so it'll be marvelous! Are you partial to unicorns?"
"Not really," I said with a smile.
"Oh. Well, just a small one, then.

When I had your friendship, I thought I could never want for anything more. But over time, I have come to feel for you beyond anything I thought I could.

Part of me wanted to bury my face against him, to tell him everything. The sane part of me knew that such a thing was impossible. Why did I have to lie to people who were so good to me? What type of person did that make me?

I'm a mix of both races, but I was born a magician. You have to know the truth." My heart pounded as I waited for his reply.

He was silent a moment. Then he said, "We need you. That's what is important. The rest is titles." Gently, he took my hand in his own. It wasn't a romantic gesture; it was deeper than that. We sat side by side, our burdens eased, if not lifted.

I'll never marry. No man could want me in battle, and I wouldn't want anyone who might keep me away from my duty."
"Don't be so hasty to rule out gentlemen's understanding," Magnus said. "There are some who admire a capable girl. One of them might be closer than you think, if you'd take the time to notice what's before you." He leaned closer. For a second, I didn't dare breathe. Since our moment in the library, Magnus had returned to his old, harmless flirtation. I'd half hoped it would stay that way. He sighed gently and said, "Can't you see the way Palehook looks at you?"
He laughed. I was so relieved that I joined him.

I didn't know how lonely I was," he said as we bowed, "until I had you on my side.

We might cause a scandal, a young lady and a gentleman going to the kitchen without an escort. We should shock them by baking something together.

Every day, the prince returned with honeyed words. He brought gifts, hired musicians. Every day, the fairie was gracious and kind, but composed. Still, he wore down her defenses with his charm. And the prince was sincere in his courtship - he somehow forgot how rakish his intentions were. He was a man who lived for the present moment.

Ajax gaped. "What the f-"
"Fibula? Another excellent word! Tra la!

Even if a ship got past the Water Spider, the English were persona non grata on the continent. Europe did not want to invoke R'hlem's wrath by aiding refugees.
"Do ships never come in?" I asked.
Magnus easily followed my train of thought. "Well, naturally there's been some contact. How else would Cellini have arrived? Italy's the only nation that will offer assistance. Other than that, dear Miss Howel, we are on our own. Here. Cling to me for comfort." When I didn't fall into his arms, he continued.

It sometimes feels as though young women are trained from birth never to contribute anything original to a conversation.

Flibberty bop, to the top, allons-y, charge.

Are you ready?" he whispered.
"Yes." I made my voice as stiff as I could.
"For God's sake, I'm sorry. Can't you forgive me?"
"No," I said.
If I counted to ten, I could avoid getting angry. He gripped me tighter about the waist and pressed me as close as he might dare while we danced. We applauded the musicians when the waltz ended.
"I don't imagine that you want any refreshment," Magnus muttered.
"No."
"I must say, it's staggeringly mature of you to answer me with one word at all times. 'Do you agree, Miss Howel, with Plato's concept of knowledge as recollection?' Yes. 'And how would you go about describing it?' No. 'What is your favorite color?' Maybe.

I mean, if he turned someone into a talking horse I'd laugh. Then I'd ride it around a bit. Then dress it in several hats. Then I'd get him to turn it back to a person.

Knowledge is as powerful as fire. The brighter it burns, the more it devours.

He was silent a moment. Then he said, "We need you. That's what's important. The rest is titles." Gently, he took my hand in his own. It wasn't a romantic gesture; it was deeper than that. We

Don't remind me of that," Blackwood snapped. "I'm not in love with her, but I can see her value."
"Always about value with you, isn't it? Why don't you grow a personality? You're like a shambling ghost, curdling everyone's blood whenever you walk into a room."
"At least I don't spend my time seducing innocent young women."
"Someone's been reading novels again. What's the title of this one? The Poxy Lordling and the Aggressive Milkmaid?" Magnus sighed. "I tried to leave her alone, but I can't help myself. She teases me in just the right way - "
Blackwood made a disgusted noise. "I don't care. Unless you want an enemy, Magnus, leave her alone.

You're a cuckoo in the nest. If they learn the truth, they'll push you out and break your neck.

Corsets were not designed for battling monsters.

If you're so certain," I said, my voice rocky and low, "that the poor are born inferior, then all the shame in the world on you for not protecting them. If people are born generation after generation into poverty and deprivation, it is your duty to look after them, not sacrifice their lives to save your own!

Ever since Cellini's attack, Blackwood and the others had taken extra care of me. Lambe and Wolff showed me new strategies for chess. Dee tried especially hard not to step on my feet during dance practice.

I don't need to be the first man who loved you. Only let me be the last

I find a dash of insolence to be quite enjoyable from time to time.

You don't have to teach me how to do what you do. Just teach me - "
"How I do what I do, but not how to do what I do? What if what I do has to do with my knowledge of what to do, and doing requires only the knowledge of doing? What would you do then?"
I blinked. "I believe you hurt my brain.