“That’s just it. She’s in the state of mind that will think the worst of everybody,” Emma said. “And basically, that’s exactly what we’re trying to reverse. It’s a vicious cycle.” “God does the reversing.” It was sudden, I hadn’t thought of it that way before, but after it left my lips it brought me a load of comfort. Emma paused what she was doing and looked at me. “You know, that’s exactly right. Only God can change a heart. I suppose we can help, but it has to be all up to Him.” Family ReunionKelsey Bryany Book:Family Reunion Source: Family Reunion
“Marion stared into his face. “Thank you.” She blinked back sudden tears. “Mr. Bradley, you’re swell. You’ve helped my family so much, and I never appreciated it before.” “Thank you.” Mr. Bradley returned her look, intensely. “I care for all of you. You’re some of the best people I’ve ever known.” Marion smiled and mumbled, “Mr. Sour-face.” “What was that?” “Nothing!” She grinned wider. He smiled back. It was a nice smile.” Jane AustenVintage Jane AustenSuit And Suitability Book:Suit and Suitability Source: Suit and Suitability
“No pressuring them, Aunt Jennie,” Marion admonished with a straight face but laughing eyes. “They don’t like being hurried. They’re likely to baulk like mules and wait until they’re thirty.” “Jeepers, I hope not!” Frances cried, halting her knife and fork’s work at some beef. “I’m tired of waiting and guessing their intentions. I’ve been doing that for seven months. I just want to see them married!” Everett grinned. “So do I.” Vintage Jane AustenSuit And Suitability Book:Suit and Suitability Source: Suit and Suitability
“I don’t know how to ask this,” Everett began. “You and Mr. Bradley…you’re not…” He gestured helplessly with his left hand. “I mean, there’s not, uh, something…is there?” After a bewildered moment Ellen’s eyes widened. “Oh, no! Not—not at all.” Everett’s breath hitched. “I thought—I thought perhaps there was. That’s why I hesitated…but if there isn’t…then I got the right color.” He studied his crimson bouquet, spinning it slowly in a mesmerizing circle. Ellen gulped. Everett looked up, walked forward, and glanced down at his roses, then held them out to her and recaptured her gaze. “I remember you said you liked roses. I think you said white roses, but they don’t have the right meaning.” He smiled sheepishly. Ellen’s eyes dropped. She reached out a shaky hand and clasped the firm, cool, de-thorned stems. “You…do understand me then?” he asked. “Perfectly.” Ellen burst into tears.” Vintage Jane AustenSuit And Suitability Book:Suit and Suitability Source: Suit and Suitability
“What?! Oh, Ellen, so the rumors are true! She’s married to Everett Shepherd! Why, I could wring his scrawny neck! I knew he was trouble. All men are! That cheating, no-good liar, cad, and—” “Please, Frances, I appreciate your taking up for me, but cursing him won’t help me. I’ve had a lot of time to ponder it, and I don’t think he’s worthy of that much censure. You see, he had been engaged to Leona Bingham for years, and it might have gone a little stale. He was attracted to me at first, but he stuck by Leona, as he ought to do. Men get tempted, but what really matters is what they do in the end.” Frances looked up at her, eyes and brows narrowed into a legible V. “Yep, you’re hurt. Girls like you, when they get hurt, they always defend the fella.” Jane AustenVintage Jane AustenSense And SensibilitySuit And SuitabilityElinor DashwoodKelsey Bryant Book:Suit and Suitability Source: Suit and Suitability