Merritt Sterling Quotes

“He tried to say her name, but it came out as "Merry." A word of joy, shaped in longing.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Keir had never suspected it was possible for a woman to wear so much clothing. After they'd gone to Merritt's bedroom, he'd unfastened the back of her velvet dress and she'd stepped out of it to reveal a profusion of... Christ, he didn't know the names for them... frilly lace-trimmed undergarments that fastened with tiny hooks, ribbons, and buttons. They reminded him of the illustrations pasted on the walls of the Islay baker's shop, of wedding cakes decorated with sugar lace and marzipan pearls, and flowers made of icing. He adored the sight of her in all those pretty feminine things.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Before Keir MacRae arrived, everything was normal. Now there's been stabbings, explosions, and debauchery, and my sensible older sister is engaged to a Scottish whisky distiller. What's happened to you? You're supposed to be level-headed!"
Merritt tried to sound dignified. "Just because one is usually level-headed doesn't mean one is always level-headed."
"You won't be comprised if no one knows about it," Luke said. "And God knows none of us are going to say anything."
The duke intervened, his voice so dry one could have struck a match off it. "My boy, you're missing the point. Your sister wants to be compromised."
Ethan Ransom, who had been inching toward the stairs, ventured, "I don't need to be part of this conversation. I'm going up to see my wife.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Despite my deep and abiding affection for your parents, I'd rather not be overrun by Marsdens for the time being."
"Neither would I," Merritt assured him. "Papa would ask a great many questions I have no wish to answer, and Mama... well, as you know, she's as subtle as a marauding Viking."
The duke laughed softly. "In the interest of self-preservation, I'll withhold comment.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“It was hard to keep scowling when he saw how pretty she was in a bright blue dress with white frills trimming the bodice and sleeves. And the way she smiled... he could literally feel the warmth of it, as if he were stepping from a shadow into sunlight. As she came to the bedside, her light fragrance brushed over his senses as softly as a veil made of tiny flower petals. Her skin looked so smooth, with a bit of a gleam, like textureless gauze. He wondered if it was like that all over, and felt an unruly stirring in his groin.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Talking with Merritt was like slipping into one of those silk-lined borrowed coats from the Challons. Comfortable, luxurious. She was whip-smart, understanding the details, the unsaid words. She had a way of wrapping people in empathy that extended to everyone from the duke down to the young assistant groundskeeper. It was the kind of charm that made people feel wittier, more attractive, more interesting, in her reflected glow. Keir was doing his level best to resist her lure.
But he was so drawn to her, so damn besotted.
He adored her fancy words... "prevarication"... "resplendent"... her easy smiles... her perfumed wrists and throat. She was like a beautiful gift that begged to be unwrapped. Just being near her made the blood sing in his veins.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“As a parent, Lillian had always been lively and playful, prone to leaving clutter in her wake, sometimes talking too loudly in her enthusiasm, and always demonstrative in her affection. A let's-try-it-and-see-what-happens sort of mother. If Merritt had been forced to offer a criticism, it would have been that as a child, she'd sometimes been disappointed about all the rules her mother hadn't known and couldn't have cared less about.
When Merritt had asked her the proper dinnertime etiquette for when one discovered something like a bit of bone or a cherry stone in a mouthful of food, Mama had said cheerfully, "Hanged if I know. I just sneak it back to the edge of the plate."
"Should I use a fork or fingers?"
"There's not really a right way to do it, darling, just be discreet."
"Mama, there's always a right way.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“In retrospect, however, her mother's irreverence might have been one of her greatest gifts as a parent. Such as the day when Merritt had run crying to her because a group of boys hadn't wanted her to play rounders with them.
Lillian had hugged and comforted her, and said, "I'll go tell them to give you a turn."
"No, Mama," Merritt had sobbed. "They don't want me to play because I'm not good at it. I mostly can't hit the ball, and when I do, it doesn't go anywhere. They said I have baby arms." The indignity of that had been intolerable.
But Mama, who'd always understood the fragility of a child's pride, had curved her fingers around Merritt's upper arm and said, "Make a muscle for me." After feeling Merritt's biceps, her mother had lowered to her haunches until their faces were level. "You have very strong arms, Merritt," she'd said decisively. "You're as strong as any of those boys. You and I are going to practice until you're able to hit that blasted ball over all their heads."
For many an afternoon after that, Mama had helped her to learn the right stance, and how to transfer her weight to the front foot during the swing, and how to follow through. They had developed her eye-hand coordination and had practiced until the batting skills felt natural. And the next time Merritt played rounders, she'd scored more points than anyone else in the game.
Of the thousands of embraces Mama had given her throughout childhood, few stood out in Merritt's mind as much as the feel of her arms guiding her in a batting stance. I want you to attack the ball, Merritt. Be fierce."
Not everyone would understand, but "Be fierce" was one of the best things her mother had ever told her.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“With every single horse I own, I often lay the reins on his neck and let him move forward to find his own natural balance and gait. I've seen far too many overbearing riders constantly manage and adjust the horse to force its obedience. Every little toss of the head or momentary hesitation is corrected. A variety of torturous bits, spurs, and straps are employed to make it submit. Some horses endure such treatment, but far more are ruined by it. Always let a horse be a horse." He paused. "Do you take my meaning?"
"Aye, milord."
"Was an analogy really necessary, Westcliff?" Kingston asked. "You could have simply said, 'Please be kind to my headstrong daughter and don't break her spirit.'"
"Force of habit," the earl said. "None of my sons pay attention unless it's horses.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Before they even reached the front door, it opened and a small, silver-gray terrier came bounding out. He stopped a few yards away from Merritt and growled.
"Hello, Wallace," she said with a faint smile, and stood still as he came to her. The terrier circled around her, sniffing at her skirts. In a moment he gazed up at her with bright eyes and a wagging tail, and let her pet him. "What a handsome boy you are," she exclaimed, smoothing his fur.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Whatever happens, I'm here with you. Don't forget that."
Dazedly Merritt realized her younger brother, once a baby she'd help to dress and bathe, and later a toddler she'd taught how to eat pudding with a spoon, had become a man she could rely on.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Luke paused before asking hopefully, "Did you say something about sandwiches?"
Merritt smiled. "I'll bring a tray to the front parlor."
She went to the kitchen, fetched various items from the larder and pantry, and set the teakettle to boil. Although most ladies of her position rarely, if ever, set foot in the kitchen, Merritt had fallen into the habit of making small meals for herself on Cook's days off. It was faster and more convenient than waiting for things to be brought to her, and there was something soothing about puttering in her own kitchen. She made sandwiches with brown bread, ham, and mustard, and added hard-boiled eggs and pickles on the side.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“As soon as he was inside, Merritt went to Phoebe's father, and his arms closed around her in a brief, comforting embrace. She and her siblings had always known Kingston as the kind, handsome man with an abundant supply of funny stories and always made time to play jackstraws or checkers with bored children. As Merritt had grown older, however, it had been impossible to avoid the gossip about his notorious past. She found it difficult to reconcile that version of him- the skirt-chasing scoundrel- with the devoted family man whose entire world centered around his wife. Whatever Kingston's past, he was like a second father, and she would have trusted him with her life.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Having known the duke her entire life, Merritt had never thought about his looks. She was aware he was handsome, of course, but she'd never paid particular attention to his individual features or spent any time at all dwelling on them. To her he had always simply been Uncle Sebastian.
But in this moment, as she stared up at him, she was struck by the distinctive pale blue of his eyes, like a winter sky, like moonlight... like Keir's.
Shaken, she stared up at this complex, powerful man, who was so familiar... and yet so full of mystery.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Tell me, Merritt, if someone you knew were carrying on like this over a stranger- one of our sisters, God forbid- what would you say to her?"
At the moment, Merritt didn't feel like justifying her actions to anyone, least of all a younger sibling. But during the past year, she and Luke had formed a working partnership and friendship that made their bond unique. She would tolerate more from him than from nearly anyone else in her life. "I would probably caution her that she was acting impulsively," she admitted, "and advise her to rely on the counsel of those who love her."
"All right, then. I'm counseling you to stay in London and let Ransom and Uncle Sebastian decide what to do with MacRae. Whatever it is you feel for him, it's not real. It happened too fast."
In her weariness and strain, Merritt's temper had a lower flashpoint than usual. She could feel it beginning to ignite, but she grimly tamped it back down and managed a calm reply. "You may be right," she said. "But someday, Luke... you'll meet someone. And from one breath to the next, everything will change. You won't care whether it makes sense. All you'll know is that a stranger owns your every heartbeat."
Luke's mouth twisted. "God, I hope not.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“After another forty-five minutes, the train reached the station at Heron's Point, a seaside town located in the sunniest region in England. Even now in autumn, the weather was mild and clear, the air humid with healthful sea breezes. Heron's Point was sheltered by a high cliff that jutted far out into the sea and helped to create the town's own small climate. It was an ideal refuge for convalescents and the elderly, with a local medical community and an assortment of clinics and therapeutic baths. It was also a fashionable resort, featuring shops, drives and promenades, a theatre, and recreations such as golf and boating.
The Marsdens had often come here to stay with the duke's family, the Challons, especially in summer. The children had splashed and swum in the private sandy cove, and sailed near the shore in little skiffs. On hot days they had gone to shop in town for ices and sweets. In the evenings, they had relaxed and played on the Challons' back veranda, while music from the town band floated up from the concert pavilion. Merritt was glad to bring Keir to a familiar place where so many happy memories had been created. The seaside house, airy and calm and gracious, would be a perfect place for him to convalesce.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“She... her... He couldn't hold on to her name... it kept darting away from him... but he was aware of her soft presence, her voice like honey, her hands bestowing cool, sweet calm on his tortured body.
But for all her softness, there was steel in her. She was unrelenting when it came time to dose him with medicines he didn't want. She made him sip water or broth despite his struggles to keep anything down. There was no bloody refusing her. This was a woman who would keep him anchored safely to the earth, to life, with the force of her will.
During the worst of it, when Keir was maddened by suffocating heat, and every breath felt like someone was stabbing a peat knife into his chest, the woman packed ice around him, or bathed him all over with cool cloths. It mortified and infuriated him to lie there helpless and naked as a wee bairnie while she took care of his intimate needs, but he was too damned sick to do anything for himself. He needed her, both the softness and the steel.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“He came to my office in wet clothes, all muscles and smolder. I hardly knew where to look."
"I think you knew exactly where to look," Phoebe said, her light gray eyes sparkling with amusement. "Is he handsome?”
“A stunner. Tall and big-chested, with blue eyes and hair the color of summer wheat. And his accent . . .”
“Irresistible?”
“Oh, yes. There’s something about a Scottish burr that makes it seem as if a man is either about to recite poetry or toss you over his shoulder and carry you away.”
“Maybe both at the same time,” Phoebe said dreamily, sipping her tea.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“He's not fond of town, to put it mildly. He's not impressed by luxury or appearances. He loves his simple life on the island, and doing things out in nature."
"And you dislike nature," Phoebe said sympathetically.
"'Dislike' is too strong a word. Nature and I have an understanding- we try not to interfere with each other. It's a peaceful coexistence."
Phoebe looked skeptical. "Dear, no matter how attractive this man is, I can't envision you existing happily on a remote Scottish island."
"It's possible," Merritt argued. "I'm a woman of many facets."
"You don't have a single facet that wants to live in a hut."
"I didn't say he lived in a hut!"
"Five pounds says it has a stone floor and no indoor plumbing."
"I never take bets," Merritt said loftily.
"Which means you think I'm right.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“After you told me about the shirt cuff, I told you about the time I spilled ink on a map in my father's study."
He shook his head, baffled.
"It was a rare two-hundred-year-old map of the British Isles," Merritt explained. "I'd gone into my father's study to play with a set of inkwell bottles, which I'd been told not to do. But they were such tempting little etched glass bottles, and one of them was filled with the most resplendent shade of emerald green you've ever seen. I dipped a pen in it, and accidentally dribbled some onto the map, which had been spread out on his desk. It made a horrid splotch right in the middle of the Oceanus Germanicus. I was standing there, weeping with shame, when Papa walked in and saw what had happened."
"What did he do?" Keir asked, now looking interested.
"He was quiet at first. Waging a desperate battle with his temper, I'm sure. But then his shoulders relaxed, and he said in a thoughtful tone, 'Merritt, I suspect if you drew some legs on that blotch, it would make an excellent sea monster.' So I added little tentacles and fangs, and I drew a three-masted ship nearby." She paused at the flash of Keir's grin, the one that never failed to make her a bit light-headed. "He had it framed and hung it on the wall over his desk. To this day, he claims it's his favorite work of art."
Amusement tugged at one corner of his mouth. "A good father," he commented.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“I dinna want your money."
Lady Merritt blinked in surprise. "I didn't mean I was going to hand you a sack of cash. I'm a businesswoman, not a fairy godmother."
The sudden edge to her tone, subtle though it was, was keen enough to lacerate.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Her mouth cinched into a round, plush shape, the sight throwing his brain into chaos... soft, tender, rose blossoms, cherries, sweet currant wine... he couldn't help wondering how they would feel on his skin, stroking downward, parting as her sweet tongue flicked out to taste him-”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Before she returned to London, she would go to Hampshire. She needed to see her family, especially her mother, who would surround her with inexhaustible warmth and vitality. Mama would hug her tightly, and demand to hear every detail, and send for a tray of sweets from the kitchen, and ask the butler to bring wine, and they would talk for hours.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Before she made any decisions, perhaps she should travel abroad. Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece, China, Egypt... She could visit the seven wonders of the world and keep a journal. What were the seven wonders? She tried to recall a poem a governess once taught her to help remember them. How did it go?... The pyramids first, which in Egypt were laid... Next Babylon's garden, which Amytis made... Now that she thought of it, who had made the list in the first place? In a world full of wonders, seven seemed an awfully stingy number.
Gloom started to creep back over her again.
I’ll compile my own list of wonders, she decided, far more than seven. She would become an adventuress. She might even try mountain climbing. Not a large, life-threatening mountain, but a friendly mountain, with a nearby resort that served afternoon tea. Being an adventuress didn’t mean one had to suffer, after all.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Mr. Keir MacRae Lady Merritt Sterling


The names had been typed... but why?... what for?...
Bits and pieces of memory whirled in his head... thoughts wheeling just beyond reach. As he struggled blindly to catch hold of something, make sense of the tumult, he heard Merritt's voice... stay for one night just one... and there was the smell of rain and the cool darkness of night, and the warmth of a bed... the tender plump curves of a woman's breasts, and the hot clasp of her body pulling at him, squeezing in voluptuous pulsation, and the sweet, wracking culmination as she cried out his name. And there was the sight of her in candlelight, flames dancing in guttering pools of wax, catching glimmers from her eyes, hair, skin... and the glorious freedom of yielding everything, telling her everything, while inexhaustible delight welled around them. And the despair of leaving, the physical pain of putting distance between them, the sensation of being pulled below the surface of the sea, looking up from airless depths to an unreachable sky. Lady Merritt's fingertips pressing a typewriter key. Tap. Tap. Tiny metal rods flicked at a spool of inked ribbon, and letters emerged.
Keir was panting now, clutching the slip of paper, while his brain sorted and spun, and pin tumblers aligned, a key turned, and something unlocked.
"Merry," he said aloud, his voice unsteady. "My God... Merry.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“No one's ever had this effect on me before. I feel ten times more alive." She laughed self-consciously. "Does that sound silly?"
"Not at all. I understand. Your mother had the same effect on me."
"Did she?"
The earl let out a gravelly chuckle as he thought back to those days. "She was a fearless, free-spirited beauty with all the self-restraint of an unbroken horse. I knew she wasn't to the only life I could offer her. But I was mesmerized by her. I loved her enthusiasm and warmth, and everything that made her different from me. I thought if we were both willing to take a chance on each other, we might have a good marriage. It's turned out to be an extraordinary one."
"No regrets, then?" Merritt dared to ask. "Even in the privacy of your own thoughts?"
"Never," he said promptly. "Without Lillian, I would never have known true happiness. I don't hold with the common wisdom that a couple must have the same tastes and backgrounds. Married life would be dull indeed without some friction: one can't light a match without it."
Merritt smiled. "I adore you, Papa. You've made it nearly impossible for me to find a man who doesn't suffer in comparison to you.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“I occasionally try my luck at dry-fly casting on a Hampshire chalk stream." The earl glanced at Merritt and smiled reminiscently. "My daughter has accompanied me a time or two. She has excellent aptitude but little interest."
"I lose patience with the fish," Merritt said. "They take too long to make up their minds. I prefer going shooting with you-- it takes far less effort."
"Are you a good shot?" Keir asked.
"I'm not bad," she said modestly.
"She's the best shot in the family," Lillian said. "It drives her brothers mad.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“The revolver was chambered for .442 rounds, which meant there was only room for five. "These are large caliber bullets for such a short gun," Merritt remarked.
"It's designed to stop someone at close range," Ethan said, absently arching up to rub a spot on his chest. "Being hit by one of those bullets feels like a kick from a mule."
"Why is the hammer bobbed?"
"To keep it from catching on the holster or clothing, if I have to draw it fast."
Keeping the muzzle of the gun pointed away from him, Merritt reassembled the revolver, slid the extractor rod into place, and locked it deftly.
"Well done," Ethan commented, surprised by her assurance. "You're familiar with guns, then."
"Yes, my father taught me. May I shoot it?"
"What are you going to aim for?"
By this time, the others had come out from the parlor to watch.
"Uncle Sebastian," Merritt asked, "are those pottery rabbits on the stone wall valuable?"
Kingston smiled slightly and shook his head. "Have at it."
"Wait," Ethan said calmly. "That's a twenty-yard distance. You'll need a longer-range weapon." With meticulous care, he took the revolver from her and replaced it in his coat. "Try this one." Merritt's brows lifted slightly as he pulled a gun from a cross-draw holster concealed by his coat. This time, Ethan handed the revolver to her without bothering to disassemble it first. "It's loaded, save one chamber," he cautioned. "I put the hammer down to prevent accidental discharge."
"A Colt single-action," Merritt said, pleased, admiring the elegant piece, with its four-and-a-half-inch barrel and custom engraving. "Papa has one similar to this." She eased the hammer back and gently rotated the cylinder.
"It has a powerful recoil," Ethan warned.
"I would expect so." Merritt held the Colt in a practiced grip, the fingers of her support hand fit neatly underneath the trigger guard. "Cover your ears," she said, cocking the hammer and aligning the sights. She squeezed the trigger.
An earsplitting report, a flash of light from the muzzle, and one of the rabbit sculptures on the wall shattered.
In the silence that followed, Merritt heard her father say dryly, "Go on, Merritt. Put the other bunny out of its misery."
She cocked the hammer, aimed and fired again. The second rabbit sculpture exploded.
"Sweet Mother Mary," Ethan said in wonder. "I've never seen a woman shoot like that."
"My father taught all of us how to shoot and handle firearms safely," Merritt said, giving the revolver back to him grip-first.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“I can do more than hit targets," Merritt said. "I can pursue and hunt game while moving behind cover. I'm comfortable with using telescopes and field-glasses, and I'm good at calculating distance even on open terrain.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise

“Staring down at the terrier, Keir asked softly, "What do you think, Wallace? She's one to be keepit, aye?"
The long, silky tail fanned vigorously from side to side.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil in Disguise