The Best-Laid Plans

Though there was wisdom in her advice, there was also tremendous risk. “Bravery does not guarantee a good outcome.” Artemis offered an empathetic smile. “Cowardice almost always guarantees a poor one.

When parents get the notion that their children are meant to serve their egos and the way they are perceived in Society, the children’s best interests go by the wayside. We become tokens of success rather than people they are meant to care about.

It is a shame people aren't permitted to pursue those things that would fulfill and appeal to them, especially when what they long for isn't truly inappropriate, nor is it hurtful to anyone.

War terminology?” Charlie asked. “Being a young lady in Society means being constantly under attack,” Artemis said. “Battle tactics suit the situation horrifyingly well.

Parents are such a painful form of torture at times,” she said. “They are forever placing a person in the untenable position of deciding between being true to oneself and keeping the peace.” “And it is an uncomfortable outcome either way.

Huntresses?” Artemis nodded quite solemnly. “My ancient namesake had a band of huntresses, and they were absolutely everything young ladies ought to be permitted to be: fierce, strong, capable, and entirely in control of their own destinies. We mean to emulate them in every way possible.

If having a friend will keep you out of mischief, invite every friend you have.

This is Rose, fashion expert, lady’s maid extraordinaire, and, apparently, the world’s most capable spy.

I’m not Napoleon; I do not surrender.

Parents often forgoet that their children, once grown, deserved to have the living of their lives.

Family ought to be the people with whom one was the most at ease, the most happy.

There was something joyful about the company of someone who made being more of who he wanted to be an easier thing to accomplish.

Friend. He knew that was how she viewed him, no matter that he’d held her hand for a time. Their “courtship” was a ruse, after all, one he had agreed to. He’d gone along both as an entertainment and a favor. It had all been fun and harmless when they’d first begun. It felt less so now. He didn’t want to abandon their scheme. He wanted it to be real. Heaven help him, he wanted it to be real.