He tasted of whisky and his skin was rough where he hadn’t shaved, but Mirabelle kissed him back.

Some women will do anything for a glass of champagne and a safe bed.

Reticence was clearly a national characteristic, even if the other person spoke French.

I like you in green,’ he said. ‘You look as if you’re a very beautiful imp.’


Can I fetch you something, madam? A cup of tea?’
In the old days she’d have been ‘miss’ and he’d have offered her a cocktail.

He cannot think. He can scarcely breathe. But he has no desire to either, he simply wants to keep kissing her.