Sublime

like herself, selfish, and cold, and cruel, eager for her own advancement, and greedy of opulence and elegance; angry with the lot that had been cast her, and weary of dull dependence.

“Are you worried for my virtue here?”

Lust with love is the most lulling and addictive power in the world.

“It would be a great pity for you to realize too late what a treasure you might have had in Edward. As the captain of your family’s ship, he would steer a steady course. There would never be surprises with him. No arguments, no unconventional ideas. You would live in perfect serenity.” Yes, Phoebe thought, that’s exactly the problem.