Paula Brackston Quotes

My mind is like the willow; it flexes and springs. My heart is a knot of oak. Let them try to wound me.

Reputation is for those who can afford it.

And as for company … I do not crave the companionship of other women, for I have never found one who did not judge me against herself and find me either to be envied or pitied. As for the friendship of men … well, when the day comes when one is man enough to treat me as his equal, then, only then, will I allow desire to be my guide.

Poverty has a way of taking the edge off principles. Hunger can blunt them altogether

Faith requires no proof. No evidence. No explanation. Faith is entirely a matter of trust and belief. We cannot know, we can only believe.

We are each mistresses of our own happiness. We ought not to look to others to supply it.

To learn, you must be humble. You must be prepared to admit your ignorance. You must allow yourselves to be filled with the vital information presented to you via the skills and dedication of those who have gone before you down the long path to enlightenment.

Many in Batchcombe have suffered greatly, William. They look for someone to blame. It was my mother who made me see that.” She hesitated, then added, “People fear what they cannot explain.

Nevertheless, disease and misfortune knew no social bounds. Nor did the immensely dangerous business of childbirth

There is none so quick to dismiss what they don’t understand as those who are afraid of it. And maybe with reason.

Better foolish and honest than clever and false.

For, what is home? Surely more than a set of rooms, a roof, an address? Home suggests belonging. Suggests warmth, safety, companionship. Love.

After all, are we not measured by the way in which we treat the most vulnerable members of our society?

If you are not able to travel, he told me, the next best thing is to read. Read all you can, girl. And store up that knowledge, for you never know when you will need it.

For whatever time we might have, my love. For whatever time we might have.