How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
There just across from the Marquess and me sat Camilla. Her pretty face was pinched in fear. Her hands worked in her pink lap. I could just about read her mind. She was wondering if she should make a run for it before she was thrown out by a couple of big footmen. (10.53)
Camilla should be dancing her pants (well, dress) off at Princess Louise's shindig, but instead she's afraid that she'll be kicked out along with her family. Camilla's fears here aren't about cats or snakes. They're not even about water. Nope, for Camilla it's all about being afraid of getting embarrassed.
Quote #8
Two perky ears pointed north against Mrs. Cranston's bare flesh, below the cameo.
Saucy Beatrice looked up, beady-eyed, to catch Lady Augusta's attention. Lady Augusta was mortally afraid of mice, and there one was in the last place you'd think to look. Beatrice twitched her whiskers and batted her eyes.
The guest list dropped from Lady Augusta's hand and swooped to the carpet. Her eyes rolled back, and she fainted in slow motion, revolving as she went. (10.66-68)
Remember who the most scared little mouse was at the start of this book? Yep, it was poor little Beatrice. But now check her out—she's spending her time at the princess's party scaring mean Lady Augusta who wants to kick the Upstairs Cranstons out. It looks like Beatrice has worked up some major courage, and Lady Augusta's fear might send her fainting to the ground. But it's a good thing for the Upstairs Cranstons, because now they get to stay at the party and dance the night away.
Quote #9
Then above me a dark shadow loomed over the coiling rope, against the starry sky.
I dared look up at the awful outline of two ragged ears. Then—oh, the horror—a single burning eye, a sickening yellow. It was the ship's cat, one-eyed thanks to Nigel. And kill-crazy, as cats are.
I was numb, naturally, but alert. (11.18-20)
The ship cat is a scary foe, and Helena is one frightened mouse. Just take a look at how she describes the cat: "awful," "ragged," "burning," "sickening," and "kill-crazy." Thank goodness fear doesn't completely paralyze Helena—otherwise our story might have ended a wee bit too early.