People he loves

     ‘Although he is quite a dreadful person, really. He is absolutely selfish and dishonest and quite shameless. He has a shocking reputation — and deserves it. Just a few years ago he had to leave Sandringham in disgrace. ‘ She had apparently forgotten that Mr Franklin had been there. ‘How Aunt Elspeth has endured him . . . do you know that next year they will have been married for seventy-five years? It seems incredible . . . she is ninety years old, and a darling. So is he, I suppose — and yet sometimes I feel that I hate him more than anyone I’ve ever known; you would not beleve how mean and deceitful he can be — even with people he loves.’


Mr American, p.433, Pan Books, paperback edition 1982.


Tags: Flashman, Flashman quotes, hate.

Royalty's going down

     Mr Franklin reintroduced himself. ‘We met at Sandringham, you may remember, General.’
     ‘To be sure we did.’ The General thumped his cane on the floor with satisfaction. ‘Hellish place — and probably no better now that Bertie’s gone. New chap looks like a muff — haven’t met him. Royalty’s going down, of course — not that they were ever up to much. Know who was on the throne when I made my entry into this vale of tears? George the Fourth — Prinny!’


Mr American, p.385, Pan Books, paperback edition 1982.



Tags: Flashman, Flashman quotes, royalty.