The quote "conscience as her lover. Her husband." from Diana Gabaldon's "An Echo in the Bone" suggests a deep and personal relationship with one's moral compass. It implies that the protagonist's conscience is a loyal companion, akin to a lover or spouse, indicating that her sense of right and wrong is a guiding force in her life. This expresses the idea that values and ethics are intimately woven into her identity.

The use of intimate terms like "lover" and "husband" signifies that her conscience is not only an internal guide but also someone she feels a profound connection with. This relationship reflects the complexity of human emotions where personal beliefs and moral decisions are intertwined, emphasizing the struggle and importance of adhering to one's principles in the face of challenges.