Norrell is vibrating with restrained fury by the time Childermass grabs Nancy back, leaning back as far as he can and hands white-knuckling onto the arms of his (very expensive, Georgian and in flawless condition) chair.

His chest rises and falls a moment, expression painted into a faint snarl, then he finally sits up again and dusts himself down -- as if gently brushing her touch off him. Collects himself and takes a slow breath, although he glowers too -- at Nancy and Childermass both. The offence is, of course, largely his fault for bringing her -- but still. That she dared to touch him is a note against her.

"Childermass," he snaps, "what did you tell her? You told me you saw her with the fae. Did you or did you not?"