"You must tell us," Norrell adds, as kindly as he can -- his small hands linked together in front of him but fidgeting still. "The fae will take over London entirely if they are not stopped. I know they can be cruel, but we will not let them be cruel to you if you only help us. Sylvia Redbright's promises might be empty but my word is good, I can assure you."

His small smile says trust me, although any person who had known Norrell long enough may doubt such a thing. Norrell's word is only good when it suits him, or when he is harshly reminded to keep it.