"I was born and raised in London. When, of course, it was the season to be in the city." Like others, his family had a country home and owned extensive other properties, most of which were rented out. Had he so chosen, he wouldn't have had to work a day in his life. If his father had had his way, he might not have. But his mother had raised him for something else. Had raised him to understand magic and how it could impact the world. "So I never had cause to be surprised by the prices."

He passed a cup of tea to Norrell once it was brewed to what he considered sufficient. Then, for himself, he applied a cube of sugar and a small splash of milk. He stirred it carefully then sipped.

"Still very much like it used to taste."