Norrell regards her with his beady eyes, lips still thinned and brow still lofted as he considers this.
"I understand the sentiment," he says at last. "Since you have not suggested an alternative text still I assume you do not have one. I must confess, I had hoped for more discussion and input from you on this from the beginning. I am disappointed to find you so inflexible you will not even touch what I offer you, and it does not make me feel much inclined to begin immediately making concessions on your behalf -- especially when this very meeting is already such a thing. To begin with demands is not a flattering trait.
"However. I can appreciate a scholarly mind. I have a copy of the book with me," and here he reaches into his drawer, for he does. In truth, his attempts to make life difficult for her were mostly his own petty vanity and desire to keep himself a step ahead. To be sure the book had aspects Norrell disagreed with -- exact definitions, mysticism -- but, in general its grounding is all one he agrees with. Fae magic is not to be trusted and controlling magics, things that touch the mind or influence, are the darkest of things. "And I would be willing to allow you to make notes from it within the safety of this library. It is damage I worry about, you see. London air is so very dirty and polluted, and the weather so changeable."
no subject
"I understand the sentiment," he says at last. "Since you have not suggested an alternative text still I assume you do not have one. I must confess, I had hoped for more discussion and input from you on this from the beginning. I am disappointed to find you so inflexible you will not even touch what I offer you, and it does not make me feel much inclined to begin immediately making concessions on your behalf -- especially when this very meeting is already such a thing. To begin with demands is not a flattering trait.
"However. I can appreciate a scholarly mind. I have a copy of the book with me," and here he reaches into his drawer, for he does. In truth, his attempts to make life difficult for her were mostly his own petty vanity and desire to keep himself a step ahead. To be sure the book had aspects Norrell disagreed with -- exact definitions, mysticism -- but, in general its grounding is all one he agrees with. Fae magic is not to be trusted and controlling magics, things that touch the mind or influence, are the darkest of things. "And I would be willing to allow you to make notes from it within the safety of this library. It is damage I worry about, you see. London air is so very dirty and polluted, and the weather so changeable."