So this is the heart of what she really wanted. He should have known. Norrell takes a breath and lets it out in a sigh, links his hands together on the desk.

"I understand your personal predicament," he says at last, "but fae magic is far too dangerous to be allowed. While some may safely escape a contract there will be plenty who do not, and this law must be considered as a whole -- for the masses, not just individuals! We may as well say everyone should be able to carry firearms simply because people know they cause damage! Sometimes that is entirely the point! Are we to become Americans in this?"

In Norrell's opinion, the worst sort of insult.