"The Library, for starters," he says, giving the obvious answer. "It is good to see a collection not yet pilfered from the hands of those who need it most of all." Not that Norrell did not need his books. But he did not need every single copy of every single book on magic, much as though he would like to collect them and hoard them for his own.

"I am open to further suggestions of where I might continue from here, of course," he continues, inclining his head at her. Wondering if she might actually give him any answers of value or whether she'd sooner be rid of him and the acquaintances he carries with him.