Childermass is exasperated with Norrell's response, glancing over at Nancy dripping on the carpet and knowing that he, having spent decades in the other man's service, had come to him bleeding -- that he could very well have been dying -- and he would not have warranted such hospitality as the Midnight witch standing before him. He knows that has much to do with the fact that she is a woman, that Norrell thinks he has something to prove here, a chance to better himself (through the efforts of others, it should be noted, for Norrell will certainly not be offering the towels or the drinks).

He puts up something of a protest but he's no match for the other man's insistence. And he is but a servant. Whatever his protests, if he wants to keep his job he knows he is to follow orders. So it is that he turns to Nancy with a scowl.

"He wants to see you," he says, obviously not happy about it. He'll get to the towels later. He doubts she'll accept the drink so why bother. "Come." He steps forward. He doesn't have time for this, and he certainly doesn't have time to wait for her if she decides to dawdle.