“A woman, even a married woman, cannot float without proper escort. It is simply not done.”

“It was a constant source of amazement to Alexia that the only thing she had ever done in her entire life that pleased her mama was marry a werewolf.”

“The bowl landed, in glorious perfection, atop the head of Mrs Barnaclegoose, who was not the kind of woman to appreciate the finer points of being crowned by trifle.”

“I had a recent delivery of new fashion plates from Paris, and you hardly glanced at the hairstyles. My husband tells me you are still having difficulty controlling the change. And your cravat has been tied very simply of late, even for evening events.”

“She boasted the general battle-ax demeanor of an especially strict governess. This was the kind of woman who took her tea black, smoked cigars after midnight, played a mean game of cribbage, and kept a bevy of repulsive little dogs.Alexia liked her immediately.”

“Rail is such an undignified way to travel. All that rapid racing about. Floating has so much more gravitas.”

“Tunstell, this is your Alpha speaking. Do as I tell you. You must regurgitate now.Regurgitation is an involuntary action. You cannot simply order me to do it,” replied Tunstell in a small voice.“I most certainly can. Besides which, you are an actor.”Tunstell grimaced. “I’ve never had cause to vomit onstage.”