You don't know what you're doing,' Lymond said. 'You're performing a play, in a...

You don't know what you're doing,' Lymond said. 'You're performing a play, in a schoolroom, for an excited audience of one. I said Below the long, taffeta bodice, Philippa's interior had begun to ravel with cramp pains. She said hardily, 'Nothing, so far. I didn't know another permutation in breeding was possible.'
There was another brief pause. Then Lymond said pleasantly, 'I would strike a man who was stupid enough to say that to me.