Mel’s Reviews > How to Fake It in Society > Status Update

"Oui. Silence," the other man said, in a voice that was resonant, commanding, and almost excessively French-accented.

This is a masterclass in reader satisfaction. We all know what's going on, but it's a delight to witness it play out all the same.

Bayes took a mouthful and shrugged. Titus decided he didn't like it either, ad dabbed at his lips with a napkin, which came away smeared yellow.

Bwahahahaha!! Oh, this is going to be good! A most excellent setup and payoff! *does a little dance*

Thanks heavens. Nothing rankles like overbearing relatives and getting walked all over by them, especially within one's own home! I generally have a very low tolerance for such plotlines when drawn out, but Titus did an admirable job at holding his own, and was marvelous at dinner speaking his mind. While I wish that cafard de merde had never been let in, gods it's satisfying to see him kicked out!

Nico had replaced his cravat before coming down and looked perfect. Augustus's country coat made him look sadly bumpkin-like by comparison, a fact of which he was clearly aware. He made some remarks about dandyism, which Nico ignored like a cat, which is to say, feigned obliviousness with a distinct possibility of claws.

"Have you ever watched a butterfly emerge from its cocoon?" Nico asked.
"As a boy. Why?"
"The wings always come out crumpled, mon ami. You will get used to it."

The Comte made a Gallic noise and pushed him to the door.

Heheheh, I love how "a Gallic noise" is both vague and yet delightfully evocative.