Alexia abhorred hypocrisy, especially when munitions were involved.

No one ever explained the octopuses.

Uh, my lord, I am not actually food. You do realize this, yes?

Please, Lord Maccon, use one of the cups. My delicate sensibilities.” The earl actually snorted. “My dear Miss Tarabotti, if you possessed any such things, you certainly have never shown them to me.

Which was why, some six hours later, Alexia Maccon's daughter was born inside the head of an octomaton in the presence of her husband, a comatose werewolf dandy, and a French inventor.

You do realise modern social mores exist for a reason?" "I was hungry, allowances should be made.

Biffy didn't like enigmas - they were out of fashion.