You are about as covert as a sledgehammer.

A vampire, like a lady, never reveals his true age.

Follow that porcupine!

Classic author moment, "Oh dear, did I kill that character or not?

As with most things in life, Lady Maccon preferred the civilized exterior to the dark underbelly (with the exception of pork products, of course.)

Madame Lefoux acted as midwife. In her scientific way, she was unexpectedly adept at the job. When the infant finally appeared, she held it up for Alexia to see, rather proudly, as though she'd done all the hard work herself. 'Goodness,' said an exhausted Lady Maccon, 'are babies customarily that repulsive looking?

I am entirely capable." "Of what, waddling up to someone and ruthlessly bumping into them?