Lord Macon deposited his wife into a chair and then knelt next to her, clutching one of her hands. "Tell me truthfully - how are you feeling?"

Alexia took a breath. "Truthfully? I sometimes wonder if I, like Madame Lefoux, should affect masculine dress."

"Gracious me, why?"

"You mean aside from the issue of greater mobility?"

"My love, I don't think that's currently the result of your clothing."

"Indeed, I mean after the baby."

"I still don't see why should want to."

"Oh no? I dare you to spend a week in a corset, long skirts and a bustle."

"How do you know I haven't?

Author: Gail Carriger