Kendall may have kept the dark horses of his temper carefully in check all the way back along the passageway. Now that he had the satisfaction of hearing the barn door reverberate on its hinges, he let go of the reins.

"Jesus suffering Christ, what the bloody, goddamn hell did you think you were doing out there? What the hell possessed you to say that to Lady Kertouche of all people?"

"Well ... "

"Well, what? Am I dealing with an idiot? A complete and utter ...