Ask Rose

Dear Rose,

I have been egregiously insulted by an impertinent whelp of a boy who has, in his two decades on this earth, proved most unwilling to learn how to keep his mouth closed. I want very much to see that extensive and permanent violence is done to his person, but find myself in a bit of a quandary--is it acceptable to ask my husband to brutally maim someone who is, ostensibly, our ally? I mean this in only the most nominal sense of course--no one who had our true interests at heart could behave like this boy does, and yet I'm afraid there are some who would find it not quite politic to brutally murder him. What are the acceptable channels for defending my honour when one must always be aware of maintaining favour?

Thank you ever so much for your time and consideration!

J.