"You will address your betters with respect, milksop, or else I shall strike you after all."
Perhaps he should sit down. He did feel as if he'd suddenly become ill; if he found a seat and occupied it for a few minutes this feeling would subside. Along with the terrible rudeness. But Alderdice had managed to get Joachim's goat in a way that few people managed to, and no matter the reason for it every notion he had on the matter said the lad was untrustworthy.
He glanced away, then back just as quickly. "Is she your wife, sir? Do you imagine that she strays? Why in God's name do you keep casting your eyes towards her like some lovesick cow?"