You are free to do this barking as you please. [ Whether she'll tolerate it in the future is another story.

Admittedly she has no qualms about it herself, it's her children that might dive in to protect her. They are fiercely loyal and easily concerned when it comes to her matters. ]

I shall speak with them. I'd very much like to at any rate and it has been some time--though hardly enough for their wounds to heal. If you will excuse me.