"I like books as well, but there's a time and place." It's said in a very matter-of-fact tone. Because at least in Strange's mind, when there's a war going on, that's entirely not the time and place to hole up in your library. Of course he didn't want to leave, of course he wanted to be at home with Arabella and not an ocean away. But it was for the good of the country—he had to go.

And Lambert's just going to get a double dose of magicians yelling about Norrell during the celebration because oh man does Strange just scowl as Lambert mentions politics. There's obviously a story and a half in there. Strange gestures for a drink as well as he starts to bitch.

"This whole making magic respectable thing ties up perfectly with politics. Norrell would do magic that certain ministers or governors wanted, not any magic that tests the limits of what magic is. He doesn't want to explore the limits of magic or push further towards the Raven King, seeing what English magic used to be and making that happen again, no he's perfectly content with his bloody sea beacons. And then he tries to force himself further into politics with that stupid court..." Look, just cut him off here because Strange is on a roll and will spend the rest of the day complaining if Lambert isn't careful.