“Indeed I have. I do so on occasion. Each configuration caters to my current focus.”
She studied the room, which looked far different than it had in the wee hours of the morning. First, there were absolutely no more piles of books on the floor. Second, his desk, which used to be across from the door and covered with vases, had been moved to the far wall, opposite the windows. Third, the wingback chair that previously sat by the fireplace was set by a window.
“Do you approve?”
She walked farther into the room. “I do not think it my place to approve or disapprove, as this is your study, and assuch, should be arranged as befits your purposes.” She scanned the bookcases, searching for the vases and busts she’d seen last night. On the top shelf of a bookcase near one of the windows, she found the vases.
“But I rearranged it because you are now my wife and may come in here to confer with me on any number of matters, so I would very much like your thoughts.”
She pointed to the vases. “Do you not like vases? If so, why do you have so many?” The top shelf had at least fourteen that she could see.
Darius, who stood near the windows, now strode toward her. “I hope you will not think less of me, but I find them a rather feminine item.” He raised his hand toward the shelf. “These are gifts from my mother or purchased by my late wife. Would you like me to put them elsewhere?”
She was rather pleased at their placement because there would be much less chance that she sent them to the floor as she walked by them. One in particular that had been in the parlor had two large handles that she’d steered clear of. “I have no particular love of vases, so in this we are in accord.”
“Excellent.”
“But what happened to your busts of Plato, Caesar, and Alexander the Great?”
He gave her a look of pure satisfaction. “You are very observant. They now grace the mantel above the fireplace.” He gestured toward the area behind her.
She turned around to see Plato in the center and the other two men on either end, but not too close to the end. The mantel sat above her shoulder, and she couldn’t get too close to the fire because of her dresses, something she’d learned accidentally before she came out. “I do believe they look very regal there.” She turned back. “It is such a pleasure to learn that you value men of wisdom as much as I do.”
He gave her a nod. “Something else we have in common. Perhaps we will find even more as we travel to visit my tenants.”
She’d completely forgotten that they had planned to do so the day before, which reminded her of Peter. “Did Anna tell you about Peter?”
His features changed from polite to relaxed in an instant. It was that moment that clarified for her what was different. He was being very formal.
“Since I heard nothing, I visited him as soon as the sun had risen. He seems quite himself again.”
Surprised that the nursemaid hadn’t sent someone to tell Darius, Ellie felt guilty now for not waking earlier. “I did come down here to your study at about four in the morning to inform you of Peter’s improved health, but I found you asleep in your desk chair over there.” She pointed to the window where she’d found him.
“You were here?”
She wasn’t sure, but it looked as if he’d lost some color in his face. “I was. I believe I walked in on your project of yesterday, as the room was full of book stacks. I’m guessing you were trying to keep your mind off Peter’s illness.”
He blinked then nodded. “So I was. I am heartily relieved that he is better.”
She lifted her hand to touch his arm, but quickly brought it to her chest. She wore no gloves, and images from her reading the night before quickly crowded her mind. “As am I. So if you wish to travel today, I am at your disposal.”
“Have you broken your fast?”
She looked away, embarrassed to admit the truth, but seeing no help for it. “I’m afraid I just rose, as I was up quite late.”
“Of course, and I thank you for tending to Peter. I am very pleased at your caring.”
Though the words were kind, no smile accompanied them. It was as if he hid himself behind his formality. He had said that it was required of him. “I’d best see what Cook has available. When would you like to depart?”
He glanced at the clock, which had been moved from the mantel to a bookcase. “Shall we say in an hour?”
She would have to change into a traveling dress, but if she had her food sent up, she could make that. “I shall be back downstairs in an hour.”
He gave another short nod, then walked over to his desk.
Feeling a bit confused by the new Darius, she left the room, completely confident that once they were alone in the coach, he would relax once again.
Chapter Eight
