A knock came at the door.
"Come in."
The housekeeper entered, her smile wide.
"You wished to review the arrangements for the week."
"Yes."
She stepped forward, placing a small ledger on the desk. Julian glanced down at it, though his focus remained elsewhere for a moment longer.
"There will be visitors," he said.
"Yes, my lord. Lady Harrowby has already given instruction."
"They are to be received without restriction," he added. "And they are to be accommodated as needed."
"Of course."
"As for the child’s routine," he continued. "It may be adjusted as you see fit."
The housekeeper did not react outwardly, though Julian did not doubt that she was as surprised about his suggestion as he was.
"In what way, my lord?"
Julian considered it.
"Outdoor time is not to be limited unnecessarily," he said. "And if she wishes to spend time with my wife or her guests, she is to be permitted to do so."
"Yes, my lord."
There was a brief silence.
"Provided it does not interfere with her instruction," he added. "Her governess will say whether or not they are otherwise occupied."
"Of course. Shall I inform the staff of this?"
"Yes. I would like them all to know as soon as you can."
She gathered the ledger again, then paused.
"Is there anything further?"
"No," he said. "That will be all, thank you."
She inclined her head once more and withdrew. Julian remained where he was, his gaze resting on nothing in particular.
The house was exactly as it had always been, and yet, not entirely the same.
Julian did not return to his papers. The study remained as it was, everything in its place, nothing requiring immediate attention. The quiet should have been enough to restore order to his thoughts. It did not.
After a time, he left the room again.
The house had settled for the evening. Lamps were lit, doors closed, voices quieter and more distant. He moved through it without direction at first, though his steps slowed as he passed the smaller sitting room.
Light came from beneath the door.
He wanted to continue. Instead, he stopped. The door was not fully closed. Through the narrow space, he could hear Eleanor’s voice, low and even, carrying just enough to be understood without effort.