Lyall considers his options for a beat, perhaps a hair longer than he usually would in this dismal weighty day, then suggests, "The windows can be opened a crack or two in your domain, I believe. And then you can make it comfortable for yourself, should you have lessons there today." There won't be lessons for hours yet, not with breakfast still to serve, but it won't hurt anything to let her sit in there until then. And his second option, the dining parlor, would result in her being in the way while the servants set up the meal.

"I can come open them for you myself," he adds, a concession to her comfort and his busy schedule.