He couldn’t tell if she was sleeping or just resting. Either way he didn’t wish to disturb her. The footmen had finished unloading the carriage. He’d had her painting supplies put into an empty room and everything else went to the one they’d share, including that bloody wooden chest that was driving him to distraction. Twice already this afternoon he’d had to remind himself he couldn’t open it without her permission and had to remove his hands from the latch. Maybe tonight he’d just ask her about it. She was already mad at him, how much worse could it get if he asked about the box? He walked down the hall and into the kitchen to see if Cook had some biscuits he could snag. Taking a tray of fresh biscuits and hot tea with him, he walked back to the drawing room. Madison was sitting up now, but she didn’t look overly happy. “Can I interest you in something to eat?” he asked, placing the tray down on the squat table positioned in front of the settee.She shrugged and took a biscuit.
