"My steward lays out clothing for me," he admitted, "but it is what I have chosen to have in my wardrobe. Unless it is a special occasion, at which point my mother will tell me that my waistcoat is in poor taste and I am forced to change."
Was she really being told what she could and couldn't wear? Yes, of course she needed some guidance as she was not born to the role she was now being forced to play. But there was nothing wrong with having her own opinions. However, he knew that her current retinue had been supplied and suggested by his mother, so there was probably no getting rid of them. Perhaps, though, he could put a bug in her ear about giving the girl a bit more autonomy. At least when it came to her personal dress.
"And if Lady Mary dresses you in such a creative vein, I will most certainly..." Felix paused to grin. "Make sure that I have a good place to watch the reactions as you pass. I think the pink and orange striped get up caused at least one footman to faint that day."
He glanced toward the door. The problem with going with an impulse was that he really hadn't come up with an exit strategy. It wasn't that he was uncomfortable at the moment, he simply had no idea what to do next. She wasn't a girl that he was trying to woo or distract. She was his wife. What did he do with a wife?
"What are your plans for the day?" he finally asked. "More reading?"