He knew what she'd been about to say, and he could not truly fault her for the reaction. After all, she'd spent many years doing things a certain way, and now she was being told not to do that any longer. But the truth was, she simply could not be allowed to act as she had been. If she'd been born of the nobility, then dabbling in such things would be considered quaint or eccentric. Because she had been a servant, any hint of that life would cause others to say that breeding would show.
And Felix didn't want her to hear those sorts of whispers behind her back. It was probably inevitable that she would. There would always be those, motivated by pettiness or jealousy, that would pick at her humble beginnings looking for a thread to unravel. It was best, then, not to simply hand them ammunition. In several years, perhaps, Ella could be allowed to hint at such things as she had moments before, but not now. Not yet. As much as he hated being told what to do, he equally hated having to give her such treatment, but it was for her own benefit in the end.
Still, Felix couldn't bring himself to correct her when her motivation had been nothing but kindness. So he smiled at her and said, "Some kernels are smaller than others, but yes. Why don't you take a moment to leaf through the book while I go change? I will not be long, but there are a few brief stories in there to keep you entertained in my absence. I will return shortly."
And with that, he turned and left the library to continue to his own rooms. There was the sinking feeling that he'd just committed himself to the company of his wife for the rest of the day rather than just an hour or two, but it wasn't as though he could go hunting today anyway. So the riding leathers needed to be changed for something lighter and more comfortable. Once that was finished, he'd collect Ella and attempt to...
Well, he wasn't sure what he was going to do with her. Which seemed to be a common problem when it came to the girl. But something. He would do something with his wife.