The revelation provided yet another glimpse into Devon's character that contradicted his public reputation, and Arabella felt something shift in her understanding of the man who had so dramatically altered her circumstances.
"He must love you very much," she said softly.
"He does," Livia agreed. "Though I sometimes wonder if his devotion has become more burden than blessing. He has sacrificed so much for my sake. His military career, his freedom and his own happiness. I fear he will never allow himself to live his own life whilst he believes I require his protection."
Before Arabella could respond to this startling insight, Livia rose from her chair with renewed animation. "But come! Let me show you the conservatory as I promised. And then perhaps the music room, and the drawing rooms, and... oh, there is so much to see!"
***
The tour of Ravenshollow House proved to be a revelation in luxury and taste that left Arabella quite breathless. Each room seemed more magnificent than the last, furnished with the sort of priceless antiques and artwork that spoke of generations of accumulated wealth and refinement.
The conservatory was indeed spectacular, filled with exotic blooms that perfumed the air with their heady fragrance. Livia proved to be surprisingly knowledgeable about the various species, explaining the particular requirements of each plant with the enthusiasm of a dedicated naturalist.
"Devon designed this space himself," she confided as they admired a particularly stunning display of orchids. "He studied botanical texts for months, consulting with experts at Kew Gardens to ensure the proper conditions for each variety. He says that beauty, to be truly appreciated, must be cultivated withpatience and understanding."
Arabella ran her fingers along the delicate petals of a cream-colored bloom, marveling at their silky texture. "He seems to be a man of many hidden depths."
"Oh, he is," Livia agreed earnestly. "Most people see only what he chooses to show them—the cynical rake, the careless aristocrat. But underneath all that carefully constructed indifference lies the most generous heart imaginable."
As they moved through the music room with its gleaming pianoforte and then into the various drawing rooms with their sumptuous furnishings, Arabella found herself building a more complex picture of her enigmatic employer. Every detail of the house's decoration spoke of a man of refined tastes and considerable sensitivity; from the carefully chosen artwork that adorned the walls to the fresh flowers that appeared in every room.
"Does His Grace involve himself in the household management?" she asked as they paused to admire a particularly beautiful tapestry.
"To a degree that would surprise most people," Livia replied. "He interviews every servant personally, ensures that their quarters are comfortable and their wages fair. Mrs. Henderson says she has never worked for a more considerate master."
This revelation, like so many others, served to further complicate Arabella's understanding of Devon's character. The man Livia described bore little resemblance to the notorious rake of popular imagination, yet Arabella could not forget thecalculated way he had compromised her reputation or the casual cruelty with which he had dismissed Cordelia.
As if summoned by her thoughts, Devon himself appeared in the doorway of the morning room where they had paused to examine a collection of miniature portraits.
"I trust you are finding the tour educational, Miss Greystone?" he inquired, though his attention seemed more focused on her face than on her response.
"Most illuminating, Your Grace," she replied, acutely aware of how his presence seemed to fill the elegant room. He had shed his morning coat and rolled his shirtsleeves to the elbow, revealing strong forearms dusted with dark hair. The casual dishabille should have made him appear less formidable, yet somehow it only served to emphasize his masculine appeal.
"Livia has been an excellent guide," Arabella continued, striving to keep her voice steady. "She possesses considerable knowledge about the house's treasures."
"She should," Devon said with evident fondness. "She has catalogued every piece in our collection at least twice. It is something of an obsession of hers."
Livia blushed prettily. "Devon exaggerates. I simply enjoy learning the history of beautiful objects."
"Nothing wrong with that," Devon assured her, though his gaze had shifted back to Arabella. "Beauty should always be properly appreciated."
There was something in his tone that made the innocent comment seem loaded with meaning, and Arabella felt her cheeks warm under his scrutiny.
"Indeed," she managed. "Though I confess myself somewhat overwhelmed by the magnificence of your home. It is far bigger than anything I have previously encountered."
Devon's expression grew thoughtful. "Perhaps that is for the best. Magnificence, I have found, can become a prison if one is not careful. All this beauty, all this luxury; it can isolate one from the genuine experiences that make life worth living."
The comment was so unexpected, so at odds with what she might have expected from a man of his wealth and position, that Arabella found herself staring at him in surprise.
"You sound as though you speak from experience, Your Grace."
Devon's smile was self-deprecating. "Perhaps I do. When one possesses everything, one could possibly desire, it becomes rather difficult to distinguish between genuine emotion and mere... transaction."
The words hung in the air between them, heavy with implication, and Arabella felt her pulse quicken as she recognized the challenge in his dark eyes. Was he referring to their own arrangement? To the complex web of obligation and attraction that seemed to bind them together despite all rational thought?
"Devon," Livia interjected with obvious discomfort, "surelyyou do not mean to suggest that wealth is a burden? Many people would gladly exchange their circumstances for yours."
"Would they?" Devon asked quietly, his gaze never leaving Arabella's face. "I wonder. Sometimes I think the greatest luxury of all would be the freedom to act without calculation, to trust that one's feelings are reciprocated for their own sake rather than for what they might provide."
