"I don't need to take over all of it. A quiet place to do his books and sketch, though usually he could do his drawing anywhere. Accounting, however, took a certain amount of focus and the idea of having a little retreat did give him relief. So did the fine-tuning of his design work, especially for complicated pieces.

"I know, but-- well, it was your house first. But I suppose I ought act like I live here and not a like a prolonged guest."

When they made it to the spare room, Thomas put his hands on his hips and just sort of looked it over. He had a secretary desk set up in the corner, but close to the window so that he would get the light.