He's brought a troubled-looking Aria with him.

Isabel closes her book and sits up straight on the bed, looking at the pair of them seriously.

She should be happy to see Aria again, but... she feels uneasy.

Maxwell steps back and sits in the room's only chair. "Aria, I believe you have something to say to Isabel?"

She clears her throat, nods. 

"I would like to apologize for causing you distress, Isabel. Talking about slaves to you was indecorous of me and only serves to make you more afraid and hurt. I promise to avoid such topics in the future, and to focus on helping you become a proper noble lady through reading and writing. I want to make you happy and fulfilled, not hurt and afraid, and in any case such topics are inappropriate for a noblewoman. I apologize deeply and sincerely, from the bottom of my heart." 

She curtseys low to Isabel.

The sudden reversal is startling, but one glance at Maxwell tells her everything she needs to know.

He looks happy, but not in a kind way. 

"I accept your apology, and I'm sorry for asking you to speak about such things in the first place. I... don't know enough to know what's decorous or not, right now. I don't think any real harm's been done," she lies, "and I thank you for your honest service and dedication to helping me become the proper lady I should be."

"Wonderful. Would you two like to do another session?"

Isabel nods. "Of course, my lord."

"By your will, my lord."

"Do you mind if I help?"

"Certainly not, my lord! You know Isabel best."

"Of course you can help."

And between the three of them, they go through another of the readers. 

Aria is quiet, compared to how she was the first time she met Isabel, but Maxwell doesn't seem to notice. Isabel doesn't mention the change. Nor does she mention that she's been taught how to tie knots, or that she knows about her collar. 

Maxwell leaves after around an hour's work, seemingly satisfied with Aria's teaching.

Isabel gives Aria a significant look.

"Now, now, please stay focused on the readers. You can see Maxwell again later."

Isabel's been surprised by Soph just outside the curtain enough times to get the implication. She holds her focus on the lesson - which isn't so hard, since the material is interesting on its own.

Eventually, Maxwell returns. 

He looks at Aria, and sighs. 

"... I'd like to have the room to myself with Isabel, please."

She gets up, curtseys to him, and leaves.

Maxwell takes her chair, and sits down across from Isabel. He looks at her seriously, his usual good humor gone. 

"... I..."

He looks down at his hands in his lap. 

"... I'd like to apologize. I spoke with Aria, after - you talked about slavery to me - and she admitted she'd discussed it with you and... I... I flinched away. I was worried that you'd - frighten yourself. And... to be honest, I think I was a little ashamed. I should have told you about all this much sooner, not left it for you to discover on your own. So... let's clear some things up."

He raises a finger. "One; yes, you are technically owned by me. Just like if you were my child, or, yes, my slave. You are not considered to be a slave; you're a member of my household and anyone who calls you a slave will have to answer to me."

He raises a second finger. "Two. You're new to this world, and... I care for you deeply. It's only been about a month, but - I've wanted someone like you in my life for years, and you're everything I hoped to have, and every time you show me something new you've done or a new word you can read or tell me about making something in the kitchen with Soph, I... it brings a smile to my face. While I may forbid things for your own good, I want to see you blossom into the woman you could be and will be under my care and guidance." 

He raises a third finger. "Three. I'm sorry for being away for so long and for cancelling your lessons. I was frightened. You were learning faster and more than I expected, and I overreacted. You must have been terribly bored and lonely. I promise I wasn't punishing you."

He stands up from the chair, turning his back to Isabel. "I... Also got you a gift. As... part of the apology." 

He goes through the silk curtain for a moment, then returns bearing a plush octopus about as big as both his hands together.

"... for you." He offers it.

... She accepts the octopus, and hugs it close. 

"I... thank you." 

She's not sure what to say. Of all the things that could have happened, she didn't expect this. She's feeling warm from the praise already, and... it's clear that Maxwell is genuine. And he cares for her, it's written across his face - 

... maybe he isn't so bad, after all.

Isabel softly pats the bed next to her. 

"... I - I don't want to have sex, but could you... come sit next to me?"

Maxwell smiles slightly, and gets up from his chair, and sits next to her. 

"... do you like the octopus?"

"Oc-to-pus. So that's what this is. It's a pretty name. I like it. It's... comforting." She hugs it closer to herself and leans slightly against Maxwell's side. 

"... Could you read to me and pet my hair?"

"Gladly, my darling."

He picks up the geology book, flips to the section on precious stones, and starts reading. His other hand tangles in Isabel's curls.

... she's already read this part, but that's okay. She really just wants to be close to him. 

She snuggles into the petting, hugs the octopus close, and closes her eyes.