"And, honestly, Earl Harland, I think you will benefit from the classes. My wife will be more than happy to have you as her student," which was a polite way for Richard to tell him that he was still a peasant, despite his fancy clothes.
But Felix didn't take offense. He agreed with the observation, and if Richard's lady could be spared from her other duties to turn Felix from an up jumped bunny into a noble, then he would welcome the gesture.
"I thank you, Lord Elise. It is most gracious of you to offer," Felix said, and Richard gave him a tight smile. Yes, Felix had saved the lord, but now that Richard had heard the outcry from Felix's words from the Chamber of Commons, he was beginning to look bad for supporting him. Even his gratitude had limits.