Maybe she'll come by the time I get to carving and tell me what she likes.

That would beat my taste or guessing a mile." He carefully arranged the twigs bearing cocoons in a big, wire-covered box to protect them from the depredations of nibbling mice and the bolder attacks of the saucy ground squirrels that stored nuts in his loft and took possession of the attic until their scampering sometimes awoke him in the night.
Every trip he made to the city he stopped at the library to examine plans of buildings and furniture and to make notes.

The oak he had hauled was being hewed into shape by a neighbour who knew how, and every wagon that carried a log to the city to be dressed at the mill brought back timber for side walls, joists, and rafters.

Night after night he sat late poring over his plans for the new rooms, above all for her chamber.

With poised pencil he wavered over where to put the closet and entrance to her bath.