“Yes, perhaps I could hire the help I require. But . . .” He paused and turned back to her, offering what truth he could. “I am tired, Miss Penn-Leith. Exhausted, soul-deep. I long for rest and quiet and possibly, I think, . . . a companion.” The words sank deep. A companion. Yes. That was it. How odd that it had taken him so long to arrive at this point— He wanted a friend. One who would never leave him.
