He walked them home in silence, paid the carriageman and when they reached the entrance, Marriana bit her lip in soft distress at her older master's mood and his other master's apparent sadness... He told her gently but firmly, not to disturb them.

He carried Aria inside, murmuring softly to his ear and lips, gentle soothing words that probably made no sense...and undressed him, laying him on their bed.

"You should rest, pet. Too much excitment, I expect," he remarked, lying smoothly, saving him from explaining when he knew anyway. "I shall be here..."

He started to get up again, leave if he wanted.