Chapter 20

“But I am happy you ventured out of the warmth of your room tonight. Even if you did put yourself at a bit of a risk.”

“I must confess…I’m beginning to suspect you would not allow such risk to befall me. I’ve not had a friend like you before. I…It’s a boon I didn’t anticipate in coming here.”

Jefferson’s heart twisted. Micah’s voice was so small, he could barely hear him. He sounded lost in the darkness, overwhelmed by the night. “You never had a friend who would take care of you? Nobody who would help you?”

“No, why would they? I’m the youngest Yardley, with three brothers ahead of me to inherit long before I do. They gain nothing by being my friend.”

“Micah…that’s not true. There is plenty to gain by being your friend. Your life…your existence is not just as important as how much money you possess. You cannot be measured by your land, or your birth order, which was nothing more than a random accident. You’re more than that.”