CARELESS

Rochester let his head tip toward the heavens, keeping his gaze locked among the stars. There was a constellation of those out there tonight, and it more than made up for the barbaric cold seeping into his skin and bones.

"S-sir?" A male voice resonated behind him. That person was none other than his Butler. "Are you certain you want me to leave you alone?"

"Simon," Rochester said in a low, gruff tone. "In all this time you've known me, when have I ever not been serious?"

"I am sorry, Sir," Simon apologized. "It's just that it is not every day you come out here to be by yourself."

Rochester answered him with nothing more than a growl, a low-sounding growl. He did not so much as turn to face the man.

With that, Simon nodded and said, "I understand that this is your house and so — "