[Rather than sit at the table, he folds his arms across the back of one chair and leans into it, putting it on two legs for the moment as he watches Vincent set the dishes. Why there are two sets here, he doesn't know. Does the Earl mean to feed him anyway or is he waiting for his young son?]

Goodness, no. Why would I want to be? All that attention on me all the time. I did mention I'm trying to hide from certain figures, didn't I?

[Joking aside, he never had been born into noble life and out of it, past what he had with Claudia, he would stay. One more reason their affair was kept secret and his distance from Vincent had to be what it was. Bad enough that a noblewoman had slept with someone not her husband.]

[Playfully, he bopped his forehead with his palm.] Now that explains it. But I don't find it silly that you want me to stay. I'd like to remain here, near you and your son, just as well.