"E-e-even so, Milord, I am merely a lowborn orphan. There must be someone much better suited to be Milord's... companion ," you sputter out, in relative disbelief. Also, the idea of being a hired "companion"...memories of your mother's situation begin to spring to mind.
"Truthfully, you are the only vampire I have found alive in my lifetime, leaving myself," Marquis Rajes responds regretfully, then suddenly realizes the emphasis you placed on the word "companion."
"Ah, as for being a hired companion, I do mean it in the utmost honorable sense," he protests weakly, apparently more amused than flustered. "I have no intention of taking a bedfellow, as it were," Marquis Rajes continues, his eyes twinkling despite his rather crude assertion. "It is simply rather...disheartening, being the only one of one's kind. It would merely be comforting, to know I am not alone in my..situation. Thus," he reverts to a serious tone, "I offer you the protection of my house, in exchange for your company, and I hope eventually, friendship."
You are not sure whether you are angry at the misunderstanding he created or embarrassed by his response to it, your cheeks involuntarily taking on a slight blush. Nevertheless, while it might be an attractive offer...
"My Lord, I have family..." you trail off, not wanting to give too many details, although, considering his rank, he could easily investigate your situation for himself.
"They know of your situation?" Marquis Rajes asks, his brows knotting.
"My Lord, they do not...but I cannot leave them behind...." you state firmly. Marquis Rajes frowns slightly, his eyes squinting, but then shrugs.
"That should not be an issue. I can provide them with a residence and employment on the estate or in the nearby town," he nods, albeit reluctantly. At that moment, the carriage comes to a stop.
"I hope you will consider what we have discussed," Marquis Rajes alights from the carriage and offers you his hand to step down. "I will send the carriage for you tomorrow evening to hear you decision." As you walk down the street towards your apartment, you look back to see the carriage leaving, as though it were a shadow from a dream.