Difficult is, indeed, his natural state. He spreads his hands innocently at her proposed clarification of terms, however. "Verity, I would not presume to tell you how to execute your duties or arrange your personnel. I have every faith that there are any number of tasks to which the young man would be suited, and his temperament is so agreeable that I think you will be pleased to employ him, as well." All true.

After a beat, he concedes almost under his breath, "and he is someone I would like to see safe and prosperous, with which I believe you are well-positioned to assist."