He was disappointed when Bartholomew didn't bring him back a letter, but he'd expected her to not want anything to do with him after what had happened.
He was surprised, however, when he finally did receive a letter from her, but her words hurt him. The last thing he wanted was for her to fear him. . . or to fear for him.
Minerva,
I don't want you to be afraid of me. I would never hurt you.
I like that you care about me, and that you want to help me. . . I've just never been good at accepting help when it was offered. If you think you can help me. . . then I suppose it would only be fair for me to hear what you have to say.