This was one of the reasons that Antoine continued to visit Joséphine every week. It wasn't even so much for the sexual aspect - although he would not lie, he did enjoy that quite a bit. It also had to do with the sense of companionship that he felt for her.
Sliding his arms around her waist, he pulled her close and rested his head on top of hers. He didn't want to give her the news that he knew he must relay. He hated making her upset. However, he knew her well enough to know what her reaction to him not showing up for a while would be.
He would miss her. And Antoine didn't miss many people. He didn't allow himself to get attached. But, he would miss her. She was sweet and kind.
"Well, mon amour, I have to admit that it does my heart good to know that you've missed my company." And it did. Even as it made him feel bad because he was leaving. Kissing the top of her head, he looked down at her. "Open your gift. I want to know if you like it."