The sinking dread that began to weigh on him hardly came as a surprise. Of course it would have to be bad news; he almost wished he could close the subject. There was only so much one person could take, wasn't there?
But he did so hate being kept in the dark. And even on his last nerve, the thought of leaving her alone with something she obviously found so troubling was repugnant. "Consequences. You're joking, of course." He took a step closer, watching her carefully. "I doubt there are many consequences I haven't already run up against, my dear. Perhaps you ought to let me be the judge of that."