There were very few people in his own life whose opinions he cared about, but he knew the same could not be said for her. The worst people could assume of him is that he took advantage of an innocent woman, and even then the gossip would made after it became apparent she wasn't carrying his child, but for her - Merlin, there was lots they could say about her in the meantime. Unlike him, she had a family who cared about her social capital and sisters whose reputations could be damaged if she gave the impression that she was anything less than perfectly respectable. After being so careless with her feelings and body - and perhaps to prove that, despite taking her virtue and being generally infuriating, he really could be a gentleman - the least he could do was give the facade of a completely respectable courtship. All he needed to do was not fuck things up further.

"We shall ease into it, then," he agreed in resignation, stroking her hair with his free hand. "Perhaps we might take a day to visit the carnival - I haven't had the opportunity to go since it kicked off. We could be seen together - chaperoned and all, bring Lydia or Mrs. Harding - and see if any gossip comes from it," he explained. "We will, then, have an idea of where to go from there."

It would be best if they didn't show up there together, he figured, but rather meet there as if it was some surprise to see each other after the hospital incident months back. It was the scenario that would prompt the least amount of rumors - if any - and would allow him to spend time with her without ridicule.

"And then, if you're feeling up to it...perhaps you might introduce me to your parents - officially - and I might do the same." You know, if his father decided to come home while they were both available.

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