Edward recognized the sincerity in her words and did not question them. He wasn't sure if the man whose gaze he caught was the man in question, but he could understand how an overbearing gentleman - especially one enchanted by a debutante's dazzling charms - might cause a woman discomfort if the interest was not returned.

"It was no inconvenience at all, I assure you," he replied thoughtfully. To not rescue a woman from a man with ill intentions (or at least ill manners) would have been a sign of his own lacking character. "The gentleman should have taken a hint." Especially given how evident your desperation was. A quick glance in the direction they'd came from revealed that no one had followed them and no one was out of place; all seemed well.

"I hope the situation -" If it could be called that, even. "- has not ruined your evening. Would you like me to see you back to your chaperon?" The alternative, of course, was dancing, but he doubted she would want that; it was obvious the interaction between her and the unwanted suitor had taken a toll on her nerves.

"Or," he added, an afterthought, "I can remain with you until you feel comfortable returning to the party." It would also save him from having to explain the situation to a distraught guardian.

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