The squeeze from her hand was noticeable, and not in an unpleasant way. It was welcome, and thankfully subtle. She did have a reputation to protect, and he was honor bound to see too it that it was indeed protected.

"My mother is alive and well." It seemed almost rude to admit, though that was not his intent. She had reasonably asked. It would be idiotic to lie about such a thing. But the young woman was right, it really was hard to loose a parent.