Zacharias had never really cared for the planning of sort of great games that his mother or father could orchestrate - trading favors until you got the return you wanted. All of that was too convoluted for his liking. "As I said I came across Taffy and learned of his past ties Griffiths family, which I believe is on your husband's side," he said quite honestly because it had been somewhat accidental.
"Taffy wasn't of need in the household where he was serving and I had recalled you being in need of a house elf. I was simply in the position to acquire him on your family's behalf." Short of any momentary amusement he might have watching her politely try to navigate this situation, Zacharias didn't really have other motives or secret plans here. Well, not ones that impacted her or her family at all. For whatever else, he might be, Zacharias Smith was generally honest about most things.