"We don't have to be engaged right away. People are allowed to date, to consider their options." On his end, he knew his mother would be momentarily quelled by the fact he had an appropriate girlfriend. However, he was aware how quickly meddling mothers could try to speed up that timeline. Zacharias knew how to manage his mother and he seemed able to put Astoria's at a state of unease. So, he wasn't really too worried.
"I also have no intention of getting married anytime soon, and I think that is a point that could work in our favor." They could even claim they were going to do it right. But Zacharias knew he wasn't the only one making the decision here. He didn't even want to make it at all. "However, the choice is yours."