"Yes, I have been... told," he said softly, really not wanting to dwell on how terribly that entire conversation had gone. He had not known that his outrage at the concept of modern relationships would be so entirely offensive to her mother.
"It is..." he agreed. "Let me be clear. I know things have progressed a little quickly, and perhaps you might be mistaken in thinking that I would feel that morally I have to propose," he told her. "I mean, I do feel that, but it is far from the true motive. I am from a place where you do not begin a familiar relationship until you are prepared to commit to that person. I would not have.. held your hand, or kissed you, or..." he paused, just to give her a loving smile for a moment. "I mean to say, I would never toy with your heart, my dear Ashley."
"Our secret. No one else needs to know just yet," he agreed, and gave her hands a little squeeze. "Thank you. For answering all of my questions. Well. All of them so far. You must excuse me for a moment," he told her, before gently letting go of her hands. He stood up a little shakily, gave her a little bow, and left the room just for the moment.