For the space of a moment that seemed to stretch into eternity, Anton only stared at Undisclosed's hand. If he took it, everything could change. If he didn't, he risked losing the only ally he'd made thus far. Therefore, he was smiling when his fingers slid through hers and he leaned on her just a little as he stood.
"Old-fashioned is the right term, I think, as I am indeed from the past. I left school three years ago, or, it was three years for me. I apologize if I seem a little too formal," he offered. "It was a very different time. I hope I'm right in assuming, given your reaction, that young men from this age are often something less than gentlemen? It's a pity, that. It seems that if women have gained strength and independence that they would be due only further respect."
Women in his time were often one of two extremes: simpering or manipulative. Court life demanded it, usually. The strong women who'd previously led their people were being bred out in favor of obedience and the ability to bear children. Anton found it disheartening. While he enjoyed having control of a situation, he preferred his women to be of equal intelligence, capable of holding their own in a conversation or in the management of an estate. The complete opposite of his mother - and now perhaps, of Helena.
"Swimming it is, then." He followed her down to the water's edge, where he paused to wonder aloud, "What are we to swim in? I'm afraid I've been remiss in procuring bathing clothes."