Re: At the British Museum
Before, his concerns about demonstrating affection were tied directly to their status back home as superior and subordinate; to the need to remain professional even if they could not hold to the letter of the internal laws about fraternising. Even with that barrier removed, it's taken a good long time to really sink in, and coupled with his natural reservedness, means the idea of public affection is a difficult one to broach. Even in private, it's been something of a challenge, especially given their forced co-habitation. To go from living alone-- mostly-- at the Consulate to sharing a bedroom is not a small thing for a man who is accustomed to solitude.
But there are no barriers now, no worry of being seen by those who know them-- that is, other than those who know of their fictitious selves, and have no stake or real say in their lives.