Claude tried to lean back more in his seat when the man moved closer to him. He physically flinched at Simon's name, and took a moment to look away before looking back at the man.

"You got'me wrong Sir" he replied then sighed. "Rose is a great lass, I have always considered her a sister. But it would be unfair to marry her. I don't wish to marry at all. It is not something I hope for nor want. It only brings problems, which I already have enough of."