Was this happening? Was this man whom he had just so recently met inviting him to travel with him? The idea already spun round in his mind and was elaborated and Tristan felt a blush creep up to his face, though that could be blamed on the wine and the warm food of course. Of course. He grimaced a little at the mention of New York, but let it go, for the bait was too tempting.

He smirked and sat back a little, looking at the earl. "I get the impression you'd bring me to shelter you from the young ladies," he teased. "Very well, I could settle for that deal, though I doubt I could protect you from all wandering eyes."

"As for the research, yes, it would be a professor in my field at university, who would help me set up and structure my research and advise me. But they are very busy and have to like you and your research, and then it has to please the boards and get funding and all that. I'm beginning to think it's better to do it in my private time. Gives me more freedom." And the possibility to publish anonymously.