"I should rather like to see you there, but I do understand if you cannot make it," he said. He did not say that he was obligated to go thanks to who he was. But at least if he was going, he thought, he could have some fun, right? He smiled lightly at his companion and offered his arm. "Why don't we borrow our books and be on our way? I am sure we can come up with something for you to wear if you do decide to attend." And he would see to it personally that she had a gown if nothing else.

He gazed at her for a good long while and said, "Ah, yes, come with me. We're going back to market." He grinned.