[He laughs.] You do realise everyone else in Alenroux has relationships of their own, right? Partners, friends, families... None of them have their reputation ruined just for something as ordinary as that.

[Or at least he doesn't think so, not that he spends as much time among them as she does day to day.]

I think for those who care about you, they'd be happy for you. To everyone else, they'll figure it's none of their business.

[Gossipy types aside, but those are everywhere. He leans in to catch her lips in a brief kiss again, as if to head off another of her reflexive protests before they can happen. Then he adds, more softly:] But... we can take it slow. Nobody has to know until you're happy with it, and you know how long I can keep a secret.