The fluster was mutual. She hunched her shoulders together and stared across the room -- this avoidance of his gaze was made easier by the fact that she was sat next to him already. And although she stiffened at his side, it would be more fuss to extricate herself than to stay here. Quiet. Pleasant. Patient.

"O-of course. It wouldn't be seemly." Because you're a man and I-- "You're no servant. Certainly no handmaiden."

That would have to do.