[ It comes across exactly as he hopes. That smile returns, a small thing that she lifts a hand to half-hide. It's perhaps the most relaxed expression she's held for the entire conversation.

The man is obviously competent and clever, but able to laugh at himself. It's...oddly charming. ]

Indeed. They said so as well. But I never did things quite the way they expected, either.

[ And then her expression cools once more at the mention of her family. Not a frown, but something blank. Somewhat removed and distant. ]

Ah. I understand they were compensated fairly. It would have made things easier for them in the grander scheme. They certainly no longer had a dowry to concern themselves with. I imagine it must have been a relief to them.