"Not in appearance, if it's any consolation." If she hadn't taken his arm, she likely wouldn't have guessed. Perhaps he thought her expectations were unrealistically high, given her intensive studies? It was a good thing she didn't show him her notes, then, as she wasn't sure he was physically up to the part where they chased each other and laughed and sparkled. His heart was sort of not there, after all.

Still, she was curious. She could either wonder silently and harbor her own assumptions, or just flat out ask him. If he didn't want to answer, he could just ignore her, change the subject, or decline straight up.

"So what's bothering you?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "You needn't answer if you are uncomfortable doing so. But if you would have me adjust my role, I would gladly affect a change."