[ Of course he knows that her words are true, and while he can hardly begin resenting his duties and responsibilities, and the realities of life that must separate them, he knows that in his private thoughts, he does resent those things. And on top of that, he believes all of this to be quite unfair. Believing that does not alter the situation, but he cannot help how he feels. ]

But you must know that I do not wish to go far away and leave you here. I am- Well, I am doing it willingly, because I do not feel forced, but I am hardly doing so gladly.

[ He hopes that she understands the distinction there. He goes because duty says he must, and he does not mind doing his duty, but he is not happy about it.

He falls silent so that he might hear her explanation, as he feels it is quite important. ]

A knight with standing? I can hardly envision such a thing. You, however: I could see you being a noble lady with quite a lot of standing.

[ But again, he quiets so that she can finish. ]

Even then, there was a connection? That does not surprise me. I wonder- [ What was I feeling at that time? ] I wonder if neither of us were pleased that I was engaged to another.

[ She has not said that in so many words, that that was the purpose of the party, but he can read between the lines. ]