“Nane taken whatsoever,” Wil replied with a friendly smile. He knew that he was going against the rules by speaking to the young women in a familiar tone since that familiarity had not yet been earned. Still the young man couldn’t help himself. He genuinely enjoyed trying to make others laugh and was glad he succeeded with at least one of them.<br/><br/>“Donna’ be too hard on Joanna, - Ah tried tae make ‘er laugh,” he explained. He was concentrating now on speaking properly, where before he had been intentionally playing up his accent for effect. “Eet’s a bad habit ay mine,” he continued before stopping himself. There was more but Wil didn’t know where to begin. “Forgive me, mah master would be unhappy if we were caught spikin’ loch this. And yet…” he looked at her with a conflicted expression. “I feel it is mah duty tae try an’ put yer mind at ease. I couldn’t help but notice how our presence caused ye an’ your folk distress, an Ah feel terrible about ‘at. I may be able tae lessen yer worries, though, if ye would hear me out. May we spick privately?” he asked.<br/><br/>Wylyam knew full well that seeking a private audience with an unmarried woman would be frowned upon by one and all. And yet his sense of responsibility won out over prudence in the battle raging inside of the young man. He looked at her expectantly, hoping for the best.