Marion blinked at the sudden change in topic, and then at the utterly inappropriate idea of going out to dinner, with several reasons behind that, including the fact that their companion was a recently-purchased slave who was desperately in need of some time away from prying eyes.<br/><br/>"I am not at all unwilling to go out to dinner, but I think it would not only cause a scene but be quite unkind to the girl after the ordeal she's been through. Call and have the skinks prepare both a meal and a bath and perhaps a chamber for her to rest in. And clothes, if you're feeling generous." While her primary motive was actually altruistic, she certainly didn't lose sight of the fact that if the Catkin had her own room for the night, that would mean that she wouldn't be in their room.<br/><br/>At least he had the good sense to ask what she would eat.