He could do many things, but he was, fortunately or not, cursed with a 'delicate' conscience. His wife, however, was not, and he did ask just how far she wanted him to go. When she gave him a roundabout answer, he sent back a sigh and reminded her that politics were not his bread and butter, war was, and simple, clear requests got fulfilled. And since only the two of them were able to listen to this, there was no chance of someone else finding out and blackmailing them with conspiracy.