He feels his stomach drop at the question, his throat restricting even more, removing what chance he had to catch his breath after this surprise. He hadn't been looking at her when she asked it, ready to lead her home, perhaps he should be grateful for that. The expression on his face was stricken and aghast. How did she know about Eponine already?! He could guess, given how the girl had little to hide...not that he had been reserved of late either. It had unsettled him a bit how attached she was to him and how quickly, but she hadn't said the word "love" or "boyfriend" in his presence, so he was unaware of how far it had gone. He had been distant of late, still disturbed by his fight with Sansa and his guilt. Apparently she was right to reprimand him. He put his foot in it now.

He finally turned back to look at Jeyne, understanding now her earlier reservation and formality. He doesn't let go of her arm though, afraid of seeing her slip back and away from him. He had seen how his mother responded to the thought of her husband straying, no doubt Jeyne was attempting to do the same. Support, but hurt and resentment beneath the surface.

"It-" he sighs, remembering this conversation with Sansa. "I was asked before if she was my lady and I told my sister the same as I will tell you, no one is replacing Jeyne." He was emphatic with it, giving her arm a squeeze. "I will tell you whatever you want to know, but not here. My dome will at least be private."