This is what Bunta had feared might happen. Lissa wanted to wear the ring, but she wasn't quite ready to deal with all the baggage wearing it would bring alongside. Unfortunately, they were a bit of a package deal unless she kept that hand pocketed for the rest of the walk.

Well, she needn't concern herself with it. This was his cue.

"You did nothing wrong," he assures Dorothea with a relaxed smile, hands in his pockets. "Things happened suddenly. It's a big change to adjust to-- for both of us."

He checks Lissa's expression, just monitoring, before continuing with no falter in his confidence. "That reminds me... sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to make your next show."

He trusts she understands the code message.