[It earns a soft laugh from him. It's still entirely too intimidating and evil-sounding, but it's quiet at least.]

You don't need to worry about that. I don't particularly care whether your father would approve or not. If this is something you're interested in, then we can find a way to address that should it become necessary.

[He lifts their hands, shifting a bit so he can hold her hand before him.]

I would be honored if you would agree to... court me, Marianne.

[He presses a light kiss to the back of her hand, exactly as gallant and proper as someone like Ferdinand would manage.

...It's kind of ruined entirely by just how red he's turning, but you know what, he's trying.]