Yes, I have taken great pains to learn from my father, and from others that he knows.

[For the moment he doesn't take any steps to approach her, just in case, though there's something about the way that she says that... He pauses for a moment, looking slightly bewildered.]

Say what? I-I'm sorry, have I said something to offend you? [He hoped not. That would certainly be getting off on the wrong foot.]