[ a breath out, ]

I cannot say. At a guess? Camaraderie.

[ she can imagine how he might write it off, put importance to the intent of her request and not the letter of it,

(it's how she'd have done it; it's how she operates still) ]

But it might as neatly be cowardice. To protect another's privacy, is also to avoid needing speak of it. Either motive might have ruled here.

[ either's plausible. she likes ashlock; until now, has trusted to his judgment. he has character, wits, potential —

he's also a bit of a pussy. ]