"Oh, dear heavens." His dry wit is in fine form now, as he pretends to consider the ramifications of what she's saying. "If they're that formidable, what could you possibly need me for?"

Not wanting to drag the conversation down with the serious answer she might give, he holds up a hand. "No, don't tell me. You wished to keep me from wasting away in bachelorhood, and decided to save me."