At least her smile looks just the same as ever. It takes a beat, but he does squeeze her hand in return.

"Of course I would." He pulls her fingers briefly to his lips, laces their fingers more contentedly as his gaze again drifts to the Dawn Treader. "I would have you know where I'll be, how I'll be living, while I'm not by your side."

Which certainly wouldn't be always, but also certainly would be frequently once his ship was properly seaworthy.