"I thought it would be general amusement all around? The joke is that you and I did not come together." In part, he thinks that probably would have been impossible due to varying complications -- something Nerva has no approval for.

There's a pause and he notes the sourness in her voice. Well, despite the jest, she doesn't find it particularly amusing.

"It wasn't a joke at your expense. I thought it was generally amusing since we simply didn't." And wouldn't have, he assumes.