It's not a bad idea. In fact, my guess is that Harding will be the more forthcoming of the two, though that might not be saying much.

[ he presses his face lightly into her hand, picking his cup up to take a sip while he watches her. ]

No, you're not wrong. People were only ever interested in my charm because of my money, but I'd rather take on Clarke myself. I think talking to him immediately would be a mistake, so I'll have to make myself valuable to him first.