"Perhaps we should give him some exercise?" It's an innocent enough suggestion, though there might be something more behind it. Inara spoke with more than just her fellow Companions last night, and gained quite a bit of insight about the dear Marshal here and all that he had truly been through.

He could use some pleasant company, and poor Max could use a walk, or several.

"I also wanted to speak with you about the possible acquisition of tea. I brought a decent supply, though it will not last." Is that a staple ration? She doesn't know. At any rate, it's a relatively safe conversation topic.