Oh, yes - especially if it's just Garwine and Thornden who come after him. If Aedhel were to come with them immediately (maybe she has to go back for her healing things?), he might just shoo them off and face it... but if she's not there I think it would be most like Leof to try and avoid it...
And I second what lmp has said - excellent posting, everyone! And nice to see you, Celuien.