He (the Imam) said...

He (the Imam) said, ‘The word “secret” means his saying, “The place of your date is the house of so and so”, then calls her to that place then asks her not to decide to get married with someone else before him when waiting period is complete.’ I then asked about, ‘Except if you speak in a lawful manner.’ He (the Imam) said, ‘It is seeking lawful matters without determination for marriage until the appointed time of waiting period is complete.’”

صحيح - Allamah Baqir al-Majlisi (Mirʾāt al-ʿUqūl fī Sharḥ Akhbār Āl al-Rasūl (0/198))