Tabs had to suppose it made sense. She didn't have much to her, so she didn't generate much heat of her own. The weather in the region of France where she used to live was much milder than here too. She missed it sometimes, but not enough to think about moving back with relatives of any kind. It had come up a time or two, when she was fresh out of Hogwarts, most likely her step-mother's idea. It had come up again after her broken engagement, but not since she'd silenced the idea of running away when she hadn't any real reason to. A broken heart was not a good enough excuse to uproot one's entire life, especially when she'd just gotten into her career.

Mr. Colton's little phrases and colloquialisms were always some sort of amusing. They didn't always make sense to Tabi, but she smiled at this one, almost shyly, shrug barely noticeable beneath the coat. Those sorts of things were almost as educational as asking real questions. She never really had to, he was usually a fountain of facts and sometimes subtle nuances about his upbringing or life in the States just in the things he mentioned offhandedly. Pulling his coat closer to her chin, she had to admit she was warming up some, but she wouldn't be able to keep it for very long in good conscience, because he would get chilly sooner or later, plus is was a little too heavy for her. The cocoa would help and then she could strengthen the charm on her own cloak.

It was hard to miss the feeling of his hand at her back, even through the multiple layers. It was comforting when it shouldn't be. Tabitha had never enjoyed places that were all that crowded, too many eyes on her, and though it wasn't too bad at the moment, she could get overwhelmed somewhat easily. Fortunately the line for cocoa wasn't too long and though she pulled out her coin purse to buy her own drink, she didn't get the chance. As they took a seat near the braziers, it was almost too warm, but she hadn't reached it quite yet. Her cheeks felt the heat from the fire and the steam from the cocoa, along with the enticing aroma.

Blushing a little at the invitation to the dance later, Tabi wondered if it was a good idea. She would stick out like a sore thumb, her dancing skills were more for the ballroom than the barn, though she thought this at least might be more fun. She wasn't about to count out the possibility but, "I think we have a few hours before that can happen." It would be the first time she'd stayed, in the past off to a night shift instead, not entirely sure what to expect and a little intimidated by it all. Tabs perched herself on the bench comfortably, cocoa in her lap until it cooled off and ankles crossed beneath her, as always. The position had been drilled into her head growing up as she was directed to act like a lady at all times. His posture did not go unnoticed, so she was turned toward him a little bit, still keeping some distance between them.

"What was Ilvermorny like?" She asked, circling back to her previous thoughts, still curious. She brought her cocoa to her lips tentatively, blowy gently on the top before taking a sip, pleasantly surprised that it was good to drink.