The mere brush of Evander's thumb against her cheek made Caroline's heart miss a beat altogether. But all too soon he had pulled away, glancing at the doors of the ballroom. It was a keen disappoint that Caroline felt, having always been able to charm men into such an action and now the man who wished to court her she couldn't even entice to kiss her! Was it only British men who were so very aware of doing the proper thing instead of the right thing? More ruled by their mind for manners then their hearts? But that glance behind them.... it dawned on Caroline that Evander was probably trying to protect her! Unlike the other men she had met before he genuinely seemed to care for her future well being and not only the here and now. The thought comforted her and she smiled gently at Evander to make her graditute known.

Despite the jest Caroline could hear some worry in Evander's tone and she laughed lightly. "Truthfully, it was a close call. I felt certain Mr. Wells was about to propose on the spot after our gaviotte." Caroline teased merrily, brushing away the comment with her spare hand.

She fixed her gaze on him though and added more softly, and seriously, "I was waiting for the right man though." There, the truth was out, lingering between them like the flush that had bloomed on her cheeks.