Evander for his part seemed… embarrassed. It was the best way that Caroline could interpret until her words caught up with him. Finally he glanced at her, Caroline had smoothed her features to make sure she looked nonplussed as her eyes sought his. There! There was a twinge of a smile tilting his lips as he took back his apology, Caroline couldn’t help the returning smile. “I should hope.” She kept her words playful, they could steer through this, she felt certain of it. It was just a strong wind, nothing to worry the ship as a whole. The worries that had begun to grow unbidden in the back of her mind, those awful clouds, dissipated as his hands found her own, the squeeze of warmth a comfort and a reassurance. She gently squeezed back, letting him know it was alright.

An exercise? That certainly seemed to make it seem much less romantic, internally Caroline shook her head. This, much like socializing, did not seem to be Evander’s strong suit. But she was sure she could remedy that. After all he had no qualms talking with her now, nor attending events either, both of which she had come to know were not things he was comfortable with. She would add kissing to that list soon enough, but for the moment. “I shall, and I do, Evander. Although I dare say you ought to call it something other than an exercise.” She teased.