Their faces this close, the intense look in those brown eyes of his, a faint movement of his mouth as if forming words, it was impossible not to know what he meant. The press of his fingers before he moved away reassured her, and Caroline found when he did that a smile softened her features, assured of their future and his regard for her.

He had lifted his gaze from her’s, checking the door way, her mind realized he was making sure they had not been caught, that her reputation would not be harmed even here in the safety of her own home. It was endearing, this protection he provided her, unlike anything she had ever experienced from a man who was not a family member.

Her eyes widened slightly at his explanation, worry creasing her forehead. “Oh,” Caroline caught the movement out of the corner of her eye, Hope joining them, taking a seat by the window and lifting some sewing in her hands. “I do hope you are alright. Perhaps some tea shall help remedy it?” There was confusion there, wondering if his illness was a way to apologize for his liberties, but then she realized it likely had to do with the before. It was all forgiven, of course. Sometimes she had found that words only muddled things with Evander, only make them murkier and more confusing. She often found that a look or a press of his hand, or in this case a passionate kiss, conveyed much more of his thoughts than what he spoke. She’d have to remember her lesson if they were to live a life together.