Evander waved it away, causing Caroline's brow to furrow in worry. "Of course." She found herself saying politely, although she found herself rather baffled. "I hope you feel well for the holiday."

She stood up as he did, hoping he might at least give her hand a kiss, or show some sort of affection. He truly did not seem quite well, although when he had come in the door he had. "Happy Christmas." Caroline returned, her brow furrowing, she glanced at Hope to see what her maid thought of Mr. Darrow's hasty exit, altogether missing the package that slipped into his pocket.

It wasn't until after Evander had left the room that Caroline realized she hadn't even given him his present. It wasn't anything big, at least for Caroline who had never known any sort of financial boundaries it wasn't big, just the first book of Mr. Tocqueville's works that she rather thought he'd enjoy. She'd have to send it to him with inquires to his health then. How she wished she could have seen his face when he opened it. She'd press him for an explanation later, she decided, once she was sure he was feeling better.