His fingers were warm against her hand as he slipped the band over her fingers, each touch causing her stomach to bounce in excitement and warmth. Then his lips captured her's gently, as if saying the very sentiments neither of them could find the words for. Mere words paled in this moment, even Caroline found herself convinced that they could not do justise to the very feelings that bubbled inside her. Her eyes fluttered open as he pulled back, her gaze meeting his own. She could only hope that he could read the depth of her emotions in her very gaze.

Her smile grew wider as he spoke again. Was he ... teasing her? Her stoic Evander. teasing? Caroline's smile broadened, if that was even possible. "I'm sure they believed you the moment you wrote." Caroline teased back. She could picture the solemnity of any letter Evander might have written on the topic. She couldn't wait to hear from her mother of the letter. It was a rare moment when Caroline truly missed her mother, but now was one of those moments. To put pen to paper rather than to bubble the news so joyously in her own voice and watch her mother's expression change. But her mother wouldn't be long before making plans to cross to England, Caroline was sure. Before she could get too lost down the rabbit hole of her thoughts Caroline assured Evander. "I shall have to write them this evening, I am sure they will want to celebrate."

Oh! To plan a wedding, the very thought seemed as unreal as it did appealing. "Not at all! I should be delighted." And indeed her excitement was now clear on her face. They could have a late spring wedding, or perhaps early summer. May or June. Caroline found herself thinking. But she did not dare mention this just yet, not when Evander has seemed so flustered by this very conversation. No, she'd give it time, she'd consider the options, and then she would discuss it with him in a manner who well planned he would agree.