There was something so gentle in his gaze that she had no doubt of his words, in case she had his tone would have dispelled it immidately. But for once Caroline could think of nothing to say nothing to do other than to gently squeeze his hand. It did not do to dwell on things that had not come to pass, after all.

It was excuse, they both knew it, but Caroline merely nodded and allowed him to tug her down on the wall, grateful to rest her legs - despite the days she had spent sitting the life boat. Her brothers, she was sure, ,were watching, Tony might have turned around, but Shawn was much too protective to do that. Caroline found she didn't have the energy to care. "Thank you." Her words were hushed as she merely took in his presense.

Another moment passed and Caroline knew she should say something - anything. Her mind tumbled over pleasantries, finding them hard to formulate after all that had passed. It was clear she could not ask after Evander - he had been shaken to his core, his admission had said as much. Work was likely not much better, from what she could tell the Ministry had been helping with rescue attempts, and his family - well she knew more about Alfred's current movements than likely Evander did. Which left his niece. "How is Charity?"