"I appreciate that," Clarissa said genuinely when the man apologized and said he would keep her informed of the situation. If he were to break things off, she would hardly be devastated. Pissed off, perhaps, depending on his deliverance of his decision. Annoyed, definitely, because of the disgrace it would bring her whether he intended it or not.

Other potential suitors would think she had been too awful for words or something along those lines - that she was not suitable to consider for ones bride. It would also be a shame though. For he had been a man she found herself greatly respecting and charmed by. Most especially when he had not been trying to be charming. She would not have been ashamed to call him her husband. Honestly, the idea that he might be one of those weak-willed men that fell prey to emotions like some pauper marred his image a little.

"And yet here we are. But come now, you have made your apologies and explanations," Clarissa said diplomatically as she sliced a small piece of cake and held it out to him. "There is almost nothing that cannot be made a little better with a piece of tea cake."