"That's quite alright," Caroline assured him with a bright smile, inwardly she groaned. "I am sure will manage." Afterall she was quite well versed in most dances and confident in her ability to make it seem as if he were the one leading even if he weren't.

"Are you enjoying your evening?" She hoped that distracting him with conversation would keep him from getting too nervous about the dance

  

"I didn't mean to imply your toes are in any danger," Gideon added. Something about her smile in response felt over-bright and he suspected she wasn't feeling quite that enthusiastic, but if she was covering up some internal disappointment he felt he ought to defend himself. He wasn't as bad as all that, he just thought polkas weren't exactly his best dance. He'd do well enough, but they wouldn't be the picture of grace on the dance floor.

"It's been a lovely evening," he continued as they began the dance. "I've found this little dance card switch-up quite enjoyable. What did you think of it?"

  

"Of course! But my toes feel safer for your having said as much." Caroline agreed cheerily.

"I think it is such a clever idea." It did keep one always moving and dancing which left little time for thinking - a fact she was grateful for. " A good way to make sure all guests are having an enjoyable time"

  

"Yes, I agree," he said, though he wondered whether she meant to imply this benefited the unfortunate or unsociable guests more than the 'normal' ones. That seemed to be what he read from her tone, but perhaps he was being uncharitable to her since he wasn't familiar with her or her communication style. She was American, too, so perhaps that had something to do with it. He had talked with plenty of Americans, but never for very long. Maybe they were just brisk like that.

"It has the advantage of expanding my usual dance card, at least," he admitted. "And it's been a pleasure dancing with some unfamiliar figures."

  

“I agree. I should hope that I might have the chance to dance with you again Mr. Ollivander.” Caroline told him as the music began to die down. Although her mind drifted to Mr. Darrow again at the thought. She wondered what he had thought of such a chance of pace. She had a sneaking suspicion that he likely was not as amiable to it as Mr. Ollivander.

“Thank you for the dance.” She added as they completed the last steps. Teasing as she completed her curtsey, “Your polka skills are beyond what you have advertised.”