Evelyn's smile abruptly takes on a saccharine quality that would make knowing parties head for the hills, and she feels her fists clench at her sides. It takes every scrap of her considerable self-control not to indulge the desire to introduce his teeth to her knuckles.

"It's sweet that you need to reassure yourself of that thing you call 'charm,' but I've been happily married for nine years."

Evelyn turns and, with all the dignity of royalty, collects her papers, her books, and a fraction of her pride. "Enjoy your stay in Wonderland," she states brusquely, before an afterthought strikes her and makes itself known.