[John knows that he is taking his time in this reveal. He also feels more than a little bit self-conscious about this conversation -- which is ridiculous, in retrospect, considering how intimately he does know Claire.

Crossing back to the fire, he hands her a glass of brandy, keeping his own as he sinks down into his chair before he replies.]

I -- think so, yes.

[He offers her the flash of a self-conscious smile before glancing down into his glass in an attempt to gather himself.] I suppose you could say that I took what you said to heart. I'm... Not certain I can say what his motivation was. Perhaps it was the spirit of the Carnivale?