She doesn't exactly remind him of his sisters, but being with her reminded him of being with them. She's some genuine lightness in the middle of a war, too, and that's -- rare. A strength that Wash really does admire, as one he doesn't have himself, and a much-needed kind.

"Handmaiden, technically, in Carolina's case." In an amused half-drawl, or as much of one as he can manage, given how fatigued he still is. "Just, you know. A very well armed handmaiden."

Barrayarans and their issues with women, man.