Or rejected.
His gaze scanned the crowded ballroom, as if searching, yet his movements were so confident, comfortable. He nodded to a passing gentleman and shook his hand. Skirting the room, his gaze finally landed on Anna but shifted to Essie, and remained there. With determined strides he made his way towards her, never once taking his eyes off her. Essie felt the odd desire to glance away and shift her position. Never before had Cross made her feel so… uncomfortable. Yet it wasn't an altogether unwelcome feeling, simply… strange. As he drew closer he lowered his gaze for a moment before lifting it again, only this time his face transformed into a charming grin. His cobalt blue eyes crinkled slightly, framed by lashes dark and thick.
Essie felt her knees weaken.
What was wrong with her? This was Cross! And the smile, she was quite sure, was all part of the ruse they were using to lure other men.
Other men.
Not Cross.
Yet she couldn't shake the strange swirling sensation of attraction that utterly shocked her.
"Hello, Miss Flanguard." He bowed and reached for her outstretched hand. His fingers gripped hers possessively.
Possessively? She shook her head. Perhaps this was a bad idea, asking Cross.
The whole situation was causing her to question her sanity.
He placed a simple kiss to the air above her wrist and straightened, his gaze searching hers.
For what, she had no idea, but she wanted to know.
"As always, you are utterly lovely. That shade of blue only highlights the depths of your eyes." He spoke so sincerely, as if the words were more than a compliment, rather they were a confession.
"I, er, thank you." Essie glanced away, a blush heating her face.
She had to pull it together!
This was not real, this was Cross helping her out.
He didn't truly think those things.
She glanced back to his earnest expression.
But he surely appeared to mean them.
"Cross, you really must tone it down. You're to appear as if you're courting her, not scare her off," Anna replied as she smacked her brother's shoulder with her fan playfully.
"Ah, dear sister, you give your friend far too little credit." Cross shrugged and turned a mischievous grin towards Essie.
His eyes gleamed with merriment, adding a twinkling effect to the slightly lighter shade of blue next to his iris.
It was fascinating. How had she never noticed it before?
"Miss Flanguard is easily able to withstand my poor attempt at charm," he teased, but his expression wasn't as playful as the intent of his words.
It was strange how she could see that, as if his expression were able to speak louder than his words.
It was something she'd remember.
"Indeed." Essie found her voice as she pried her gaze away from Cross'. "But I must admit that your brother is a far better actor than I anticipated. I dare say if you ever wished to, you could tread the boards at any theater," she teased.
"A compliment from the lady!" Cross grinned. "But alas, it could never be. You see…" He leaned forward slightly, his movements drawing her in, she followed suit till they were closer than was proper.
Yet she found she didn't care a fig.
"Yes?" She whispered delightedly.
"I have stage fright," he whispered.
Essie laughed and shook her head, leaning back. "How horrific for you."
"Indeed, it's humbling in the extreme. So alas, I can never achieve my dream." He pretended to be wounded at the thought.
Essie laughed and glanced to Anna, who was watching them with a strange expression.
"Anna?" Essie asked, her brow pinching in confusion.
"Ah, nothing. Nothing." She shook her head slightly as her gaze darted between Essie and her brother. "I do believe I'm thirsty however, I'll be back shortly."
She spun on her slipper and left in a swirl of pale green silk.
"Odd," Cross commented.
Essie turned a questioning expression towards him.
"Odd that she didn't ask me to retrieve her some lemonade. I honestly can't remember the last time she didn't expect me to procure her a glass." Cross met Essie's gaze then shifted to watch his sister's retreating back.
"I'm sure it's nothing."
Essie shrugged.
"So, Miss Flanguard—"
"No. Cross I've known you far too long for you to call me 'Miss Flanguard'. Essie, if you please. After all, we have a role to play, do we not?" She leaned forward and whispered the last words quietly.
Cross met her gaze with one of his own, without hesitation he leaned in towards her. His eyes roaming her face, finally focusing on her lips. "Indeed we do. Far be it from me to shirk my responsibilities," he whispered, and leaned back.
Essie felt his retreat acutely, as if he had taken the warmth of the room with him.
"I should like to secure the super waltz and, if you wish to cause a stir, I'll take one additional dance."
Essie bit her lip. "It would indeed make a statement. Very well."
"Would you care to start now?"
"Now?"
"Yes, dance, you me, the cotillion." He swayed his shoulders slightly, pretending to dance.