"Pardon?" Cross paused mid-stride and faced her, clearly confused.
"Me. I must have been utterly daft to even consider him… let alone become betrothed." Essie shook her head, feeling ashamed of her lack of judgement.
"Essie…" Cross placed his warm hand on hers as it rested on his other arm. "Some people are masters of pretending, of projecting everything that they want you to see. Just because you are trusting, is not a reason to berate yourself. Rather, thank the Good Lord that you were saved from such a fate. I certainly know that I have offered thanks for it, more than once."
Essie bit her lip, helplessly drawn into Cross' earnest gaze. "Thank you."
"Always."
Essie searched his face, wondering how she could have known Cross for so long, yet not know him. Truly know him.
"If anyone cares for my opinion. I agree!" Anna broke the spell with her wry tone.
"I make it a point to never need your opinion, dear sister." Cross seemed to shake himself from the enchantment and smiled wryly at his sister.
"Your loss," Anna quipped.
"So, Miss Flanguard." Cross resumed their trek to the ballroom.
"Essie, I'll have to throttle you if you call me Miss Flanguard again." Essie narrowed her eyes playfully.
"I should enjoy that, I think." Cross flirted.
She blushed.
"I do believe that the next step would be a lovely ride in Hyde park." He shrugged casually.
"Next step?" Essie questioned.
"Yes, of course." Cross gave her a curious expression.
"Oh! Yes! In the… in the ruse." She swallowed, disappointment pricking her heart as she was reminded that this wasn't real. Was it?
"Would tomorrow at four be acceptable?" He took a step closer.
"Perfectly acceptable." She glanced away, then back, forcing herself to remain in control of her swirling emotions.
"I believe I shall take my leave until tomorrow. After all, we want to cause talk… not scandal." He winked and reached for her hand. Softly, he placed a warm kiss to her wrist, lingering for a moment longer than was customary. Rising, he focused on her once more, his blue gaze holding her captive. "Until tomorrow." With a bow, he left.
"Until tomorrow," Essie whispered as she watched him smile and turn to walk away.
Anna took at tentative step towards her, breaking the spell. Reluctantly, Essie glanced to her.
"Anna…" Essie began, pausing as she considered how to word her question.
"Yes?"
"How can one know someone their whole life… and suddenly not know them at all?" Essie whispered, casting one final glance to Cross' retreating form.
"I'm not sure I understand," Anna replied.
"Never mind." Essie shook her head.
Because how could she expect Anna to answer a question she doubted anyone knew the answer to, except for Cross.
Perhaps tomorrow at the park she'd unravel a bit more of the mystery, the prospect was both alarming and provocative.
Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.
CHAPTER FOUR
Cross ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. It wasn't a huge ordeal, simply a ride in the park.
Yet if it were so simple, why did his heart hammer in his chest at the very thought? If it were a trivial manner, why was he so bloody nervous? It was damn annoying.
Last night had been almost too good to be true. Essie had practically melted into his embrace while they waltzed; yet her delightfully playful personality shined brightly, twisting his heart further into knots. It was unbelievable how one person could wield so much power over another.
And not have a clue.
But he had to admit, that the whole plan was going quite well. He had danced with her many times in the past, yet last night she seemed to finally notice him, to recognize him as more than Anna's brother.
To see him as a man.
It was delirious, wonderful and altogether frightening yet at the same time empowering. Because all he was doing… was being himself. Contrary to what she believed, he wasn't playing a game; he wasn't acting. Every touch, every word was spoken from an authentic heart; from a mad and driving desire to pursue till she belonged to him alone.
He descended the stone steps of his bachelor lodgings and made his way towards Mayfair. It wasn't a long walk, but enough of a distance that his heart would have a chance to relax. At first, he had thought of taking the curricle through the park, but as he considered it—and the weather allowed—he decided that a simple walk would suit his purposes in a finer way. With a walk, he could go slowly, talk endlessly, and flirt easily.
Especially flirt.
He didn't want to waste one moment with Essie, but use each second as an opportunity to win her heart.
As he neared her residence, he ascended the stairs two at a time and knocked on the door. Her family's butler answered and regarded him coolly.
"Lord Crossby to visit Miss Esther Flanguard." He withdrew a card.