"Why cover what is meant to be appreciated?"
"Yes that was certainly your motto as a young child. Why, I'm sure I should be scandalized with all the times I've seen your bare chest," she baited him, raising a daring eye brow.
"I hold fast to my earlier sentiment." He grinned. "But I must say, the view is infinitely more… impressive these days."
"I'll have to take your word for it."
"Yes, after all, we're after gossip—"
"Not scandal," Essie finished.
"Indeed," he replied.
They walked on in companionable silence for a bit. Essie shifted slightly, turning to him he saw a curious light in her eyes, "Cross? Why aren't you married?"
He almost tripped. That was not expected.
"You've failed to propose, so alas I find myself waiting." He shrugged.
"Tease! Honestly, though. You're handsome, you have a great sense of humor, many attributes a woman would find… favorable in a husband."
"Ah yes, favorable. What a… passionate word," Cross replied back, a playfully irritated tone to his voice. "All men dream of being favorable."
Essie pinched his arm.
"Ouch!"
"You deserved that. You know what I mean."
"I most certainly did not deserve that! Abuse, I tell you! And no, I do not know what you meant!" He rubbed his arm dramatically and narrowed his eyes at her.
She sighed in an exasperated manner. "I meant," She drew out the word. "That I can't quite figure you out, and I'm trying to."
"So I'm a mystery? That's quite different than asking why a man isn't married when he's so… favorable." He tossed the word back, grinning.
"I'm never going to live that down, am I?" she asked, blushing slightly.
"No."
"Delightful," she muttered.
"So, let me see if I understand this. You want to know why I'm not married, you think I have favorable traits, and you don't understand me?"
"Yes." She nodded.
"Welcome to the world of me trying to figure out women." He paused and bowed dramatically.
"Foul!" She cried as she laughed delightedly. "You're a miserable wretch." She spoke through her laugh.
"I'm quite a few things. All of which are… mysterious." He wagged his eyebrows.
"Yet another thing I'm sure to never live down." She covered her face with her hands.
"Essie, you should know by now that I truly do not need additional fodder when it comes to things to hold over your head. I've known you for far too long."
"Yes but…" Her smile fell slightly, replaced by a curious and dangerous glint to her eyes. "That's so puzzling to me, Cross. You know me so well, you remember… well you remember far more than I wish you to," she replied almost begrudgingly. "Yet I… sometimes wonder if I…" She paused, searching his face then glancing away.
"If?" he asked gently, waiting, hanging on her every word. Hoping for perhaps a sign that just maybe, she was truly seeing him.
"Miss Flanguard!"
Cross glanced up, utterly annoyed at the interruption. And upon seeing the person inquiring, he grew far more irritated.
"Hello, Miss Montray." Essie, ever the lady, offered the woman a smile and a polite nod.
"Miss Montray." Cross bowed.
"I'm so thankful to see you. I…" She glanced cautiously to Cross.
"Yes?" Essie spoke, bringing back her attention.
"That is, I'm very sorry about yesterday. I'm not sure what transpired… but there was one element of the conversation that has me… concerned." She spoke hesitantly as she glanced down and picked at her gloves. "Perhaps you could walk a bit with me?"
"Miss Montray, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have, and I insist on the integrity of my escort," Essie replied, gripping Cross' arm tightly.
He felt like soaring. She trusted him implicitly and had said as much.
"Very well…" Miss Montray's gaze darted between them. "Did you indeed, part with Lord Trighton amicably? I understand it is none of my affair, so please forgive my intrusive question." She blushed and glanced away. "But I need to know."
"Indeed we did, Miss Montray," Essie answered.
Because while it wasn't her idea to break the betrothal, she had agreed to it.
"That is… a great relief to hear." Miss Montray sighed, smiling. "That's what I was led to believe by Lord Trighton, but after last night, I questioned the truth of his statement. As I'm sure you're aware, as the ton harbors a penchant for gossip, my family needs me to marry into a title but we cannot have any scandal attached." She nodded firmly
"I see," Cross replied, his expression thoughtful.
"If I may offer one slight suggestion?" Essie spoke carefully. Cross watched as she picked at her dress, seeming nervous.
"Of course," Miss Montray answered.
"Take your time. I've learned that sometimes...we can be easily misled," Essie offered.
"Thank you." Miss Montray accepted the words with polite grace. "I'll leave you to your afternoon." She nodded and turned, leaving them alone once more, save the maid.