"I—"
"She hasn't. Ever. Believe me! I've waited and watched and studied every emotion, every nuance of her face. I have every smile, every laugh memorized and they haunt me, taunt me every moment of the day. Before I even had a chance, she belonged to another."
"Trighton," Anna whispered, watching him as if seeing him for the first time.
"Yes, bloody bastard that he was for hurting her, at the same time I was thrilled that finally I'd have a chance."
"She asked you to court her… to pretend to," Anna murmured, her eyes narrowing as if deep in thought.
"Yes, and I agreed but vowed that I'd play… but for keeps." He released a pent-up breath. "And I think I might actually have a chance, Anna… but I have no idea…" He paused, dropping his gaze to the floor. "She thinks I'm playing the part. I'm simply being myself… but what if that's not enough?" He slowly raised his gaze to meet his sisters.
"Then she's a bigger fool than Trighton," Anna replied with a warm smile. "She might be my best friend, but you…" She shrugged and reached out to lightly punch his shoulder. "You're my brother. And as much as it pains me to admit it—" She heaved a dramatic sigh. "—you are quite the fine fellow."
"High praise." Cross chuckled.
"Take what you can get," Anna teased. "So…" She drew out the word. "What are you going to do about all this? I mean." She held up her hand to keep him from interrupting. "I get that you're trying to have her fall for you… and, if I may add my opinion, I think she's doing exactly that—"
"Wait. How so?" Cross listened eagerly.
"If you could have seen what I saw at the ball, you'd agree with me. She watched you, searched for you and I don't think she even realized she was doing it."
"Truly?" Cross felt his grin widen with hope.
"Yes I—"
Just as Anna started to speak, their butler knocked on the door. Anna quirked a knowing smile and bade the butler to enter.
He bowed. "Miss Esther to see you." He stepped to the side and allowed Essie entrance into the library.
Cross watched with rapt attention as Essie glided into the room, her cheeks pinking slightly as she met his gaze.
Anna let out a chuckle that she tried to cover with a cough.
Cross turned to glare at her quickly.
"Forgive me… I do believe I need some rest. Yes. Wouldn't want to catch a chill." She coughed again.
Cross decided his sister had no talent for the theater.
"I'm so sorry to abandon you, but I'm sure Cross will be a gracious host." Anna smiled sweetly at Essie.
Essie's brow pinched as she regarded her friend. "I do hope that you improve soon, I'd hate for you to miss the Smithcote Route."
"I'm sure I'll be completely improved soon," Anna answered quickly, too quickly as far as Cross was concerned. She must have thought so as well, for she immediately slumped her shoulders slightly as if weakened. "But to insure that I'll be in attendance, it is of the utmost importance that I rest. You understand." Anna offered a weak smile.
Cross could help but simply watch the poor performance unfold and hope that Essie somehow fell for it.
"Of course! I'll be sure to check on you before I leave," Essie replied with a sympathetic tone.
"That would be lovely," Anna said and walked to the door. As Essie turned to face Cross, Anna glanced back and offered Cross a quick wink.
And closed the door.
Completely.
He would have to thank her later.
Profusely.
"Poor Anna! I do hope it's nothing serious." Essie's expression was still concerned as she strode further into the room.
"I'm absolutely certain she'll make a quick recovery. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she felt much better this very afternoon," Cross replied, careful to keep his tone from carrying the amusement he felt over the whole situation.
Yet the amusement faded as he watched Essie walk over to the couch and run her hand over the back of the cushion. She lifted her eyes to give him a quick smile, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"Essie? Is… are you well? You seem concerned…" Cross took a tentative step towards her.
"Oh, yes. I'm quite well, I just am… trying to build up the courage, I need to make another request, you see. And I'm afraid my request is far more… personal than my last." She gave him a hopeful smile, but her gaze lowered to her gloved hands as she picked at her dress.
Cross watched her, curious as to her request and how it could possibly be more personal than her first. How did one ask something more personal than courtship? Even if it was asked under a pretense?
"Essie, I assure you that I will do anything within my power to assist you in any way," Cross replied, concerned that maybe something was truly wrong.