Chapter 12
"A Silent Stranger"
Jess stood just outside the gates of the Swann mansion, his mask off. Deana beamed when she saw him. His shoulder length hair was neatly brushed and pulled back behind his head. He looked freshly bathed and was dressed in what appeared to be an older formal suit of Will's. To Deana, he was absolutely breathtaking.
"Jess, why isn't your mask on?" Deana asked.
Jess fiddled with a bright green eye mask. "I wanted ye t' recognize me," he smiled.
Taking his hand, she replied, "I would have." Evangeline smiled when she saw the teen blush. The three made their way to the mansion, masks on, and were greeted at the door by Will and Elizabeth.
After a polite greeting, Evangeline turned to Deana and whispered, "All about the two of you, right?" Deana nodded. "Have a wonderful time." She raised her voice a bit and said, "Elizabeth, I do hope you'll let me dance with your husband."
Elizabeth smiled. "Of course, but be sure to watch your toes."
"I'm not that bad," Will said, feigning a pout.
"I'll see you later then." Evangeline made her way into the crowd.
"She came without Cedric?" Will asked.
Deana nodded, then turned to Jess. "Is your father coming?"
"I did as much persuadin' as I could, but I couldn' get a solid 'yes' or 'no' from 'im." Jess shuffled his feet for a moment. "We still get t' stay, right?" As an answer, Deana took Jess' hand and led him into the crowd.
An hour passed and things were going smoothly. There was no sign of Cedric, but there was no sign of Jack either. Everyone was intrigued by everyone else's masks. Some were simple eye masks, as the girls and Jess wore, while others had their entire face and head covered. Trying to guess who was who was the biggest source of entertainment for the evening.
Deana was teaching Jess to dance – they found he was a natural. They talked and laughed as they twirled around the other guests. Deana never knew she could feel so safe in someone's arms. Just as Jess was telling her about cave that he and Jack – as well as the crew – had found a rather large treasure in, Deana caught sight of Evangeline. She was dancing with someone who had his entire head covered with what appeared to be a gold cherub face, only his eyes peering through. The smile on her face was genuine and the man she was dancing with was extremely graceful. The song ended and Deana watched as the man bowed and took Evangeline's hand. Deana had caught Evangeline's eyes and she rushed over to her.
"You look as if you're having the time of your life," Evangeline commented to both Deana and Jess.
"S' nice t' be in a crowd an' not runnin' from it," Jess chuckled.
"And it's wonderful to be in the company of a pirate," Deana smiled. "I've learned that you can't listen to others' opinions." She paused a moment, then said, "I know that I shouldn't be saying anything, promises and all, but you look to be having a good time yourself. Do you know who he is?"
Evangeline smiled again, shaking her head. "I haven't the foggiest of ideas, he hasn't said a word to me."
"What? How on earth does that work? And how can you be having such a good time?"
Blushing, Evangeline replied, "Body language says quite a bit at times. He's a gentleman and answers my questions…if nods and the like count."
Suddenly Deana's voice tensed. "It can't be Cedric can it?"
"Not unless Cedric's body as well as manners have changed," Evangeline laughed. "That's the last thing you have to worry about, believe me. It's not him." She sighed. "In fact, it doesn't matter who he is, really. He's a marvelous dancer and, unlike so many other people here, hasn't asked a single question about my soon to be former engagement."
"He could be anyone," Deana said, worrying about her cousin.
"Well, I guess we'll find out who he is at midnight." No sooner had Evangeline said this than the masked stranger approached her, once again silently asking for her hand. With a smile, she took it and resumed the mysterious relationship.
Deana suddenly jerked her head back to Jess. "Jack!" she exclaimed. "It's him, right?"
Jess shook his head sadly. "Nah. Me dad staggers and sways, 'e doesn' bloody waltz."
Evangeline followed her dancing partner's lead, unable to keep from asking questions. "All right," she said coyly, "are you one of Norrington's men?" The man shook his head. "Are you a business man?" The man paused a moment, then moved his head in an "either or" kind of fashion. Evangeline shook her head. "You're not going to tell me a thing about yourself, are you?" He shook his head. "How about me, then?" He cocked his head to the side. "For example, do you know who I am?" He nodded. Evangeline smiled. "I see. And we've met before?" Once again, he nodded. "And now you're wondering why I'm answering questions I may already know the answers to, right?" He nodded again. "Well, it's to work up the courage to ask new questions. Ones like: Are you aware that I am to be wed?" He nodded, but then tightened the grip around her waist. Evangeline smiled. "And now I've the feeling that you're aware my fiancé is not a concern of mine." Another nod. "I see…" Feeling brave, she next asked, "Is that why you're dancing with me?" He shook his head. She felt herself pressing her body closer to the stranger's. "Are you attracted to me?" He nodded. "Do you wish to kiss me tonight?" He nodded, his hand caressing her face. Evangeline's breath caught for a moment. "Will you take off your mask at midnight?" He looked down, not answering. Suddenly breathless, she added, "If you do, that kiss may be yours."
