[Certainly while he seeks to earn her ire, Rip does not mean to cause Peggy actual insult. In truth he knows that for her attentions to be so drawn Peggy must indeed feel a genuine measure of concern. It's not a side so often shown, he thinks: that part that worries, that might fuss over the well-being of another. He's had opportunity to see it firsthand, and while well meant, Rip wouldn't exactly call her efforts a well-honed art.
But there are other ways to tease and taunt—lines that still portend danger, but less so than matters of the heart and whom might have earned a space there. Though Rip cannot see Peggy's face he is close enough to feel her warmth, his cheek angled just so that when her cheeks flush, he can sense that touch of new heat on her skin.
The question—the play at reversed insult—only comes as confirmation of her enjoyment of this new tack. And indeed, Rip cannot deny a heady rush of his own. Taking such liberties right there amid the crowd! The hint of a smirk presses against her temple: a quick and stolen brush of lips to her hair before he answers.]
As you once advised me, Miss Carter, no one will likely notice provided you don't make so much of a fuss. [After all, others dance around them, and show far greater affection to their partners. There would be nothing unusual about a wandering hand—or even a shared kiss, as the hour draws near to midnight.]
no subject
But there are other ways to tease and taunt—lines that still portend danger, but less so than matters of the heart and whom might have earned a space there. Though Rip cannot see Peggy's face he is close enough to feel her warmth, his cheek angled just so that when her cheeks flush, he can sense that touch of new heat on her skin.
The question—the play at reversed insult—only comes as confirmation of her enjoyment of this new tack. And indeed, Rip cannot deny a heady rush of his own. Taking such liberties right there amid the crowd! The hint of a smirk presses against her temple: a quick and stolen brush of lips to her hair before he answers.]
As you once advised me, Miss Carter, no one will likely notice provided you don't make so much of a fuss. [After all, others dance around them, and show far greater affection to their partners. There would be nothing unusual about a wandering hand—or even a shared kiss, as the hour draws near to midnight.]