And you don't know why but you're dying to try, you wanna kiss the girl.

[anonconda]

MAKE A MOVE Here's the thing: this person is completely, totally, absolutely into you. You're into them, admit it or not. And the icing on the cake? This, right now, is the moment. Whether there's romance in the air on a perfect date or it's an uncomfortably inappropriate time and place, you know there will never be an opportunity like this again. There's sparks. There's a connection. They're giving you A Look that melts your heart. All you have to do is make a move. You can do that, right? ...right? You're not too stubborn or too shy to do so, are you? This is your shot! But - wait. Oh no. Are you the kind of idiot who can't take a hint even if there are blaring neon arrows pointing you in the right direction? Hopefully, fingers crossed, you aren't. Because, like we said, you have to seize this once in a lifetime opportunity. No one likes to have to kick themselves down the road for not taking a chance, after all. Comment with your character, info, preferences, preferred role, etc. You know what to do.

Comments

[thequitecontrary]

'Lady Mary', really, but she doesn't expect Americans to get it right. He is trying to be respectful of her at least. She sighs. "Yes. The next time we want to introduce a new breed of cattle to Downton, PaPa and I will send representatives to do research instead." She's silent for a moment listening to the wheels roll over the metal tracks below them. "But if not for you, we would be robbed of the money we brought with us and I would probably be dead. I do not know who you are hiding from, but I don't see how they could possibly be a match for you."

[ex_rangering900]

Well, it's slightly more of a territorial thing. If John was in England, visiting her father's home, he'd know to use the honorifics. That's their home turf, and part of a guest's duty to play along with laws and customs in other countries. At least as much as conscious will allow. In Texas, it's more what a guy does and says than what his birth status was. (Although, to be fair, that does matter.)

"Might be a good idea to send someone you trust first, sure. Get the lay of things." He fidgets, resisting the urge to look out the window again. He's not that good at the escorting part of his new job. "It's safer for those I care about," Like his sister-in-law and nephew, "if I keep the mask on. Otherwise, criminals might take their aggression out on people who don't deserve it."

[thequitecontrary]

Of course Americans are democratic. That is what they fought the war over, after all. But Mary doesn't hold any ill will towards them. Her mother happens to be an American, so she is at least somewhat familiar with their customs.

He's looking away from her and it makes her wonder if he has not felt as she has, that there is something between them more than just duty. It was in the way he looked at her as they rode away on his horse (an enviable horse, she might add) that made her feel as though this might have been more than a job for him. Combined with the fact that he doesn't seem to want to accept payment for his work; are men really what noble? But perhaps she is reading this all wrong.

"Sir, are you completely sure that we cannot compensate you in some way for your time? You put your life at great risk. If you won't accept money from my father, perhaps you will accept something from me."

[ex_rangering900]

"I'm sure." He shifts, head turning back in her direction. "Ma'am, I don't do what I do for a reward. I do it 'cause it's the right thing."

And no one on the legal side of things want to upset the apple cart, to put it in plain words. Now, there could be something not completely professional between them, if you want to call it that, but. If there is, it's probably on a subconscious level. Pushed away and given little thought because, unfortunately, thinking a girl is pretty doesn't stop her, or anyone else, from getting hurt.

"What's that?"

[thequitecontrary]

"How extremely noble of you," she replies, gazing into his eyes. "That makes you quite unlike most men. Perhaps I am imaging it, perhaps it is just your sense of duty... But I feel as though there is something between us. The fact that you won't tell me your name or show me your face only heightens the intrigue surrounding you." Mary inches closer to him, putting her hand on his knee. "Forgive me. I realize that I am being incredibly forward and I ask that you don't mention this to my father, but I was wondering if we might not see if there really is anything between us. Do you know the best way that I've found to do that?"

She's being extremely forward but there isn't time for idle chatter and beating around the bush. Soon enough this train will be at the station and she'll be whisked away never to see him again.