continued from here with @starredcomplexion

softly , the music played from the record player in the corner of the room ;slow and steady , words a mumble against the span of the room . he takes another sip of his bourbon before placing it down on the cart’s surface , clearing his throat at caroline’s offer to dance . it’s an intriguing one , he wouldn’t deny that , but there was a problem with this scenario , one he didn’t quite care to admit - he didn’t know H O W to dance . he had two left feet , the last time he checked , which hadn’t been for years . and hector was certain that the woman standing in front of him , with one hand held out to him , was much more successful at dancing than he was .

‘ i’m not sure that would be the B E S T of ideas , mrs . hubbard , ’ there’s a nervous smile on his face , small beads of sweat begin to show on his forehead . he’s a nervous man , but he steps forward , and puts his hand in hers , pulling her toward him with an anxious air . ‘ i might step on yours toes . ’

❝ mercy, what a silly thing to say! ❞ the excitement in caroline’s voice served her well, and she used it to her advantage to help mask a feeling they were all too familiar with. anxiety that clutched at her heart, for it was far easier to smile and pretend than to face the very real possibility of getting found out. caught; but as it happened, there was little they could do about it now. with her hand elegantly placed on hector’s shoulder —a comforting touch she reinforced with a little smile— the actress guided him to the center of the restaurant coach and prepared herself for this improvised, dancing lesson.

❝ the lady goes right, the gentleman goes left. eyes on your partner, mr. macqueen, and do not let go of my waist. ❞ if this was her family, what was left of it, then it was caroline’s job to keep them all focused while the investigation evolved. and as she gave him one last, reassuring glance, she parted from him just enough to lead herself into a slow turn. once, feet as light as a feather.