Re: Dinah and Hill
"Ears?" Was that fishing for a compliment on her ears? Hill had to glance at them. Nope, they were ear-shaped. Maybe a poet could make something of shells and perfect crescents, but that would just be stupid. With a very little headshake to get the thought out of mind, Hill dismissed the idea. It was enough that she seemed to be amused, or at least gracious.
Another almost-but-not smile pulled at Hill's mouth. "Your reputation will be safe with me. I can't speak for the gossips, but they do all the speaking anyways." It was almost, but not quite, a joke, or at least a shared amusement that dealt with wordplay. Hill couldn't remember the last time this much tension had eased the shoulders beneath the blue coat.
Until the widow reminded them both that the offer to dance had been made, and apparently was now being accepted; Hill would far rather stand here and talk than go out onto that floor, but...well, he had asked. Though the Captain couldn't help the breath at the comment. "Pity more people don't think that way. Alright, then let's dance for America."
Leading her out onto the dance floor, Hill settled hands in the appropriate places, an entirely proper distance between them, and was slightly relieved when the music was actually somewhat familiar, even if the steps had been mostly-forgotten long ago.