Bucky saw her and made his way over. He hadn't danced with her yet, and he'd noticed she was turning away others. Time to try his luck.

"Care to dance, my lady?" he asked, holding a hand out to her.

Elinor examined him for a few moments through her mask. She'd seen him dancing with a few others. He could be one of those who was dancing with everyone in hopes he'd find a princess... But she didn't think so.

"Thank you," she agreed, taking his hand. She'd try him out and see if she liked him or not.

Bucky gave her a charming smile and led her out to the dance floor.

"I have to admit, this is a great party," he commented as the music started again.

"It is," Elinor agreed. "Much better than the last one." She grinned. At least part of this one being better was the fact that she wasn't having to field a dozen proposals.

"Ah, at least it's not just me, then," Bucky said, grinning. "My last one was a carriage wreck, too."

Elinor snickered. "Fortunately this one seems to be going better for both of us."

"Indeed it is," Bucky replied, grinning. "The masks are a nice touch, I like it."

"Keeps people from getting unduly harassed," Elinor agreed with a nod. "And it adds some fun and mystery, which people seem to like."

"It's fun," Bucky said, grinning. "I mean, hey, I get to dance with all the ladies without being swarmed by anyone, that's definitely a perk."

"Indeed." That made her relax, just the slightest bit. "Does that happen often? Ladies swarming you?"

"More and less often than I'd like, depending on the situation at hand," Bucky replied.

Elinor chuckled. "Being mobbed is never a fun experience," she said sympathetically. "Fortunately everyone is too busy looking for a few specific someones to notice anyone else."

"I heard," Bucky replied, grinning. "Apparently the princesses are here somewhere. Smart ladies, taking advantage of a masquerade to have a little fun."

"Even princesses can use some fun," Elinor agreed with a little grin. "Sounds like you're rather sympathetic. That's kind of unusual, honestly. Most people are either star-struck or greedy."

"Why would I be starstruck?" Bucky asked. Granted, he already had a pretty good idea of who she might be. "Far as I know, I'm just dancing with a pretty girl. Even if I have to guess that she's pretty under the mask."

Elinor snorted. "I meant the people I've seen interacting with the princesses," she corrected. "But thank you for the compliment."

Bucky grinned.

"I live to serve," he said. "Has anyone actually seen the princesses tonight?"

"Hard to say, with everyone in masks," Elinor said with a mischievous smile. "I'm sure someone has."

" With everyone in masks, I'd be surprised if someone didn't," Bucky admitted. "I bet a lot of people have so far, without knowing."

"Probably," Elinor agreed. The song changed but she didn't make any move to stop dancing with him. "I'm sure the princesses appreciate that."

"I bet," Bucky replied. He didn't many any move to stop dancing, either. "I heard they've been getting swamped with proposals recently. Must be nice to hide behind a mask after all that."

"I'm sure they appreciate it," Elinor agreed with a little smile. "No hopes to find one of the princesses yourself tonight?"

"Nah, just here to have a good time," Bucky replied, an easy grin settling on his face. "If I do, I do, if not, no big loss."

"That's a surprisingly casual outlook," Elinor said with a little grin. "I think I approve."

"I aim to please," Bucky replied, grinning back. "But really, I am just here to have fun. My brother's here too, somewhere."