I agree, Cassie was a woman who had alot of the same qualities as Jack. She saw what she wanted and went after it. Of all the men in that bar, she zeroes in on Ennis. ( As a matter of fact, Ive often thought if the story went differently, she and Jack may have made a good pair). Being a barmaid, she no doubt has had her pick of men. She had everything any red-bloodied male could want and a personality to match. She saw Ennis as another attractive guy, but he was not the typical aggressive personality that she probably was used to. He sat alone in the bar, apart from the others , did'nt have much to say when he could have taken the opportunity to come on to her as she served him beer, instead it was she who had to make the first move. She soon finds that he is shy and sort of withdrawn. Didnt reject her dance proposal, instead letting her take the lead to the dance floor. and probably let her take the lead in other aspects of their relationship, mainly sex.
All along I feel Ennis knew that this could only go so far. Jack was still in the picture and he knew that Cassie would not understand why he needed him. I feel he would rather die than to have her find out what his *true* feelings were if he let her get too close. Therefore he just plays along imo and when she starts talking marriage, plays her off completly. She leaves messages at his job and residences, trying to hunt him down. Little does she know Ennis does'nt really want to be found which becomes clear later. IMO he shouldn't have led on her on and hurt her, but this seems to be a pattern with Ennis. Jack and Alma suffered in similar ways in trying to figure this man out. He's complicated no doubt. My take.
