Page 10 of The Lady No One Noticed

The sound of their carriage arriving reached his ears so he strode over to them.

“Mother, Father,” He greeted his parents as they stepped down and came to stand in front of him.

“This is the perfect place to make your reappearance into society,” his mother remarked, touching his arm affectionately.

“I know, Mother.” Ian responded with a small smile. He loved her and wanted to see her happy.

“The entire ton has been invited, and by your presence, everyone will know that you are officially searching for a bride,” his mother continued genially.

“Yes, Mother,” he said. He knew that she only wanted the best for him, and he was content with it. Jack’s plan had also made him more amenable towards the idea of marriage. He was actually looking forward to finding himself a potential bride––one that would fit the requirements he had in mind. He wanted to get the business over with as soon as possible, so he could return to his preferred lifestyle all the quicker.

“Your Graces, my Lord,” the butler addressed them all with a bow before guiding them to the drawing room. Ian looked around and recognized many prominent guests.

“Do my eyes deceive me?” Ian heard Neil’s magnetic voice on his right. He turned to see that Neil was smiling broadly and looked well.

“That depends on what you are seeing. If it is a monkey dancing on my shoulder, then you are, in fact, deceived,” Ian said with a grin.

Neil laughed and looked at Ian's parents, who were standing just behind him.

“I don’t see any shackles. How did you manage to get him to come, Uncle?” Neil asked lightly. Ian knew that Neil was trying to make him feel welcome with his jests. He had missed Neil.

“No such coercion was required, I assure you,” the Duchess answered, extending her gloved hand towards Neil, who kissed it. “I love the way Madeline has redecorated; you have found yourself a good wife, dear boy,” his mother continued.

“She will be delighted to hear that,” Neil said in his usual jovial manner.

“I shall do just that,” she replied and took his father’s arm before disappearing in search of Madeline. Neil once again turned towards Ian and engulfed him in a hearty hug. Ian felt the affection in the brief embrace and knew that even though he had managed to alienate a great deal of the ton, that he did still have true friends who cared about him

“I would not have expected to see you at such an event was attended by the cream of society. I am horrified to be surrounded by this many members of the ton, and I invited them,” Neil said dramatically, hoping to ease Ian's obvious discomfort.

Ian laughed. “Well, dear cousin, I have decided to reform. I am putting aside my rakish ways and am looking for a wife.”

Neil’s eyes widened at Ian’s reply, and he looked at him disbelievingly. Ian had expected the reaction since he knew how difficult it was for people to believe that a rake could be reformed.

“You must be putting me on,” Neil said, clearly stunned.

“I am not. I assure you that I really am here to find myself a bride.” Ian confirmed.

“My, my, and have pigs begun to take flight?” Neil questioned jokingly.

“Not to my knowledge. I have simply come to realize that it is time to assume my proper place in society. After all, I will inherit a dukedom. I must secure my line with an heir,” Ian answered truthfully. However, he did not know whether he was trying to convince Neil or himself.

“I can’t imagine you giving up your roguish lifestyle Ian, you seemed too well immersed in it. Though I am glad that you have taken this step and are trying to reform yourself. I hope your quest for a wife is successful.” Neil said and Ian smiled. He was glad that at least someone wished him well. Before the conversation could continue, dinner was announced.

Ian smiled and made his way to the dining room. His search for a wife started now.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Esther entered the dining room, walking as swiftly as possible beside Baron Dunshire. She couldn’t help but be enchanted by the beauty of the decorations. The entire place had been illuminated with candle lights and an array of hothouse flowers in large vases encircled the room.

“Our seats are just over there, Lady Esther.” Baron Dunshire addressed her, motioning towards the left side of the table. Esther nodded, and the pair made their way to the table. As soon as they reached their places, Baron Dunshire snatched out his chair and sat down heavily, leaving Esther standing. Esther’s eyes widened at his lack of manners but she did not bother to comment. This was just the kind of boorish behavior she expected from Fergus.

She took out her own seat and sat down beside the vile man. Fergus turned slightly to face her, and Esther started at how close he suddenly was. A very pungent smell hit her nostrils and she scrunched up her nose reflexively.

“Is something wrong, Lady Esther?” Fergus questioned, casually staring at Esther’s face. She was about to reply when she suddenly understood what the smell was. Fergus’s breath smelled like strong spirits, and the stench was strong enough to nauseate her.

“No, My Lord.” Esther replied, turning her face to her empty plate.

How am I going to survive an entire dinner sitting beside this man?