Page 19 of The Lady No One Noticed

“Thank you, My Lord,” She replied shortly, doubting he had any knowledge whatsoever of music. He did not seem the type to enjoy the arts, unless one counted a bawdy ditty sung in a dark tavern on the docks.

“Well, I'm afraid that I must bid you all goodbye. I have a pressssing engagement,” Fergus said, standing up rather unsteadily. He turned to Esther and grabbed her hand, placing a sloppy kiss on her knuckles that she longed to wipe away. "I essspeccialy hope to sssee you again ssssoon, Lady Esssther." He turned and was escorted out of the room by Hildred

The knowing smile he bestowed upon her made her skin itch, and Esther fervently hoped that their next meeting would not come for a very long time.

“Well, um, that was a rather promising visit,” Her mother said when she returned.

“Oh, really Mother? Did you fail to notice he was suffering from a surfeit of drink?” Esther asked. She didn’t understand how her mother could think a match between her and the Baron would be desirable.

“Don’t be silly Esther, he was absolutely fine,” her mother scolded, apparently choosing to ignore Fergus’ inebriated state. Esther rolled her eyes, knowing there was no point in saying anything more.

The butler entered again, looking a bit bewildered.

“Lady Esther has another caller, My Lady,” he announced.

Esther gaped at him and turned to look at her mother who appeared just as confused. Two callers in one day for Esther? Impossible, the look seemed to say.

A small seed of hope once again took root in Esther’s heart. There was only one other gentleman she had interacted with recently, and that was Ian. Her mood lightened, and all thoughts of the repellent Fergus were chased away.

“Whoever could it be?” Hildred asked, clearly at a loss.

“Lord Gilbert, the Marquess of Ilenshire,” the butler answered, and Esther couldn’t control the smug smile that formed on her lips.

Ian had surveyed his appearance one last time before leaving the house. He wanted to look pristine before meeting Esther. A man’s appearance had a great deal to say of his character.

He made his way towards Hathershire Manor and was at Bond Street when he noticed a small flower shop tucked away in a corner. He knew that women loved flowers and assumed Esther would appreciate a thoughtful gesture. He immediately went to the shop and bought a sizeable bouquet of dusky pink camellias. He thought to give her roses but did not want her to read too much into his gift.

As he reached the Hathershire Manor, he saw Fergus exiting the manor, decidedly unsteady on his feet. The man belched, and Ian got a whiff of spirits when Fergus passed him. He suddenly felt outraged on Esther's behalf. The lout hadn't even bothered to change his clothes before calling upon her. Ian hated that she was being forced to interact with him and wanted to call the man out for disrespecting her.

His intention of marrying Esther only solidified. He couldn’t allow a lady like her to be left to the mercy of a man like Fergus. He walked towards the door, where a butler greeted him respectfully.

“Please inform Lady Hathershire that Lord Gilbert, the Marquess of Ilenshire is here to call on Lady Esther,” Ian said confidently, actually looking forward to seeing her once again.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Esther stood up from her chair, happiness radiating from her face. She couldn’t believe that Ian was calling in on her.

“Send him in,” she ordered since her mother seemed incapable of replying. She turned to look at Esther with a confused expression but did not look pleased. Esther shrugged. She was delighted enough for the both of them. Her mother went to stand beside her as they waited for Ian to enter the drawing room. Astrid just sat there, looking too astounded to move.

Esther’s heart thudded in her chest as Ian walked inside, looking even more handsome than he had at the ball. Sunlight made his chestnut brown hair appear a shade lighter and his eyes gleamed when they fell upon her. Esther’s eyes widened as she saw the bouquet of flowers he was clasping in his right hand. She adored pink camellias.

“Lady Hathershire, Lady Esther, Lady Astrid,” Ian addressed each one of them formally as a charming smile graced his lips. “I hope you all are doing well.”

“Yes... yes, we are, My Lord. I hope you are well too,” Esther’s mother responded, her breeding superseding her astonishment.

“I am, thank you.” He answered before turning to face Esther. “These are for you, Lady Esther.”

He extended the bouquet of flowers towards her. Esther noticed that Astrid’s face was now showing incredulity. Esther thought she was most likely upset that the marquess had not made a similar gesture to her.

As she took the flowers from Ian, his hand brushed hers slightly, and her entire body came to life. Thrills of awareness coursed through her, and she gasped slightly at the touch. It felt as if tiny sparks of electricity had emerged out of his hand and were piercing her skin in the most pleasurable way. She looked up to stare at his eyes and noticed he was looking at her with a strange expression. Esther stopped breathing for a second and she felt heat rising in her cheeks.

“Would you like some tea, Lord Gilbert?” Her mother asked, interrupting their moment. Esther took the bouquet and backed up a little, trying to regain her balance. She was flustered and was trying her best to hide her emotions.

She still couldn’t believe that not only had Ian called on her but also brought her flowers. No gentleman caller had ever done that before. Her heart was giddy with happiness.

“I would love some tea, My Lady,” Ian answered graciously and Hildred went to the door to inform the servants.

“Please have a seat, My Lord,” Esther said, motioning towards the chair that had just been vacated by Fergus. She resumed her seat beside Ian, feeling like she was in a dream, whereas Fergus was her worst nightmare. Fergus was a vile, abhorrent man who inspired nothing but disgust, while Ian was the personification of a gentleman. Esther sighed as he looked at her with an admiring gaze.