Page 25 of The Lady No One Noticed

Ian smiled. Her soft voice spoke the sweet words, and her dulcet tone could make a man forget all his troubles.

“I hope you enjoyed our outing,” Ian said knowing that she did but needed to fill the space with words.

“I did, My Lord. Very much indeed,” Esther said stopping in front of the front door.

“Would you do me the honor of accompanying me on a picnic tomorrow?” Ian asked, already planning for the next day. He knew he must move forward as quickly as possible, that he must see Esther publicly every day.

“That would be wonderful. I do adore picnics,” Esther replied, looking elated. She was not expecting Ian to make plans to meet again so soon and it pleased her immensely.

“Well then, I am looking forward to seeing you again tomorrow, Lady Esther,” Ian said as he bowed formally before bidding her farewell. He waited for her to step inside the manor and before turning around, he smiled at her. He walked the short distance to his carriage and was about to step inside when another carriage suddenly came to stop beside him.

Lord Hathershire stepped out and walked around the carriage to come and meet Ian.

“We keep meeting in my drive, Lord Gilbert,” Wilson laughed and Ian bowed.

“That we do,” Ian replied.

“Have you just returned from your trip to the museum?” Wilson asked with a raised brow.

“Yes, I saw Esther inside a moment ago and was about to depart,” Ian responded. He had never before felt any tension when conversing with Lord Hathershire, but it was in the air now.

“Do you have a moment? I can offer you a drink,” Wilson asked suddenly, a thoughtful expression on his face. Ian understood why he had asked it and rejoiced internally at the offer.

Even though he had originally decided to talk to Wilson after his picnic with Esther tomorrow, now would be a much better chance. He had to seize the moment and make his intentions clear.

The sooner, the better.

“Absolutely, My Lord,” Ian said with a smile and Wilson nodded before turning around. The two men walked inside the manor and Wilson brought Ian to his study.

They entered the large decorated in dark brown tones. The colors brought to mind the color of Esther’s eyes. Her beautiful eyes were so animated and full of life. Her innocence was displayed clearly in them and Ian knew he could get lost within their depths.

“Brandy?” Wilson asked casually, forcing Ian to return his thoughts to the task at hand.

“Yes, thank you,” Ian answered as he took a seat on the chair that was placed in front of Wilson’s desk.

Wilson walked towards the decanter and poured brandy into two glasses before walking towards Ian. He wordlessly handed one glass to Ian and then sat down in front of him and took a sip from his glass.

“Ian, I have known you all your life and have always believed that you are a good man,” Wilson said after taking a few more sips of his brandy. Ian sat up a bit straighter. “Though I also know about your less than pristine reputation.”

Ian knew that Wilson was no fool and had most likely done some checking into Ian’s past. Ian respected the man for that, even though he knew that Wilson would not have liked what he had learned.

“I won’t deny it that I was a determined rogue, My Lord, but that has changed,” Ian answered, willing for Wilson to believe him.

Wilson looked Ian in the eye and asked, “So, what are your intentions with my daughter?”

This was the exact moment that Ian had been waiting for. “My intentions are entirely noble, My Lord. In fact, I would like to request your permission to formally court Lady Esther,” Ian told Wilson plainly. Wilson knew that Ian was a much better choice than Fergus, and a rational man like him would always weigh his options before making a decision. It was known that Wilson took pride in his daughters and having this one marry a future duke would certainly work to solidify his family’s position in society even further. Ian did not expect to be denied but still felt nervous after making his declaration.

After what felt like hours, Wilson finally said, “Well, then, you have my blessing, son. You may formally court Esther,” Wilson raised his glass to Ian and Ian did the same.

Ian couldn’t help but feel relieved that things were moving along so swiftly. It was no hardship to squire Esther to the museum or take her on picnics. Everything was much easier than Ian had anticipated, and he was thrilled.

He chose to ignore the unwanted thought in the back of his head that he was behaving dishonorably in pursing Esther only to essentially abandon her after they wed. But this was the way of many ton marriages, he told himself, and at least Esther would not be forced into bed with Fergus.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Her mother had chosen a pastel green gown for Esther to wear to dinner and Esther made no objections. She had no intention of trying to look beautiful for Fergus and the pale shade of the dress made her look sallow. All the better, she thought.

“How should I style your hair, My Lady?” Ruth asked as Esther sat in front of the mirror. Esther’s brown locks flowed freely past her waist, making her look much younger than her twenty-one years.