Page 20 of The Lady No One Noticed

Ian had noticed how Esther had blushed deeply as his hand had touched hers slightly while handing her the flowers. He had enjoyed her reaction. He hadn't been around anyone who would go crimson at such an innocent touch in a very long time. All the female interactions he had had recently had been with rather bold women who knew exactly what they wanted and how to get it. Esther’s shyness and innocence were extremely attractive, and Ian felt fascinated with her.

“We were not expecting you, My Lord,” Lady Hathershire said as she sat down stiffly in front of him. Ian noticed how Lady Hathershire and her youngest daughter's expressions were somewhat bewildered. It was evident that they were not used to Esther having a gentleman caller and weren't sure what to make of it. On the other hand, Esther looked delighted, and her happiness was the only thing that mattered to him now.

“I was sure Lady Esther was expecting me,” Ian said, still looking at Esther. He raised his brows questioningly, willing Esther to acknowledge that she indeed had wished for him to call on her.

“I wouldn't say I expected it, My Lord, but I am happy to see you again,” she said softly, and Ian felt his heartbeat accelerate. He didn’t know why her reply mattered so much to him, but he was pleased.

“I am glad, Lady Esther. I hope to be a regular visitor in the future,” he said, confidence oozing from his tone. He heard Esther’s sharp intake of breath at his words and smiled at her reaction. It was exactly what he had been hoping for.

He noticed how Astrid’s expression had turned positively bitter at his words, and that Lady Hathershire was trying her best to decipher his meaning.

“You are, of course, always welcome, My Lord. Our families are such old friends,” Esther’s mother replied. Hildred knew how to be gracious even though her consternation. However, Ian bristled at her intimation that his visit would be one of friendship. The woman obviously did not see Esther in the same way she saw her other daughters, and it rankled him that Esther's own mother did not see her worth.

Esther couldn’t take her eyes off Ian as he engaged her in conversation. His charisma was bewitching, and Esther noticed that even her mother and Astrid couldn’t help but be fascinated with him. He had successfully incorporated them in the conversation and was extremely pleasant with them.

Has he truly reformed?

Esther hoped it was true. She did not wish to be caught up with a rogue or fall in love with a man who would never love her back. She hoped his intentions to be pure, devoid of any artifice.

“Do you play the pianoforte, Lady Esther?” Ian asked as his eyes fell on the grand piano.

“Oh yes, she is quite skilled at it. If you had arrived little earlier, you would have been able to see the performance she put on for Baron Dunshire,” Hildred immediately answered, stressing Esther had played for Fergus. Esther knew why she was doing that. She wished for Ian to know that Esther had another suitor. Esther felt extremely annoyed but did not comment.

“Indeed. I'm sorry I missed it. I hope to have the opportunity to hear you play soon,” Ian said, not taking his eyes off of Esther.

“I would love to play for you, My Lord,” Esther answered feeling thrilled at the prospect of playing something he would enjoy.

“Lady Esther, I wondered if you would like to accompany me to the Egyptian Museum tomorrow? With your mother's permission, of course,” Ian asked, glancing deferentially at her mother.

Esther was taken off guard by the offer. Calling upon her was one thing but asking to escort her to the museum was another matter entirely. Appearing together in public would cause speculation among the ton. Esther’s heartbeat accelerated at the possibility that Ian intended to court her openly.

“I’m thrilled you remembered our conversation, My Lord,” Esther sighed unable to believe he had made note of her words.

“How could I forget? You have a sparkling wit, Lady Esther,” Ian replied without a moment’s delay and Esther seemed to forget how to breathe.

As soon as she regained control of her emotions, Esther turned to her mother and said, “I am sure mother will allow the outing.” She prayed the woman would see that there was really no reason to refuse the Marquess’ request without causing offense.

“Of course. I’m sure Esther will be delighted to join you, My Lord,” her mother replied woodenly.

“I would,” Esther said turning to look at Ian with a smile, hoping she was managing to contain her excitement in front of him.

Ian nodded then took out his pocket watch from his coat and glanced at the time.

“The hour grows late, I must be off,” Ian said standing up. Esther’s heart fell but she knew he couldn’t stay any longer. The rules about visitation were stringent in these circumstances.

“Thank you for calling, My Lord,” Esther said, standing up beside him. Ian was much taller than her and she had to tilt her head to look into his eyes. His hazel irises shone brightly and made Esther feel at ease. They contained an odd sense of tranquility that descended into Esther’s soul, making her feel as serene as the morning sky or the sea after a storm.

Ian bowed with a smile, the perfect gentleman. He turned around to leave and both Esther and her mother walked him to the door. Esther stayed in the entryway until he was out of sight, and then practically floated into the drawing room.

She sighed and felt as if no one suited her better than Ian did. He seemed to understand her like no other and didn’t judge her as the rest of society did. He valued her for her intellect, her words, and her nature. To him, she was so much more than just a wallflower with two failed seasons.

“How long are you going to stand there mooning?” Astrid’s grating voice forced Esther to turn around and return to the drawing room. She could have said something taunting to Astrid but didn’t wish to ruin her own mood by starting an argument.

“I hope you are not fooling yourself into thinking that he is actually interested in you, Esther. He is nothing but a rake, and I am sure he has disappointed many young ladies unwise enough to fall for his practiced charm,” Astrid commented in a decidedly malicious. Esther controlled her rising anger, willing for herself to remain calm in the face of her sister's attempt to put her in her place.

“Or perhaps he has reformed and is no longer a rogue,” Esther retorted.

“Well, even if that were the case, why would he be interested in you? He is handsome, titled, and most importantly, heir to a dukedom. Do you honestly think the Marquess would choose a wallflower with two failed Seasons? It would make much more sense for him to set his sights on me, but of course, I would not welcome his attentions as I already have the Duke of Alewood interested in me,”