Page 21 of The Lady No One Noticed

Esther felt every word that Astrid said like a punch to her heart. She couldn’t believe her own sister could belittle her so ruthlessly. She knew that Astrid had become excessively opinionated with her success as a debutant, but her cruelty was unwarranted. Her attack put into words Esther’s own fears. Why would Ian want to court her?

“Esther, I believe that Astrid is trying to say that we don't want you to get hurt by setting your affections on someone unworthy," Hildred interjected, deliberately ignoring insults that Astrid heaped upon Esther. "I don’t want you to forget that Fergus is keen on making you his wife. Do not discount him because he isn't as charming or handsome as the Marquess. At least we know Fergus' intentions are noble, my dear.”

Esther was appalled that her mother would prefer that she marry Fergus. He was a toad in his own right, but when held up against Ian, he couldn't even compete. She could understand Astrid's vitriol; that could be from petulant jealousy that Esther had a worthy suitor. But she could not fathom why her mother would still rather she marry the Baron.

Having nothing else to say to either her mother or her sister, she retired to her bedchamber. Esther rang for Ruth. Together they went through Esther's gowns, searching for the perfect dress for her visit to the museum with Ian on the morrow. Ian may not be intending to court her in earnest, but that did not mean that Esther couldn't pretend that he did.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Ian couldn’t seem to stop thinking about Esther. Everything about her intrigued him. Her shy manner, her politeness, her kind smile, and how she was extremely receptive to everything he said and did. She seemed truly excited to be with him. The fact that she became flustered when he asked to escort her to the museum showed him that she had never had a real suitor before.

While he felt sorry that in her first two Seasons she hadn’t had the pleasure of a proper courtship, he was also quite glad that he was the first man to give her that happiness. He knew he was only doing this for his own benefit, but that did not mean he wanted to hurt Esther.

Just as he reached last of the stairs leading from the front door of Hathershire Manor, his eyes fell on Lord Hathershire, who had just exited his carriage. He had already seen Ian and was walking towards him with a smile.

“Lord Gilbert,” he said, clapping Ian on the back.

“Lord Hathershire,” Ian replied respectfully.

“You must be calling on Astrid, I presume,” Wilson said with a certainty that irritated Ian. He was finally beginning to understand why Esther lacked confidence. Her own family didn’t give her enough credit. They failed to acknowledge all the excellent qualities Esther possessed. She was probably more intelligent than the entire Chapple household combined.

“No, My Lord, I was here to call on Lady Esther,” Ian answered honestly, stressing Esther’s name. He wished for Wilson Chapple to understand that Esther was just as attractive as his other daughters.

Ian noticed how Lord Hathershire suddenly went quiet. Ian could see the surprise that had registered on his face and then Lord Hathershire’s facial expressions changed.

Ian waited for several seconds for him to say something, but he was clearly in deep thought. It seemed as if he was contemplating something and making an imminent decision. Ian

cleared his throat discreetly, hoping to bring Wilson back to the present.

“Is all well, Lord Hathershire?” Ian asked once Wilson had turned to look at him again.

“Sorry, My Lord. My mind was elsewhere,” he replied, smiling casually.

“You seemed to be considering something,” Ian said, curious to know why his calling on Esther had caused her father to lose himself in his thoughts.

“I was just remembering pressing estate business that I must oversee at once,” Wilson replied. Ian was certain that the man was not being wholly truthful, but Ian was already late and thus decided to leave the matter alone.

“I must take my leave now, My Lord. However, I am to escort Lady Esther to the Egyptian Museum on the morrow, so perhaps I will see you again then,” Ian aid casually, hoping that Hathershire would understand that Ian was serious in courting Esther.

“Oh, yes. Delightful, Lord Gilbert. Good day,” Lord Hathershire said absently as he led Ian to the door.

Esther had never been more excited. She donned her favorite dark blue gown with puffed sleeves and delicate lace at the hemline. She wanted to look her best for her outing with Ian.

“Ruth, are you certain I look well?” She asked, and Ruth answered her patiently, for it was not the first time that her mistress had asked that very same question.

“You look beautiful, My Lady. Do not worry so,” Ruth replied, her tone soft. She rarely got annoyed and was the kindest soul.

Esther was seated in the drawing room, waiting for Ian’s arrival, her nerves tingling and butterflies flying about in her stomach. She was excited and worried at the same time. What if he did not come? What if he had been toying with her? Astrid’s acidic words kept running through Esther’s head.

Her mother entered the drawing room and Esther stood up.

“That color does suit you, Esther,” Hildred said, smiling. Esther was rather stunned that her mother was paying her a complement, for it was an unusual occurrence.

“Thank you, Mother, that is very kind of you to say,” Esther responded, almost expecting a criticism to follow.

“Baron Dunshire will be joining us for dinner tonight, and I expect you to be in attendance. Your father wants you to take extra care with your appearance, so you must return from your outing early,” Hildred informed her.

Esther’s smile vanished. “As you wish, Mother,” she replied graciously, as she had been taught. There was no point in arguing, for it certainly wouldn’t have changed anything.