Page 32 of The Lady No One Noticed

“It is a little more crowded than usual today,” Esther commented as they made their way deeper inside the park.

“I actually like it better when it is crowded. I enjoy looking at all the happy families around me, it makes me appreciate life all the more,” Ian replied with a smile.

“My Lady, should we lay down the blanket under that tree? It is dense enough to give shade, and the view is spectacular,” Ruth said pointing towards a tree located a little further away.

“Well done, Ruth, yes you may lay down the blanket there. I love that spot,” Esther exclaimed. She loved picnics and was ecstatic that Ian had arranged for this.

Ruth walked forward with a blanket in hand as Ian and Esther followed behind her. The two were silent, simply looking at all the people around them. Once the blanket was set, they all sat down comfortably, appearing content with themselves and their lives.

Ian’s footman placed a large picnic basket on the blanket and Esther looked at it curiously. A small smile appeared on her lips, and she felt Ian staring at her with a questioning expression. She looked up to meet his gaze and found it trained on her.

“Why are you smiling at the picnic basket, My Lady?” Ian asked, his tone humorous.

“My honesty might hurt your honor, My Lord. I should remain silent,” Esther answered with a small laugh.

“Now I am intrigued; you must reveal your secret this very moment,” Ian insisted dramatically. Esther couldn’t help but laugh at his expressions. Her heart was happy that he didn’t mind being involved in playful banter with her and she could simply be herself around him.

“I half expected you to forget to bring the picnic basket,” Esther whispered, trying to stop herself from laughing out loud. Ian looked at her with widened eyes before he started chuckling deeply.

“You wound me, My Lady, you wound me! But I must tell you that the moment I went home yesterday, I informed our cook about our picnic and asked him to prepare an excellent picnic basket for us,” Ian explained seriously.

Esther smiled genuinely before nodding.

“I won’t doubt you again, My Lord,” Esther replied with a small nod, still enjoying the playful mood they were in.

“What if I had actually forgotten the picnic basket?” Ian asked.

“Well, I did think about bringing one, but that would have been rude. So if you had actually forgotten, we would have just sat here talking and enjoying the scenery,” Esther replied honestly.

She extended her hands to take hold of the basket and started taking everything out. She knew that Ian was looking at her, and his constant gaze was making her flustered. Despite that, she focused on the task at hand and organized everything. Once she had divided up the food, she turned around to look at Ruth, who was seated just a little distance away.

“Ruth, can you please distribute this among yourself and the servants?” Esther asked. Ruth took the food with a gracious nod, and Esther turned to look at Ian who was once again staring at her with a confused expression.

“I have never seen anyone do that,” Ian said, sounding amazed.

“What do you mean?” Esther asked as she scrunched up her eyebrows.

“Sharing the picnic food with the servants,” Ian explained, and Esther laughed softly.

“How many picnics have you been on, My Lord?” Esther joked, and Ian couldn’t help but smile at her.

Esther knew that most would not divide the food this way, but it simply felt wrong to ignore the servants. Ian had brought an abundance, and the two of them would never finish it alone. It was better to share it rather than let it go to waste. Esther also felt wrong eating while the people that were there to serve her were just sitting and waiting.

“You are one of a kind Lady Esther,” Ian said, his words soft.

Esther’s heart rate increased at his compliment, as it was evident that he was admiring her.

“You are very kind, My Lord,” Esther said, trying to meet Ian’s enigmatic gaze. It was always difficult for her to look him in the eyes during such conversations.

The two busied themselves with eating, and Esther thought the food was excellent.

“The food tastes delicious, My Lord, you must thank your cook for me,” Esther complimented.

“I’ll certainly do that. I am sure a compliment from you will make his day. Though I agree, my parent’s cook is remarkable. I have actually known him since I was a young boy and I even wanted to bring him to Ilenshire Manor with me. Though Mother swooped in and forbid him to even step foot out of the Gilendale Manor,” Ian told her with a laugh.

Esther couldn’t help but notice the glint in his eyes whenever he mentioned his childhood and family. It showed how much he loved them all and enjoyed being with them. Esther, too, loved her family, although they had never been very close.

“You must have had a lovely childhood,” Esther replied with a huge smile.