Page 33 of The Lady No One Noticed

“I did, My Lady, indeed,” Ian replied, and the two continued talking as they ate. Ian told her more about his childhood, and they once again discussed the happy moments they had shared at Hathershire Manor. It was fate that had connected them once again. Esther felt as if the stars up above had aligned to bring them together. She knew it sounded poetic, but everything with Ian was as perfect as poetry. Ian was looking at her with a sly smile that Esther couldn’t understand.

“Is something amiss, My Lord?” Esther asked, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

Esther watched as Ian searched through his coat pockets and took out a handkerchief. He leaned in slightly towards her and extended his hand.

“You have some butter smeared on your chin. If you’ll allow me…” he said before gently wiping away the butter from her chin through the handkerchief. His touch made her shiver. Esther breathed in sharply at his closeness. Her chin tingled and her senses were suddenly flooded with a strong whiff of sandalwood. The masculine scent heightened her senses, causing her heartbeat to accelerate. She couldn’t believe that Ian was this close to her and was staring into her eyes unblinkingly.

As she looked into his hazel eyes and breathed in his heavenly scent, she felt as if everything in the world was right. Ian’s nearness was making her body hum, her heart flutter, and her breathing irregular. He was doing things to her that she couldn’t even understand. He was bringing light and warmth in her life and heart and something she didn’t even know she had desired.

The two broke off their stare as Ruth cleared off her throat loudly. She reminded them that their private moment was not so private after all. They were sitting in a public park, and if anyone saw them in such a position, it would create a scandal, especially considering Ian’s rakish reputation. Esther tried to compose herself, silently wishing that Ruth had allowed the moment to go on a bit longer.

Ian mentally cursed himself for leaning so close to Esther. It was wrong to be this close to her even in private, but it was unthinkable in public. He had been mere inches away from Esther’s, and all he could see was how luscious they were. He had never noticed this before, and now that he knew, he couldn’t stop looking at them. He wondered what it would feel like to kiss her. The thought surprised him for he had had no intention of ever feeling attracted to Esther. Nonetheless, he couldn't deny the fact that there was a spark between them, one that she felt too.

He had never been this close to a young lady who was so innocent and pure for him, except for Lisa. Those lips were only made to be admired from afar. These newfound feelings excited him, enthralled him, made him feel something unimaginable. He wished to touch her, though he knew that it was inappropriate. It was probably the reason it was all so exciting. She was forbidden, and hence Ian wanted her.

“My Lord, shall we stroll through the park? The weather is quite fine,” Esther asked, and Ian turned to look at her.

“Absolutely,” he answered, standing up at once. Esther stood up beside him, and once the picnic was packed away, the two began to walk through the park, followed by Ruth acting as chaperone. Ian hated the need for a chaperone but knew it was necessary for young ladies to protect their virtue and reputation.

“I wish I had my canvas. I would sit right here and paint this scene,” Esther said casually, clearly in love with the day.

“You paint with watercolors, My Lady?” Ian asked, simply finding a topic for conversation.

“Yes, My Lord, do you paint too?” Esther questioned, turning to look at him hopefully.

“I am afraid not, but I would love to see some of your work. Would you mind doing a small exhibition for me?” Ian teased, his eyes shining although he was actually interested in Esther’s work. He had a feeling that she was talented and that her paintings would indeed be worth viewing.

“I fear they will not be enough to impress the Marquess of Ilenshire,” Esther replied jokingly, forcing a frown on her gorgeous features.

“I will be the judge of that, so there is no point in trying to demean your work in front of me.” Ian scolded mockingly, and Esther smiled at him.

Ian was becoming used to that smile. It was indeed beautiful. He enjoyed Esther’s company immensely and her presence made him feel at peace. She would wrap up all his worries in that smile and take them far away from him. Ian had never thought that he could enjoy the company of a woman again out of bed. He had never even considered the prospect. After Lisa, every woman had simply been a means to gain pleasure and satisfaction, but with her, everything was different. The fact that he wanted to be with her despite knowing he couldn’t touch her, kiss her or be with her was shocking even to himself. He found the change in him perplexing.

He could easily imagine being married to her because he knew she would make a lovely wife. The thought of coming home to her every day made him extremely happy. He would be able to kiss those luscious lips, be with her, simply look at her and have playful conversations with her all the time.

Esther was still speaking when she noticed that Ian was not listening to her. She turned to look at him and saw he was probably lost in his own thoughts as a dreamy expression was spread onto his face.

“My Lord?” Esther asked, stopping mid stroll, and turned to look at Ian. He probably heard her or finally noticed that he was walking alone because he stopped too and turned towards Esther.

“I am so sorry, My Lady; you caught me woolgathering,” Ian replied with a soft chuckle. Esther smiled before replying.

“I was under the impression that gentleman did no such thing.”

“Well, then I must be the first gentleman to get caught in the act,” Ian answered effortlessly, sounding slightly amused.

Esther let out a peal of laughter at his words and immediately put both her hands on her face, clearly horrified. She looked at him with wide eyes unable to believe that she had been so careless. It was unappealing for young ladies to let out loud giggles or squeals of laughter in front of gentlemen. It was considered unladylike, and she did not wish for Ian to think that she did not possess proper manners.

“Why do you suddenly look so horrified?” Ian questioned, scrunching up his eyebrows.

“I apologize, My Lord, that was very unbecoming, I am sure,” Esther replied, her voice apologetic. She couldn’t meet Ian’s gaze, afraid of seeing disappointment in his eyes.

“Lady Esther, can I tell you something?” Ian said and continued staring at her until she finally looked up at him.

“Of course, My Lord,” she answered hesitatingly, unsure about what Ian would tell her.

“I adore your laughter. You should never think twice about laughing when in my presence. I would appreciate it immensely,” Ian explained.

Esther sucked in a sharp breath at his words, her heart thudding loudly in her chest. She couldn’t believe that Ian was so kind to her. She was so flustered at his praise that she couldn’t do anything but nod. Words escaped her.