Page 38 of The Lady No One Noticed

“That is an excellent idea. I would love to see some of your other work too. After this, I am certain that every single piece will be beautiful.” Ian complimented again.

Esther blushed, looking down. Ian turned around completely to face her and was once again blown over by how beautiful she looked.

“I can’t wait for the day you will be painting scenes from America,” Ian said casually and noticed how Esther’s eyes widened. She couldn’t keep the smile from emerging onto her face. He had of course remembered it was one of her biggest wishes.

“How exactly are you so certain that I will ever get to see America?” She asked him while raising an eyebrow. Ian laughed at her suspicious tone before winking at her.

“My Lady, I happen to have a very well-developed sixth sense, and I am rarely wrong about it. If I am saying that you will get to see America, you will! Have faith in me,” Ian said, laughing lightly. His laughter was infectious, and Esther joined in. Once the two were serious again, Esther turned to look at Ian.

“Oh my. I haven’t asked you to sit. Pardon my manners,” Esther said, suddenly looking horrified.

“You need not look so scandalized about it, Esther. I do not wish to sit. Would you allow me to take you out for some ices?” Ian suggested, suddenly wanting to enjoy her company a little longer.

“Gunter’s?” Esther questioned, sounding like a little girl.

“Yes, absolutely,” Ian confirmed and was blessed with a huge smile from Esther.

“That would be lovely. If you could wait for ten minutes, I must change my gown,” Esther said.

“Take as long as you need. I’ll happily wait here for you,” Ian said with a smile before walking forward and sitting down on the couch.

“I’ll be back in a trice,” Esther said hurriedly before turning and almost running out of the drawing room. Ruth followed after her, also walking at a fast pace. Ian laughed lightly, still unable to truly understand his feelings for Esther. The only thing he knew was she made him feel like no one else had ever done before and he appreciated her all the more for it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Esther quickly changed into a clean frock and washed the paint off. There was no time in mending the sorry state of her hair thus Ruth simply tried to make the loose chignon a little presentable. Once she was ready, she ran down the stairs and found Ian waiting for her. As she entered the drawing room, she saw her mother, who was seated in front of Ian, the two involved in conversation.

“Esther, how could you leave Lord Gilbert all to himself?” Her mother exclaimed as soon as she laid eyes on Esther.

“I apologize Mother, it was only for a short time,” Esther placated, despite knowing that Ian must have filled her mother in with the situation already.

“Yes, he was kind enough to explain the state of your dress, but we can’t leave a guest, especially Lord Gilbert, waiting alone,” Hildred said, standing up from her chair, and Esther nodded.

“It was no trouble, Lady Hathershire. I feel almost at home here,” Ian said with a smile in her direction. “Shall we depart?”

“Enjoy yourselves,” her mother chimed in before Esther could speak, a huge smile visible on her face.

“Thank you, Lady Hathershire,” Ian said graciously with a small bow before leading Esther out of the room.

A short while later, Esther, Ian, and Ruth entered Gunter’s tea shop. It was decorated tastefully in a variety of pastel colors and smelled of sweet flavorings. The scent of fresh tea brewing spread out through the room, and Esther breathed in deeply. She loved this place and always enjoyed coming here. Being here with Ian made the experience all the more special.

“Why don’t you two ladies tell me your order, and I’ll go place it while you find us a table?” Ian said, turning around to face Esther and Ruth.

“I’ll have pineapple,” Ruth said, without a moment’s delay. Esther laughed knowing how much Ruth loved everything about pineapples and always went for the exact same flavor.

“And you, My Lady?” Ian asked, turning to look at Esther with a charming smile.

“Why don’t you surprise me? Let me see if you can predict my taste,” Esther said playfully. Her spirits were high, and she was enjoying herself. This was truly one of the best days.

“I will honor this challenge you have imposed upon me and will try my best to emerge victorious,” Ian said with a laugh and went off towards the counter.

Esther and Ruth surveyed the area and found a table located towards the left. Luckily it already had three chairs available, and the two of them quickly sat down. Esther’s eyes were trained on Ian’s back as he conversed with a man that worked at the shop. She still couldn’t believe that she and Ian had come this far. It felt like only yesterday that they had met again at the Willmeade Manor at Madeline’s ball. She had been enduring Fergus when her gaze had fallen on Ian who was seated just opposite from her. It truly felt as if fate had connected them.

“Lady Esther, can I say something?” Ruth’s voice brought Esther out of her reverie, and she turned towards her.

“Must you even ask, Ruth? Of course you can,” Esther replied with a smile. She and Ruth had always enjoyed a close relationship.

“I have never seen you this happy before. These days it feels as if you glow differently; your heart is full. Your eyes shine, and everything about your personality comes to life,” Ruth said, and Esther stared at her, stunned. Ruth had never before complimented her this way or told her something this deep, thus Esther was caught off guard. She was generally introverted and didn’t express her feelings or thoughts so openly, so Esther was even more touched.