Page 6 of The Lady No One Noticed

“What were you saying, Mother?” Esther asked, hoping to deflect her mother’s criticism.

“I was attempting to inform you that Fergus will be attending your sister’s ball too,” Her mother said with a wide smile, and Esther looked at her with confusion. She could not understand why her mother thought she would care to know this as she had absolutely no interest in anything regarding Fergus.

Fergus was an older cousin of the Chapple’s and was almost twice Esther’s age.

She had never liked him and rarely exchanged more than a polite greeting with him when they were forced to meet.

“He has told your father that he is finally ready to seek a bride. I requested that Madeline place him beside you at the dinner before the ball,” Hildred went on, entirely unaware of the horror that was beginning to take root in Esther’s heart. Surely her parents could not be entertaining a match between her and Fergus.

“I hope you will attempt to be charming. Impressing Fergus may very well be your last chance at snaring a husband,” Hildred Chapple said before turning around to face Astrid to continue instructing her on the art of flirtation.

Esther sat there stunned by what her mother had so bluntly stated. She couldn't believe her family thought Fergus, a man nearing forty who had crude manners and a rat-like countenance, would make her a suitable husband. The thought would be laughable if it wasn't so disgusting. Of one thing, Esther was sure; she would rather lead the life of a lonely spinster than be the wife of a man like Fergus.

CHAPTER FOUR

Ian entered his drawing room with trepidation. He had no doubt news of his most recent peccadillo had prompted his parents' unplanned visit. He also had no doubt that they would wish to discuss the ensuing scandal in stark and vivid detail.

“My goodness Ian, look what you've done to your lovely face!” His mother exclaimed with distress, standing up from the settee as soon as he walked inside.

“I simply did not have the chance to shave, Mother, what with your arrival at such an early hour,” Ian replied causally, hoping his annoyance did not reach his voice.

He turned to greet his father, Lucas Gilbert, the Duke of Gilendale. The man had a murderous expression on his face as he stared at Ian.

“Is that what you wear to welcome your parents, Ian Gilbert?” His father questioned, hit tone angry.

“I would have taken the time to dress appropriately, Father, but you demanded an audience with me immediately,” Ian answered with a sigh.

“You could have told us you needed time to make yourself presentable, and we would have waited. And I can see minor scarring on your face. What have you been involved in now?” His mother, Grace, questioned, sitting back down beside his father. Ian went to sit on the sofa placed opposite his parents. The couple looked like perfection with their neat clothing and flawless manners. Lucas and Grace Gilbert oozed wealth and class.

“Mother, let us not prevaricate. I am sure you are well aware of what caused my injuries. Though don’t worry, the scarring is temporary, and Mr. Cornell has assured me it will be gone within a few days.” Ian answered, not wanting to pretend this was just a casual visit. He wished to get to the topic as soon as possible so they could depart and leave him in peace.

“Ian, I am appalled by your behavior. We were attending a house party with the Carltons when the news reached us. Do you have any idea how mortifying it was to have the sordid details of your latest escapade bandied about?” His father bellowed, standing up and pacing about the room.

“Everyone in attendance knew and rejoiced in watching us squirm. How could you have pursued the Viscountess so openly that word reached her husband? We were told he raced back from his hunting lodge intending to put a bullet in your chest!” His mother chimed in, her voice rising by an octave.

“I never intended any of this to happen, and I did not overtly pursue Lady Balewood. She all but threw herself at me at every opportunity. I know I have sullied the reputation of the Gilendale name, and for that, I am sorry,” Ian replied, looking down. He knew that his antics were an embarrassment to his parents, and he did feel guilty.

“Whatever your intentions, you should have behaved more circumspectly. You are no longer a young boy, Ian. You are the heir to a dukedom! You have spent the past three years getting into scrapes and lowering yourself with gaming and loose women, and it is no longer tolerable,” his father growled. Lucas Gilbert was fuming with rage, and Ian was beginning to feel the full extent of it.

“I apologize, Father, I know I was wrong. It was a reckless thing to do, and I promise not to behave so badly again.” Ian replied.

His father continued pacing from left to right, wordlessly. His silence was more lethal than his shouting.

“Ian, I have come to a decision. You have had more than enough time to sow your wild oats and all that. I cannot tolerate your disregard for your name and position in society any longer. You will abandon the roguish lifestyle you have adopted at once and marry a suitable girl by the end of the Season. If you do not, I will irrevocably cut you off from everything that is not entailed and will discontinue your allowance,” His father issued the ultimatum with an eerie calm.

Ian could not believe his father would even suggest such a thing and stood up to protest. “That is unfair, Father! You know damned well why I have spent the last years trying to forget what happened. Marriage? Do you not recall the disaster that ensued the last time I attempted to enter that exhausted state? I refuse to subject myself to such pain again,” Ian said in a voice firm with determination.

“Ian, darling, we all remember what happened three years ago.” His mother stood up and addressed her son softly. “You were justified in your pain, but it is in the past. You must move on. You are a bright, handsome man, and you cannot let one disappointment determine your entire future.”

His mother walked forward and placed her small hand on his face. She looked at him earnestly, tears glistening in her eyes. The conversation brought back a tide of unpleasant memories, and Ian could not help but drift back to those events.

It was the peak of the London Season, and Ian had never been happier. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t attended a London Season before, but this one was special. This time Ian had found love in the form of the most beautiful woman in existence.

As he sat there at the dinner table, he couldn’t help but gaze at the love of his life, Lisa. He remembered how he had fallen in love with her in just a single glance and how every dance had been magical. She was perfect, and Ian couldn’t wait to marry her.

“Ian? I would suggest you stop staring at Lady Lisa and actually have some of your dinner,” his mother whispered into his ear mischievously. Ian smiled despite himself and turned to look at his mother. They were having dinner at the home of Viscount Cunhington as the Duke of Gilendale and Lord Cunhington were old friends. The easy rapport the families shared had made courting easier for Ian and Lisa.

“Mother, I must inform you that I am going to ask Lord Cunhington for Lisa’s hand in marriage this evening,” Ian said, unable to keep the news to himself.