Page 8 of The Lady No One Noticed

“Ian Gilbert, now you are a sight for sore eyes,” the man laughed, standing up to give Ian a hearty backslap. Ian smiled in return as he sat across from his old friend, Mr. Jack Spencer.

“Jack, wish I could say the same, but your ugly face is enough to turn me off my drink,” Ian quipped, and the two men laughed. Jack was as handsome as Ian, with wavy black hair and a strong square jaw, and both men knew it.

“So, what brings you to London? Don’t tell me you will be participating in the Season,” Jack asked as Ian's whiskey arrived. Jack knew of Ian's most recent scandal but chose not to twit him with it just yet.

“I fear that I am. My father has given me an ultimatum. Find a bride by the end of the Season or else,” Ian replied, trying to sound blasé over his misfortune. He did not need to go into detail about what the ‘or else’ entailed. Jack would know what he meant.

“So, the last incident did not go unremarked?” Jack asked.

“You could say that,” Ian answered dryly, draining his whisky and signaling for another.

“Marriage isn’t the end of the world Ian, it might even prove to be good for you,” Jack said in encouragement. While he had no desire to enter matrimonial bliss just yet, he didn't see why Ian was so dejected over the prospect. “A man such as yourself will have all the young misses clamoring for your attention. But if you want my advice, find yourself a wallflower."

“Why would I do that?” Ian questioned, genuinely confused. Who would actively seek out a lady who every other gentleman had shunned?

“Established wallflowers generally have two or three failed seasons behind them and are desperate to get married. They do not have the luxury to expect undying love and devotion in a husband. They will not complain when, after you have sired an heir or two, you prefer to live separately to pursue your own, shall we say, interests," Jack stated with a wicked gleam in his eye. There was no doubt that he was alluding to the accepted practice of wealthy men seeking their pleasure outside of the marriage bed with various courtesans and actresses.

“You are a thorough rake, Jack, but your idea does have merit,” Ian replied, smiling genuinely. Jack's plan would work beautifully. Ian would find a wilted wallflower, shower her with insincere praise, and do his duty with minimal cost to himself.

The two men continued talking well into the night, drinking and reminiscing. When Ian finally departed, the street was practically deserted. He made a slightly unsteady way to his carriage that was waiting a short distance down the road. A faint scratching sound came from the dingy alley to his left, and he stopped to look for the source. Upon drawing closer, he saw a small boy picking through the rubbish in the bins.

“Boy, what are you doing?” Ian asked with authority.

The young boy jumped out of fear and dropped whatever nasty thing he was holding as he whipped around to face Ian. It was hard to tell in the dimness, but Ian thought the lad couldn't have been more than ten or so. He was skinny and had on rags that were clearly too big for him, and his face was covered in grime.

“I’m sorry, guv!" The boy squeaked. "I was just lookin’ fo’ a bit of food. I wasn't stealing nothin' that nobody wanted." The child was obviously distressed and feared he would get into trouble.

Ian sighed solemnly as he realized that this boy was probably alone, just like so many urchins on the streets of London. He had to take care of himself and find creative ways to feed himself. Ian felt ashamed of his own privilege when faced with such poverty.

He took out a few shillings from his pocket and extended his hand towards the child. The lad took a step back and eyed Ian with distrust.

"What do I gotta do for the coin?" he asked warily, and Ian flinched. He could barely imagine the vile things running through the poor boy's head.

“Nothing. Go buy yourself something to eat,” Ian said softly. After a moment, the boy took the money hesitatingly, snatching it from Ian's hand and stepping out of reach a moment later.

“Thank ye,” The boy said with a gap-toothed grin before running away. Ian couldn’t help but be humbled. He knew he was not a good man, not really. He was selfish and had done much to earn his reputation as a jaded rake, but he couldn't help but be warmed by the genuine gratitude exhibited by the urchin.

CHAPTER FIVE

Esther stood in front of the full-length mirror in her bedchamber, closely surveying her reflection. “What do you think, Ruth? Do I look any less plain than usual?” Esther asked her lady’s maid, who stood behind her fastening the last of the buttons on her dress.

“My Lady, you do not look plain at all. You look radiant this evening.” Ruth answered truthfully. The maid could never understand why her employers did not see the quiet beauty that emanated from her charge.

Esther could almost agree with Ruth. The high-waisted, low-necked gown Madame Tousseou had designed for her was flawless. The soft hazel-green color was not one she had worn before, but it perfectly complemented her brown eyes and hair and fair complexion. The delicately embellished bodice scooped low, showcasing her amply bosom and the gown fell elegantly to the floor, flowing around her like meadow grass swaying in the breeze.

“Are you sure this hairstyle suits me?” Esther questioned, unconsciously trying to find some other fault. She was not used to admiring her appearance, and it unnerved her.

Ruth examined the simple upswept style that allowed a few artfully curled tendrils to escape around Esther's face and nodded. “Why are you fretting about your appearance tonight? I have never seen you this concerned about it.” Ruth asked, clearly confused.

“I have come to the conclusion that I must find a husband this Season. My parents will not want to waste any more money on me, so it is now or ever,” Esther told her honestly. She never had to pretend in front of Ruth.

Ruth nodded in understanding. Once satisfied with her coiffure, Esther went downstairs. She caught sight of Astrid looking enchanting as ever in an ocean-blue gown that matched her lovely eyes.

“What in the world took you so long Esther?” Her mother questioned as soon as she stepped down.

“I am sorry Mother, I didn’t realize everyone else was ready,” Esther replied.

“Well, she is here now and we must get going,” her father, intervened quickly walking towards the doors.