Page 9 of The Lady No One Noticed

Upon arriving at Willmeade manor, they were greeted by the stoic butler and shown into the vast foyer, brilliantly lit by crystal chandeliers that threw light upon the gilt and marble of the room. They had only been there a moment before Madeline entered, looking like a breathtaking angel in ivory silk.

“You are finally here, I have been waiting for ages,” Madeline said with an easy smile.

Astrid immediately stood up and walked towards Madeline and the two sisters hugged one another lovingly. Esther, too stood up, but she and Madeline had never been particularly close, thus a hug would simply make things awkward.

“You look mesmerizing, Astrid.” Madeline commented taking in Astrid’s gown as soon as they separated. “Christian will be enticed the moment he lays his eyes upon you.” Madeline declared, referring to the Duke of Alewood.

Esther resisted the urge to roll her eyes, of course her sister would mention the duke. She was also saddened, for she had put in a considerable amount of effort in her appearance, but no one had even bothered to notice. Was she really that that invisible?

“I assume you have all the arrangements for the ball in hand by now?” Hildred questioned, standing up to receive a kiss on her cheek.

“Yes, Mother, everything is ready. I am just waiting for a few more the guests to arrive so we can serve dinner.” Madeline assured her mother. She looked so at ease filling the role of a Countess that Esther felt slightly intimidated. It was as if Madeline had been born to play the role of a high society matron.

Would I be able to throw such grand parties and fit so well in a role that requires this level of sophistication?

Esther inwardly laughed. She could never picture herself being married to anyone as urbane and attractive as her sister's husband. Esther had no suitors at all, and there was a slim chance of her landing someone like Neil anyway.

Madeline motioned for her family to follow her into the drawing room, where the few people who were privileged enough to be invited to the pre-ball dinner were enjoying drinks.

“Astrid, I asked Madeline to make sure the duke was seated beside you during dinner, so you'll be among the first to speak to him," Esther heard her mother’s voice as they passed through the door.

“Don’t worry, Mother, I’ll be sure to charm him. Have no fear,” Astrid assured her before boldly striding into the room, her parents right on her heels. Esther was left to enter alone, having been totally forgotten by her family.

“Genelia!” Esther heard her mother call out and within a matter of seconds and a flutter of skirts, her mother disappeared leaving Esther all alone. At that moment, Esther wished she could have mastered the art of conversation or had the charm to walk up to any group of ladies and be instantly greeted with smiles. Alas, she was not blessed with such pleasing attributes.

Sighing, she decided to make her way to the corner of the drawing room and stood there alone. Her eyes soon fell on her mother, who was looking around shrewdly, as if searching for someone. Then she saw the man standing beside Hildred.

With a sinking feeling, Esther recognized that it was no other than Fergus, Baron Dunshire, her cousin. She quickly looked around the ballroom trying to find a suitable exit but was surrounded by people on all sides. The only visible exit was the main door of the drawing room, and in order to reach that she had no choice but to pass in front her mother and Fergus. Esther sighed defeatedly, knowing she was trapped. Her mother spotted her.

“Esther, there you are! What in the world are you doing standing in a corner?” Esther knew she had no choice but to smile and engage in polite conversation, since any rudeness would reflect adversely on the family’s reputation.

“Lady Esther, how do you do?” Fergus questioned as soon as he was close enough. Esther stared at his decidedly disheveled appearance. It looked as if he had just gotten out of bed since he hadn’t even bothered to straighten his tousled hair. His tailcoat was ill-fitting and his garishly checkered waistcoat was misbuttoned.

“I am well, My Lord, thank you,” Esther answered, trying to sound as formal as she could.

“I am well too.” He replied with a nod and a cryptic smile that chilled Esther’s blood.

“Isn’t she looking lovely today?” Her mother chimed in. Esther couldn’t believe her mother was praising her looks, the mere fact stunned her.

“Oh yes of course, you look really nice tonight,” Fergus answered, hiccupping loudly. Esther felt disgusted, but her mother simply decided to ignore it.

In that moment, Esther knew that no matter what happened, she would never marry that man. Simply standing in front of him was distressing. The thought of having to share a bed with him caused her to physically shudder.

“Ladies and gentlemen, dinner has been served,” the butler announced and Esther sighed, happy for the reprieve. Until she remembered that she would be seated next to Fergus at dinner.

“We can continue talking at the table,” Fergus remarked extending his arm for Esther. Esther hesitated but had no choice but to take it. She walked into the dining room with him and knew the meal would be interminable.

CHAPTER SIX

He was on his way to a dinner before a ball, the first he would attend after three long years. He knew exactly what was said about him behind his back and he did not look forward to interacting with the other guests. He had no doubt that he would be under the constant scrutiny of everyone in attendance. The very thought nauseated him.

However, his mother had insisted on attending the ball because it was being hosted by the Earl of Willmeade, his cousin. The two had been close during childhood. Ian had heard that he married Madeline Chapple last year, the eldest daughter of the Earl of Hathershire, another childhood friend of his. He had been unable to attend the wedding for he had been gallivanting in Paris. He knew his refusal to cut his European tour short had hurt both Neil and Madeline and he felt sorry about that now.

“My Lord, we have arrived,” his footman announced as he opened the carriage door.

“Have my parents arrived yet?” Ian questioned, trying to delay the matter of exiting the carriage.

“Not yet, my lord, but their carriage was just behind us,” the footman replied. He stepped out of the carriage and took in the cool night air.