Chapter 6
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.
The sound of their carriage arriving reached his ears so he strode over to them.
“Mother, Father,” He greeted his parents as they stepped down and came to stand in front of him.
“This is the perfect place to make your reappearance into society,” his mother remarked, touching his arm affectionately.
“I know, Mother.” Ian responded with a small smile. He loved her and wanted to see her happy.
“The entire ton has been invited, and by your presence, everyone will know that you are officially searching for a bride,” his mother continued genially.
“Yes, Mother,” he said. He knew that she only wanted the best for him, and he was content with it.
Jack’s plan had also made him more amenable towards the idea of marriage.
He was actually looking forward to finding himself a potential bride––one that would fit the requirements he had in mind.
He wanted to get the business over with as soon as possible, so he could return to his preferred lifestyle all the quicker.
“Your Graces, my Lord,” the butler addressed them all with a bow before guiding them to the drawing room. Ian looked around and recognized many prominent guests.
“Do my eyes deceive me?” Ian heard Neil’s magnetic voice on his right. He turned to see that Neil was smiling broadly and looked well.
“That depends on what you are seeing. If it is a monkey dancing on my shoulder, then you are, in fact, deceived,” Ian said with a grin.
Neil laughed and looked at Ian's parents, who were standing just behind him.
“I don’t see any shackles. How did you manage to get him to come, Uncle?” Neil asked lightly. Ian knew that Neil was trying to make him feel welcome with his jests. He had missed Neil.
“No such coercion was required, I assure you,” the Duchess answered, extending her gloved hand towards Neil, who kissed it. “I love the way Madeline has redecorated; you have found yourself a good wife, dear boy,” his mother continued.
“She will be delighted to hear that,” Neil said in his usual jovial manner.
“I shall do just that,” she replied and took his father’s arm before disappearing in search of Madeline.
Neil once again turned towards Ian and engulfed him in a hearty hug.
Ian felt the affection in the brief embrace and knew that even though he had managed to alienate a great deal of the ton, that he did still have true friends who cared about him
“I would not have expected to see you at such an event was attended by the cream of society. I am horrified to be surrounded by this many members of the ton, and I invited them,” Neil said dramatically, hoping to ease Ian's obvious discomfort.
Ian laughed. “Well, dear cousin, I have decided to reform. I am putting aside my rakish ways and am looking for a wife.”
Neil’s eyes widened at Ian’s reply, and he looked at him disbelievingly. Ian had expected the reaction since he knew how difficult it was for people to believe that a rake could be reformed.
“You must be putting me on,” Neil said, clearly stunned.
“I am not. I assure you that I really am here to find myself a bride.” Ian confirmed.
“My, my, and have pigs begun to take flight?” Neil questioned jokingly.
“Not to my knowledge. I have simply come to realize that it is time to assume my proper place in society. After all, I will inherit a dukedom. I must secure my line with an heir,” Ian answered truthfully. However, he did not know whether he was trying to convince Neil or himself.
“I can’t imagine you giving up your roguish lifestyle Ian, you seemed too well immersed in it.
Though I am glad that you have taken this step and are trying to reform yourself.
I hope your quest for a wife is successful.
” Neil said and Ian smiled. He was glad that at least someone wished him well.
Before the conversation could continue, dinner was announced.
Ian smiled and made his way to the dining room. His search for a wife started now.