Chapter 9
CHAPTER NINE
Ian guided Esther to the dance floor just as a waltz started.
She stopped breathing as one hand slid into hers and the other snaked around her waist. The two began to move, encircling the dance floor as if they were one being.
She noticed how his movements were swift and agile, yet sophisticated.
It was as if he was born to dance and as if she was created to dance with him.
“You are an excellent dancer, my lord,” Esther praised him. It was something sorely lacking in her life, so she always made sure to give it to others.
“You are very kind, my lady. You are quite an exquisite dancer as well,” Ian replied, effortlessly executing a flawless turn.
“Thank you, I enjoy dancing very much,” Esther said honestly. She noticed how comfortable she felt dancing with Ian, as if they had already done so a dozen times, although they had never actually met as adults.
“What else do you enjoy?” Ian suddenly questioned, catching Esther off guard. No one had ever asked about her interests before.
“Pardon me?” She asked, uncertain she had heard the question correctly.
“What are your other interests, Lady Esther?” He asked once again, without hesitation.
“I, um, enjoy many things,” Esther answered, not knowing what to say. Though Esther couldn’t deny that being asked about herself was strangely pleasing, she was at a loss as to what to tell him for fear that he would ridicule her.
“Do elaborate. I am all ears,” Ian prompted her.
“I enjoy painting, and I absolutely love reading,” Esther answered stating the two things she enjoyed most.
“I enjoy reading too; books make me feel at home,” Ian answered with a bright smile gracing his lips. “What do you like to read?” He questioned further.
“Well, I know that ladies my age are supposed to love romance novels, but I have never really been fond of them. I prefer reading about history.” Esther answered, a gleam appearing in her eyes.
“Really? History is one of my favorite subjects,” Ian said, sounding surprised.
“Then you must know how absolutely thrilling it is to dive into a book of history and lose yourself in another time. I especially love reading about the ancient Greeks and their mythology,” Esther said dreamily.
She could not believe that she was having such a conversation with Ian.
She rarely spoke about her interest in history for fear that she would be scorned as a bluestocking, but Ian made her feel at home, safe.
He might be a rake, but he is a good listener.
“I absolutely agree. So you must be familiar with the works of the great Greek scholars?” Ian questioned, clearly interested.
“Dictatorship naturally arises out of democracy, and the most aggravated form of tyranny and slavery out of the most extreme liberty. I could have said that in Greek, but I read it better than I speak it,” Esther said, deftly quoting Pluto.
Ian raised his eyebrows and looked at her with a wide smile. “Impressive and you chose an interesting quote. It makes me believe that you have an interest in politics as well,” Ian commented, looking as if he was enjoying the conversation.
“I do not understand the people that are not interested in politics. How could something this intricately complex not interest everyone?” Esther questioned with an adorable seriousness.
“Well, everyone might not be as brilliant as you,” Ian said with a smile, his tone softening.
Esther couldn’t help but blush and look down, unable to keep looking into his eyes. His stare was doing things to her body that were unnerving.
“Lady Esther, do you realize the color of your gown matches my eyes?” Ian whispered, making Esther to look up at him, surprised at the intimacy of his tone.
“I did," she breathed. "But I am surprised you noticed, My Lord,” she answered in an equally intimate tone.
“Of course I did, and now, every time I look in the mirror, I will be reminded of you dancing with me in this gorgeous gown. You are a very beautiful woman,” Ian replied, putting into words the thought that came to his mind earlier.
Esther sucked in a sharp breath as he complimented her so effortlessly. She did not believe his statement at all, but for a moment, she just wanted to bask in the praise of a fine gentleman. What harm could there be in pretending he was interested in her for just this one dance?
“I find I like that I have that power over you,” Esther responded provocatively.
Her voice held a hint of huskiness that she didn't recognize as hers, and she had no idea where the thought had come from.
She never had in all her time in society flirted so boldly or even flirted to begin with.
She knew that rogues could be charming, and one should always protect their hearts from their invisible claws, but Esther couldn't find it in herself to care.
Ian couldn’t believe that a simple dance with Esther could turn out to be this entertaining.
Her conversation clearly showed that she possessed intelligence and was not simply interested in material things, unlike the other ladies her age and station.
He was ecstatic that holding an intellectual conversation with her was such an easy feat.
“So what else do you like to do in your free time, besides reading and painting?” Ian questioned, suddenly curious to know more about her.
“I enjoy going to museums. Reading is one thing, but being surrounded by things that actually belong to another time is all the more stirring,” Esther told him, her expression innocent.
Ian could see she was being honest and not simply saying what she thought he wished to hear, like so many other ladies of his acquaintance.
“I absolutely agree. I myself love going to curiosity shops too. Do you enjoy them?” Ian asked.
“Yes, absolutely. I try to find a curiosity shop wherever I go to look for trinkets or little pieces of things that I find interesting. Every single thing has a story attached to it, and when I see one, I feel as if I have become a part of that story,” Esther explained, pouring her heart out in front of him.
Ian smiled, thinking of how lovely she looked when discussing the things she loved.
He remembered how her skin had been stained crimson when he had approached her earlier. She had looked divine, and Ian wished to make her blush again.
“You have a unique way of looking at things,” Ian remarked, impressed and intrigued.
Esther fit the criteria Jack had described very well.
Additionally, she was interesting and he actually enjoyed being with her.
If he did decide to court her and they wed, they could at least be friends.
Marriage with him would benefit her too, by saving her from a man like Fergus Dunshire.
The music began to fade as the set came to a close.
Ian bowed as Esther curtsied, formally ending their dance.
He noticed how a shadow had fallen over Esther’s beautiful features and he thought that she might be sad about ending their conversation.
Ian wished to dance with her a again, but he knew there would be other chances.
“I hope to see you again soon,” Ian said, bidding her a formal farewell.
“I hope so too, My Lord,” she replied, smiling charmingly before turning around and disappearing amidst the people that surrounded them.
Ian retired to the smoking room, where some men were already gathered with cigars and port.
Ian craved a stiff drink. He went to the bar and got himself a scotch before going back to sit on a leather couch.
His thoughts were finally clear, and he knew he had the perfect candidate for a wife. Esther was indeed the ideal choice.
Idly scanning the room, his eyes fell on his father sitting a little distance away, involved in conversation with Lord Hathershire. The two men were so engrossed in their discussion that Ian didn’t want to interrupt.
Now that his mind was finally made up, Ian knew what his next step would be. He didn’t have much time, and a proper courting was necessary before he could propose marriage. He needed to call on Esther as soon as possible and charm her. Ian was confident he could easily capture her hand.