Chapter 11
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Ian awoke feeling relaxed and refreshed.
He had gone to bed early last night, not in the mood for White’s or any of the other entertainments he was suddenly being invited to.
However, he had decided he would go to White’s in search of Jake later on; Ian wanted to thank him for his sound advice.
He called for Walder and was soon dressed for the day in a beige morning coat that was tailored to perfection, brown trousers that disappeared into shining Hobbe boots, and a green waistcoat that rather reminded him of Esther’s ball gown of two nights ago.
Pleased that he looked every inch the reputable gentleman, he descended the stairs to reach the dining room, where his mother was already having breakfast. His father was nowhere in sight. The arrangement suited him since he and his father had been at odds since the ultimatum.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” Ian said formally with a playful smile on his lips. His mother looked up at his words and laughed heartily. Ian noticed she looked stunning, just as she always did.
“Your Grace? And here I was thinking I was your Mama,” she replied mischievously.
“How could someone as young and beautiful as you be a mother of an old rake like me?” Ian said teasingly, sitting down opposite her at the table.
“My, someone is in a good mood this morning. Practicing your flirtation, are we?” His mother questioned, looking extremely pleased.
“Just trying to make the most beautiful woman in the world smile,” Ian answered blithely. He poured himself tea and picked up a scone from the plate placed in front of him.
“Oh, Ian, you have no idea how much I missed this side of you. It felt as if I had lost my eldest son, but now I can feel you returning to me at last,” his mother said, her eyes glossing over in delight.
Ian had no idea what to reply to that since he knew she was right.
The last three years had been the darkest time of his life, and it was taking considerable effort to step into the light and try to live correctly again.
He loved his family immensely and did not wish for them to suffer because of his misdeeds.
“So, did you enjoy the ball at Willmeade Manor? It was your first social event after such a long time,” his mother asked casually.
Ian looked up at her face and noticed how hard she was trying to sound nonchalant.
She was clearly interested in knowing more, especially about his search for a potential wife.
“Yes, Mother, I did. Madeline certainly knows how to host a ball,” he replied shortly, not willing to delve into much detail about the matter.
“I noticed you danced with Lady Esther,” she continued coming straight to the point and Ian sighed, knowing there was no way to avoid the conversation. Grace Gilbert was a very persistent woman.
“Yes, Lord Hathershire reintroduced us, and I asked her for a dance. It was nice to reacquaint with a childhood friend,” Ian said, trying to end this discussion as soon as possible. His mother had a curious nature and was always interested in Ian’s life.
“I am not certain if you know this, but Esther has had two failed seasons behind her. Although, I confess, that I have no idea why. She is a lovely young lady, if a bit reticent. If she fails to find a match this Season, she will be seen as permanently on the shelf,” his mother informed him while taking a sip from her tea.
Ian didn’t know why his mother was telling him this. Unlike other grand dames in the ton, Grace was kind-hearted and had never cared much about gossip. She was not the kind of matron who would judge a girl on having failed seasons.
“Lord Hathershire did mention something of the sort,” Ian said, trying to keep his confusion at bay. The entire conversation was perplexing.
“She has such a tender and beautiful soul. My heart goes out to her. She has not met with success on the marriage mart because she has been overshadowed by her conventionally beautiful sisters. Gentlemen tend to look past her simply because she doesn’t fit their notion of an English rose,” his mother said, sounding disgusted.
Ian now understood that his mother did not wish for Ian to think there was some fault in Esther.
“You are correct, mama. I had an excellent conversation with her while dancing, and she is actually a very intelligent and intellectual young lady. I enjoyed conversing with her and found no fault with her appearance,” Ian assured his mother with a smile, subtly telling her that he did not judge Esther like the rest of society did.
After all his own reputation was quite tarnished, and he had absolutely no right to judge anyone.
“I am glad to hear that, dear. Those who call her a wallflower are simply not taking the time to know her. I am sure that just like Madeline, she too will someday be throwing lavish balls efficiently. I am confident that Hildred Chapple has trained all of her daughters equally,” his mother continued, hinting towards Esther’s qualities.
Ian knew she was trying to make him realize her potential as a wife.
“I am certain too, Mother,” he replied with a small smile.
If only his mother knew that he had already recognized the qualities he needed in Esther. She was demure, biddable, and desperate. The last also made her the most obtainable one, an essential fact, as time was of the essence to keep his father from going through with his threats.
Esther took a quieting breath and spoke. “Astrid, I know that you and I do not share a very close bond, but we are still joined by blood. You are my sister,” Esther said. She wasn't quite sure where to go from there. She had never before confronted Astrid about any wrongdoing.
“I already know that, Esther. Is that all you wanted to say? Because I need to change and be off,” Astrid answered, raising her brows.
“During our most recent visit to Almack’s, I heard what your friends were saying about me,” Esther went on.
Astrid’s face dropped, and a dark cloud settled over it. She averted her gaze, refusing to look at Esther.
“I am aware that you heard them, I saw you lurking behind the greenery,” Astrid said tartly. Esther waited for a moment hoping to hear an apology, but she knew Astrid would not readily admit fault.
“Their words were cruel, but it was nothing I hadn’t already heard before. I didn’t care. What I was upset about was that you laughed along with them instead of reprimanding them. It was very unkind of you, Astrid,” Esther confessed, her tone soft.
“What would you have had me do? I could not go against my friends,” Astrid exclaimed as if the very notion was startling.
“You could have, if you wanted to. I am your sister and one word from you would have silenced them, at least for a time,” Esther replied.
“They are my friends, and I chose them because they are in positions to elevate me in society. I cannot afford to alienate them because you were hurt by a few silly words,” Astrid scolded, her tone rising with her irritation that Esther refused to see the truth of this.
Esther nodded with a sad smile and looked down, realizing that her sister would never put Esther in front of her social aspirations.
“Is everything all right? Why are you two standing at the bottom of the stairs?”
Esther turned to see her mother, who had just emerged from the drawing room, was looking at her daughters in utter confusion.
“Yes, Mother, everything is fine,” Esther replied shortly, faking a smile. Astrid remained quiet and walked back into the drawing room, seating herself near the window.
“I thought you were going to meet your friends,” Hildred said as she followed her daughter into the room and sat.
“I don’t feel like going out anymore, I’ll call on them another time,” Astrid answered, her face looking glum.
Esther thought that maybe her words did have some effect on Astrid, for her mood was clearly ruined.
It didn’t give Esther any pleasure, but she hoped that Astrid had understood that other people had feelings as well and her actions might cause harm.
Esther took a chair near her sister and the three ladies sat in silence for a moment before the butler again entered the drawing room.
“My Lady, a caller has arrived for Lady Esther,” the butler announced, and Esther’s heart thudded in her chest. She hadn’t had a gentleman caller in ages, and the words sounded foreign on the butler’s tongue.
Could it be Ian?
Oh, how she wished it was Ian.