Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Ian felt a pang of disappointment as Esther’s maid told her that she must return home.
He hadn’t had this much fun in a long time.
He couldn’t believe how discussing historical artifacts with Esther had turned his sour mood considerably better.
Simply being with her made him forget all his troubles, and he enjoyed that feeling.
Ian was still impressed by her desire to visit America.
Any other Lady would have wished to visit France or Italy, but Esther was different than the rest of the ton.
She was actually interested in travelling to explore the world rather than going to Paris for the latest fashions.
It felt as if she lived to surprise him.
“It is not so very late, surely you can stay a bit longer,” Ian said and met Esther’s gaze. He noticed her expression had gone cold and she was clearly upset. He wanted to know what was bothering her so he could fix the problem. He didn’t like to see her disturbed.
“Unfortunately, Ruth is correct. I am afraid I have an engagement this evening,” Esther replied, her tone soft. Ian heard a hint of sadness in her words and knew she, too, didn’t wish to end their outing.
“What other engagement?” Ian asked, trying his best to not feel jealous. He didn’t know where the emotion was coming from, but he knew he had to control it. He couldn’t allow his heart to get involved in the matter at any cost.
“Baron Dunshire will be dining with us this evening, My Lord. My parents wish me to return home early to prepare,” Esther told him honestly, sounding defeated.
It was a clear that she didn’t wish to be subjected to an entire evening with Fergus.
But she had no choice, as an unmarried female, her parents ruled.
“And do you wish to dine with the Baron?” Ian asked, probing Esther to open up further. He already knew her family wished to make a match between the two but he wanted it out in the open.
“My wishes are not generally taken into account, My Lord,” Esther told him, her voice pitched low as if she was trying to keep her own emotions in check.
“The Baron has made it known that he would like to marry me and my family encourage his suit. I have no choice but to spend the evening with him.”
Ian suddenly felt highly annoyed. How could her family even consider a match between her and that toad?
The man wasn’t even fit to lick her shoes.
Why were they not able to see that Esther loathed his attentions and didn’t wish to be in his company for even one second.
Getting married to the man was out of the question.
He had heard rumors that Fergus was nothing but a wastrel and he himself had seen his bad manners during dinner at Willmeade Manor.
He was clearly a drunk, and Ian couldn’t help but feel protective of Esther.
Her family was forcing her to interact with the mongrel when they should be keeping her as far away from him as possible.
He had no manners, no breeding, and no money.
He was most assuredly only interested in Esther for her dowry.
“I see,” Ian said with a smile, trying to keep his frustration concealed. “Then I must return you home at once, My Lady.”
Ian felt that he needed to move things along with Esther.
He couldn’t afford to take his time or Fergus might propose first. He needed to secure Esther before that happened or he’d have to start all over again.
Esther was the perfect candidate for him but there was more…
He simply couldn’t allow Esther to marry that horrible man.
Hathershire was a sensible man and would undoubtedly prefer seeing his daughter married to the heir of a dukedom rather than a low-ranking baron.
Ian was better than Fergus in all respects, and he would make sure that Lord Hathershire knew that before the man handed her over to that miserable creature.
“Of course, My Lord,” Esther replied with a small smile. She knew she had to fulfill her duty as a daughter, but she wanted too much to stay with Ian.
As the two made their way to the carriage, all Ian could think about was having a word with Wilson as soon as possible.
He had planned to ask Esther out for a picnic tomorrow and would meet with Wilson right after.
He had decided to clearly state his intentions with Esther so her father would know that he was pursuing her seriously and needed his blessing to continue the courtship.
The three of them settled back inside the carriage and made the short ride back to Hathershire Manor.
Esther and Ian continued to discuss Egyptian culture with animation.
The carriage stopped far too soon, and Ian looked out of the window to see that they had arrived at Esther’s home.
Ruth descended from the carriage, followed by Ian, who then helped Esther once more.
“Allow me to see you inside, Lady Esther,” Ian said as he took Esther’s arm and walked up the stairs.
Esther nodded graciously said, “That is very kind of you.”
Ian smiled. Her soft voice spoke the sweet words, and her dulcet tone could make a man forget all his troubles.
“I hope you enjoyed our outing,” Ian said knowing that she did but needed to fill the space with words.
“I did, My Lord. Very much indeed,” Esther said stopping in front of the front door.
“Would you do me the honor of accompanying me on a picnic tomorrow?” Ian asked, already planning for the next day. He knew he must move forward as quickly as possible, that he must see Esther publicly every day.
“That would be wonderful. I do adore picnics,” Esther replied, looking elated. She was not expecting Ian to make plans to meet again so soon and it pleased her immensely.
“Well then, I am looking forward to seeing you again tomorrow, Lady Esther,” Ian said as he bowed formally before bidding her farewell.
He waited for her to step inside the manor and before turning around, he smiled at her.
He walked the short distance to his carriage and was about to step inside when another carriage suddenly came to stop beside him.
Lord Hathershire stepped out and walked around the carriage to come and meet Ian.
“We keep meeting in my drive, Lord Gilbert,” Wilson laughed and Ian bowed.
“That we do,” Ian replied.
“Have you just returned from your trip to the museum?” Wilson asked with a raised brow.
“Yes, I saw Esther inside a moment ago and was about to depart,” Ian responded. He had never before felt any tension when conversing with Lord Hathershire, but it was in the air now.
“Do you have a moment? I can offer you a drink,” Wilson asked suddenly, a thoughtful expression on his face. Ian understood why he had asked it and rejoiced internally at the offer.
Even though he had originally decided to talk to Wilson after his picnic with Esther tomorrow, now would be a much better chance. He had to seize the moment and make his intentions clear.
The sooner, the better.
“Absolutely, My Lord,” Ian said with a smile and Wilson nodded before turning around. The two men walked inside the manor and Wilson brought Ian to his study.
They entered the large decorated in dark brown tones. The colors brought to mind the color of Esther’s eyes. Her beautiful eyes were so animated and full of life. Her innocence was displayed clearly in them and Ian knew he could get lost within their depths.
“Brandy?” Wilson asked casually, forcing Ian to return his thoughts to the task at hand.
“Yes, thank you,” Ian answered as he took a seat on the chair that was placed in front of Wilson’s desk.
Wilson walked towards the decanter and poured brandy into two glasses before walking towards Ian. He wordlessly handed one glass to Ian and then sat down in front of him and took a sip from his glass.
“Ian, I have known you all your life and have always believed that you are a good man,” Wilson said after taking a few more sips of his brandy. Ian sat up a bit straighter. “Though I also know about your less than pristine reputation.”
Ian knew that Wilson was no fool and had most likely done some checking into Ian’s past. Ian respected the man for that, even though he knew that Wilson would not have liked what he had learned.
“I won’t deny it that I was a determined rogue, My Lord, but that has changed,” Ian answered, willing for Wilson to believe him.
Wilson looked Ian in the eye and asked, “So, what are your intentions with my daughter?”
This was the exact moment that Ian had been waiting for.
“My intentions are entirely noble, My Lord. In fact, I would like to request your permission to formally court Lady Esther,” Ian told Wilson plainly.
Wilson knew that Ian was a much better choice than Fergus, and a rational man like him would always weigh his options before making a decision.
It was known that Wilson took pride in his daughters and having this one marry a future duke would certainly work to solidify his family’s position in society even further.
Ian did not expect to be denied but still felt nervous after making his declaration.
After what felt like hours, Wilson finally said, “Well, then, you have my blessing, son. You may formally court Esther,” Wilson raised his glass to Ian and Ian did the same.
Ian couldn’t help but feel relieved that things were moving along so swiftly. It was no hardship to squire Esther to the museum or take her on picnics. Everything was much easier than Ian had anticipated, and he was thrilled.
He chose to ignore the unwanted thought in the back of his head that he was behaving dishonorably in pursing Esther only to essentially abandon her after they wed. But this was the way of many ton marriages, he told himself, and at least Esther would not be forced into bed with Fergus.