Chapter 18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Ian had never felt more restless. He was at Gilendale Manor with his parents, but he found he couldn’t eat properly. His thoughts continued drifting to Esther and how she was spending an entire evening with Fergus. He knew that she must be miserable.
What if Fergus asks for her hand in marriage?
His heartbeat rose. He worried that Wilson might change his mind about allowing Ian to court Esther.
Perhaps the man would decide that he didn’t want his daughter to marry a rake and would give her to Fergus.
That would crush her spirit and she would be doomed to a life of utter boredom and compromise.
“Are you well, Ian?” His mother asked. She had noted that he hadn’t spoken much at dinner and was now staring moodily into the fire.
“Yes, just feeling a little low,” he answered, not willing to tell his mother the real reason behind his sour mood. He knew he could share anything with her, but he didn’t wish to worry her needlessly.
“Perhaps you are just tired. Why don’t you retire early?” His mother advised, and Ian nodded before wishing her good night.
He knew that sleep would not come easily, so he instead made his way to White’s.
He wanted to have a drink and perhaps a game or two of cards.
The dimly lit surroundings always felt welcoming to Ian.
He found a secluded chair in the corner and occupied it, wishing to drink quietly for the time being.
A waiter spotted him, and Ian ordered a glass of scotch.
Once his drink was served and the golden liquid was warming his insides, he felt more peaceful, even though his mind was still focused on Esther and how the dinner must have gone. She probably hated every second of it, thought Ian feeling annoyed,
“May I join you, My Lord?” A familiar voice asked from behind him. Ian turned with a smile. Jack Spencer was there with a drink in his hand and a cheeky smile on his face.
“Of course,” Ian said with real affection.
Jack flopped down onto the chair opposite from Ian and settled down comfortably. Ian ordered more drinks before getting involved in conversation with Jack.
“I am here every day Ian, but you only show up sporadically,” Jack commented.
It was true, Ian had been busy with societal events, courting Esther and spending time with his family.
Thus, he hadn’t had much time to visit White’s regularly.
Even tonight, he was only here because he had been restless.
“I have been much occupied of late,” Ian replied shortly, dismissing the matter.
“Ah, yes. So how goes the hunt for a wife?” Jack asked with a chuckle. Ian smiled at Jack’s question. Jack was forever irreverent, but he was someone that Ian could confide it. He was also the one who had suggested that Ian court a wallflower, so he would understand.
“Quite well. I am courting Lady Esther,” Ian replied, smiling as he said her name. The action had been unconscious, and Ian didn’t pay much heed to how content he felt just saying her name.
Jack’s expression changed and he raised an eyebrow while contemplating at Ian.
“Esther Chapple? The middle daughter of the Earl of Hathershire?” Jack confirmed, and Ian nodded in affirmation.
“And Hathershire has given you his blessing to court her formally?” Jack asked and Ian suddenly wondered at Jack’s questions.
“Yes to all of that,” Ian answered.
Jack suddenly erupted into wild laughter. He took a sip of his drink before finally getting serious again. Ian raised an eyebrow questioningly.
“Wilson Chapple was here about an hour ago with Baron Dunshire. I think he wanted to marry Lady Esther because I heard Wilson tell him that he no longer had his blessing to court her. It was rather dramatic. Dunshire was clearly drunk and was angered by Wilson’s words.
Though you must know how Lord Hathershire is, the man is steadfast and stoic.
He put Fergus in his place immediately without caring even the slightest bit about the ruckus he was creating and left,” Jack said with evident glee. The man loved good gossip.
Ian’s eyes widened at the revelation, and his heart suddenly felt free.
It was as if all his concerns had faded entirely now that Fergus was no longer a candidate for Esther’s hand.
That meant that his plan was still in motion.
He also felt glad that he had been the reason that Esther was now free of Fergus.
He was happy that he could do that for her.
“Hathershire is clever. He knows you are a much better prospect than Fergus in all respects and would be a better match for his daughter. I believe your path is clear now that he has told the blighter to push off,” Jack chuckled, and Ian felt like celebrating.
“I’m glad. Fergus Dunshire is nothing but a drunkard who was after her dowry, and I know how much Esther hated interacting with him,” Ian replied.
“Well, I must say that you have chosen the perfect woman for yourself. Lady Esther is indeed a wallflower and should give you no trouble in the future. I am glad you took my advice,” Jack said as he slapped Ian on the back.
“How do you know even know of her?” Ian asked with a smile, his tone surprised.
“I like to keep myself entertained with the gossip of the ton. It helps me to know which ladies to interact with and whom to stay away from,” Jack replied shortly, not going into much detail.
“I am sure that given her status as a wallflower, Lady Esther is desperate to get married. She’ll be so bloody grateful that you’ll be able to get away with anything. ”
“You seem to know quite a bit about her.” Ian commented with raised brows.
He had no idea why Jack’s comments about Esther bothered so much, as that was had been his intention, but he wanted Jack to stop talking about her that way.
He was suddenly feeling very protective of Esther even from his own friend.
Jack motioned to the footman to bring another round and Ian didn’t object. He hadn’t been out drinking for quite some time and wanted to stay at White’s a little longer.
Ian once again thought about Esther as he gulped down his drink.
He knew that Jack would probably not understand it but there was much more to Esther than being a mere wallflower.
She was a lovely person with an excellent mind.
Ian knew that in her, he would not only find a wife but also a friend, someone he could feel close to.
Someone who would understand him and care for him.
He had a feeling that she was falling for him already, and even though he did not wish to hurt her, he knew he had to keep to his plan.
Now that he was permitted to court Esther formally, he could soon propose marriage to her. This would fulfill the ultimatum his father had given him and he could go on with his life as he saw fit.
But as happy as he was that his plan was progressing well, he couldn’t but feel a bit bad for not being entirely honest with Esther. To console himself he thought that he had at least saved her from a bad marriage to Fergus.
“Let’s go play whist,” Jack said, standing up, and Ian followed in his wake.
He couldn’t help but think he would end up hurting Esther by following his selfish desires, but his course was set.
He would never marry for love. Esther would learn to live with it and he would make sure she had everything she desired except his heart.