Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Ian reached the Hathershire Manor in a daze, still unable to get a hold on his anger. He knew that it was not healthy, but he had no control over his emotions. The only thing that was driving him was the fact that he would soon see Esther.
“Please follow me to the drawing room, My Lord,” the butler said once he had announced Ian’s arrival.
He followed the butler to the main drawing room where Esther was waiting for him.
He walked inside the large, sun-filled room, and his eyes immediately found Esther standing just a little further away.
An involuntary grin tugged on his face as he looked at her.
She was wearing a bright yellow dress which was covered in paint.
Her hair had come apart and hung loosely at her neck.
Her hands were also covered with paint, and a few streaks could be seen on her face as well.
She was mesmerizing, a vision, and Ian knew that going there had been the best thing he could have done.
“My Lord,” Esther greeted him with a curtsy as Ian advanced.
“Don’t you think it is time that you start calling me Ian,” Ian commented, hating the formality.
“If you wish, My Lord,” Esther said and her face dimpled.
“Then I will call you Esther, if you allow it,” he said casually, for he wished to see how her name sounded on his lips. He immediately noticed how she sucked in a sharp breath, clearly overwhelmed.
“My Lord, you are aware we can’t do it in public,” Esther said shyly. She did not once look up while addressing Ian as the mere idea of using his name had made her go crimson.
“So this would be like a secret pact between us? Am I right?” Ian asked, his tone jovial.
“Yes, My Lor–– I mean, Ian.”
Ian sighed deeply as she softly whispered his name.
“May I know the reason for your visit, My Lord?” Esther asked and then bit her lip slightly on addressing him formally once again. He knew it was a slip of the tongue and that she would take a little time to get accustomed to it.
“Are you implying I must always have a reason to visit you, Esther?” Ian questioned, teasing her. Esther’s eyes widened, and she looked at him with horror as if the mere prospect of such a notion was painful.
“No, of course not. I was simply not expecting you today. You are welcome to visit whenever you wish,” Esther clarified immediately, and Ian laughed for he knew she meant it sincerely.
Ian’s eyes fell on Ruth, who was seated on a couch off to the side.
She was pretending to read a book, but Ian knew that her entire attention was focused on their conversation.
He wished to have just one single moment of solitude with Esther but he knew that Ruth was a condition that came with Esther’s company.
There was no way he could get her all to himself.
“I wished to see you, so I came. And I am glad that I did. It seems that I will now get to see your artwork,” Ian said, clearly excited.
“An excellent time?” Esther exclaimed, blushing crimson, “I dare to disagree. I am sure I look awful, an utter mess!”
Ian couldn’t help but laugh at the horror displayed on Esther’s face. He had no idea how she didn’t know how adorable she was. He had only known she would look beautiful every single time he saw her. Today, even in her frenzied state, she looked just as fetching as she always did.
“You look perfect, Esther,” Ian said, the words leaving his mouth unconsciously.
He stood there for a second, unable to comprehend what he had just said.
The words had escaped his mouth, they had not been a carefully worded compliment to please Esther.
They were the simple truth that resided within his heart.
Ian looked at her, and the only word he could think of was perfect.
In the past, he had praised ladies countless times.
His praises had just been mere words, usually said to or get a woman in his bed.
But with Esther, it was completely different.
Every word he said was said from his heart.
He had truly meant to tell Esther that she looked perfect because in his eyes, she couldn’t look anything less.
Did this mean that he was developing feelings for Esther?
Ian was extremely confused, for he had no idea where these emotions were emerging from. All he knew was that they were genuine.
His eyes fell on Esther, who appeared teary-eyed. She was blinking rapidly as if forcing the onslaught of tears to stay at bay.
Was she crying?
He wished he could move forward and take Esther in his arms to comfort her.
He knew she was pretending to be fine and trying her best to stop from crying in front of him.
He did not wish to embarrass her and pretended to be oblivious to her emotional state.
He knew she would gain control over herself in the next few minutes.
He decided to change the topic of conversation, and the first thing he saw was the canvas behind Esther.
“That is a beautiful painting, Esther. You are truly gifted,” Ian said, simply being honest. He had no idea how the canvas placed by the window had escaped his notice, but the beautiful array of watercolors that decorated it made it magical.
He couldn’t believe that Esther was such a talented artist.
“You flatter me, My Lord,” Esther said, finally composing herself and walking to stand behind Ian as he stared at the painting.
“No, Esther. I do not. This is excellent,” Ian said, not wanting Esther to belittle her work.
“Thank you, Ian,” Esther whispered, sounding slightly shy.
“This scene looks familiar,” Ian said scrunching his eyebrows and moving in closer to inspect the painting.
“Yes, it would be. It is Hyde Park, where we walked yesterday,” Esther explained, and Ian remembered. He was impressed with how beautifully Esther had caught every detail on canvas and made it look real. She was a true artist.
“You are remarkable, Esther. I am so glad you decided to paint this scene. It commemorates our first picnic together,” Ian said, turning around to glance at her. He found her smiling up at him and was glad that she was finally smiling again.
“I enjoy painting places I have been to. I have noticed that I have good observation skills, and I am good at putting down exact images on canvas. Thus, whenever I visit a place worth painting, I always try to paint it as soon as possible to allow the image to stay close to reality.” Esther said, explaining the situation.
“That is an excellent idea. I would love to see some of your other work too. After this, I am certain that every single piece will be beautiful.” Ian complimented again.
Esther blushed, looking down. Ian turned around completely to face her and was once again blown over by how beautiful she looked.
“I can’t wait for the day you will be painting scenes from America,” Ian said casually and noticed how Esther’s eyes widened. She couldn’t keep the smile from emerging onto her face. He had of course remembered it was one of her biggest wishes.
“How exactly are you so certain that I will ever get to see America?” She asked him while raising an eyebrow. Ian laughed at her suspicious tone before winking at her.
“My Lady, I happen to have a very well-developed sixth sense, and I am rarely wrong about it. If I am saying that you will get to see America, you will! Have faith in me,” Ian said, laughing lightly.
His laughter was infectious, and Esther joined in.
Once the two were serious again, Esther turned to look at Ian.
“Oh my. I haven’t asked you to sit. Pardon my manners,” Esther said, suddenly looking horrified.
“You need not look so scandalized about it, Esther. I do not wish to sit. Would you allow me to take you out for some ices?” Ian suggested, suddenly wanting to enjoy her company a little longer.
“Gunter’s?” Esther questioned, sounding like a little girl.
“Yes, absolutely,” Ian confirmed and was blessed with a huge smile from Esther.
“That would be lovely. If you could wait for ten minutes, I must change my gown,” Esther said.
“Take as long as you need. I’ll happily wait here for you,” Ian said with a smile before walking forward and sitting down on the couch.
“I’ll be back in a trice,” Esther said hurriedly before turning and almost running out of the drawing room.
Ruth followed after her, also walking at a fast pace.
Ian laughed lightly, still unable to truly understand his feelings for Esther.
The only thing he knew was she made him feel like no one else had ever done before and he appreciated her all the more for it.