Chapter 8

"Esther, dear, do be proper," Lady Seymour chided softly. "All eyes are on you. You mustn't be so reckless."

In the midst of the revelry, Esther stood near one of the fountains, her gaze fixed on the sparkling water as she absentmindedly tossed pebbles into its depths.

"Where's the harm in a little mischief?" she protested, throwing another stone into the fountain. "After all, it's a garden party. Surely, a few thrown stones won't cause a scandal."

Her mother hummed and, surprisingly, took a pebble off the pile in Esther's hand to throw in. Esther's head turned towards her mother with a questioning look.

"What?" Lady Seymour said defensively. "I'm trying to see the appeal in it."

It was surprising how much her mother's attitude had changed ever since the Duke had asked to court her, because she knew if it were like any other day, she'd be getting an earful by now.

Esther's gown, a vibrant magenta piece, made her stand out within the myriad of greens with off-white gloves. Her hair was styled in an artful chignon that she wouldn't usually think about that much. She didn't think she'd ever care, but somehow, today, she got up earlier than usual, setting out her jewelry, and her makeup took a little more time.

A familiar voice interrupted her reverie. Turning, Esther was greeted by the sight of Harriet, who wore a knowing smile on her lips.

"Well, well, well," Harriet teased. "I see you have your eyes set on someone, with how well you've dressed up."

Esther felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she sought to compose herself. "I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about."

Harriet arched a knowing eyebrow. "You may not have a keen eye for romance, but I do. You're trying to catch someone's attention."

"Your assumptions are fairly poor," Esther grumbled.

Her mind raced with conflicting emotions. She couldn't help but feel a sense of absurdity at the idea of falling for the arrogant and blunt Duke, even as her heart quickened at the thought of being in his arms. Inwardly, she chastised herself for entertaining such notions. After all, she had only sought his attention to attain her goals, not out of any genuine affection for him.

It was foolish, she knew, to entertain thoughts of romance with a man as prideful and imperious as the Duke. She knew better.

As Esther stood lost in thought, her attention was suddenly drawn to the surge of murmurs and whispers that swept through the gathered crowd. Turning her gaze towards the entrance of the garden, she spotted the Duke of Harcourt making his grand entrance, accompanied by his family.

One of the ladies walked past her, followed by another. "It's the Duke. He's here."

"He's spoken for, haven't you heard?" the other one whispered.

"Oh, come on, Amelia, His Grace can always change his mind."

William strode into the garden, his tall figure commanding attention. He was impeccably dressed for the occasion, followed by equally graceful and well-dressed young ladies—his sisters.

The Duke wore a tailored coat of deep burgundy velvet, adorned with intricate gold embroidery that shimmered in the sunlight. Beneath his coat, a crisp white shirt with a high collar added a touch of refinement to his ensemble, while a waistcoat of matching velvet accentuated his broad shoulders.

Despite his quiet personality and dark demeanor, there was no denying that William Barton was a remarkably handsome man.

William's gaze met Esther's across the garden, and she felt something stir within her—a mingling of anticipation and uncertainty. For a fleeting moment, they held each other's gazes, and she couldn't help but notice the subtle softness in his expression.

As he left his sisters behind and drew nearer, she couldn't help but notice the change that had come over him. His usual grim and bored expression was no longer so evident but was instead replaced with a muted smile. He didn't look happy, but he didn't look very displeased either.

Ah, yes… people are watching.

After all, she knew all too well that the Duke was not one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, especially not when it came to her.

As William halted before Esther, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves in her stomach.

"Lady Esther, it is a pleasure to see you again," he began cordially. "You look… nice."

"Why was that so hard to say?" she quipped from behind her fan.

He exhaled in exasperation while barely holding back a scowl. "Please acknowledge my attempts to make this work," he muttered.

Esther slipped effortlessly into her role and offered a demure smile in return, her eyelashes fluttering in a practiced display of coyness.

"Thank you, Your Grace," she replied politely, loud enough for others to hear. "You look quite nice yourself."

She was sure to not overdo the compliments. It had to look as natural as possible.

But William, ever the master of deflection, shook his head. "Nonsense, I could never hope to surpass your splendor, Lady Esther."

"You're overdoing it, Your Grace," she whispered.

"Am I?" he whispered back. "I thought that was how the regular folk talked."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Just be yourself, please. I'm not used to you flattering me so much, if at all."

She was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of his sisters. The sudden intrusion caught her off guard, and she cursed herself inwardly for momentarily forgetting about their presence.

"Ah, there you are, William!" Marina exclaimed, her voice bright and cheerful as she approached, with her sisters in tow. "Don't leave me to deal with these diplomatic exchanges on my own."

Esther forced a polite smile, her composure slipping slightly as she exchanged wary glances with William. She knew all too well the delicate dynamics between him and his sisters, particularly Marina.

"Forgive us for interrupting," Juliet chimed in. "We need our brother to escape certain people who are… overbearing."

Sarah giggled in agreement. "Indeed, people take small talk too seriously."

Esther forced herself to maintain a polite facade, though inwardly she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the sudden shift in the atmosphere. With William's sisters now in their midst, the easy camaraderie she had shared with him moments before seemed to vanish into thin air, replaced by a palpable tension.

"Pleasure to meet you, Lady Esther," Marina said with a critical once-over. "We've heard much about you from William."

Esther forced a polite smile, her heart racing as she braced herself for the inevitable interrogation that she knew would follow. "Thank you, Lady Marina. I've been looking forward to meeting all of you."

"Have you now," Marina replied emptily. "I, too, have been curious to see the person who has so impossibly captured my brother's affections."

"Ah, well, I'm afraid you'll find that there's not much to see." Esther laughed nervously. "But enough about me. How are you all enjoying yourselves at this lovely party?"

"Spritely, isn't she?" William placed a hand on Marina's shoulder, interrupting the conversation, and Esther finally sighed in relief.

So this was what he had felt when she'd shown up the other night to get the lady away.

"Speaking of interests, Esther." He turned to her with a warm smile. "Did you know that my sisters have a profound passion for the theater?"

Esther's eyes lit up with genuine interest at his words. "Oh my, is that so?" she asked. "I myself am quite fond of the theater. It's always been a great love of mine."

Marina and the twins exchanged surprised glances, their suspicion giving way to genuine curiosity as they turned their attention to her.

"I had no idea. What a delightful coincidence!" Marina exclaimed.

And just like that, the atmosphere shifted, tension dissipating as the conversation turned to a topic about a shared interest. Esther and William's sisters began to exchange animated anecdotes and spirited debates about their favorite plays and performances, their voices rising with excitement as they shared their passion for the theatrical arts.

"Now, Sisters, if you'll excuse me, I'd like some time with Lady Esther to walk around the garden," William said as the conversation began to die down.

Though his sisters looked disappointed, they obediently walked away.

Esther let out a deep breath and felt her chest lighten. "I don't think that was enough to make them like me," she said despairingly. "Not that I blame them, but… it doesn't feel so good this time."

"I'm sure they like you better now, although I thought you were used to negative attitudes from others."

She sighed. "I thought so, too. Maybe I'm getting tired of it."

"Well," the Duke said pointedly as he led her away by the elbow, "you did bring it upon yourself on purpose, no?"

She grumbled under her breath, and they walked silently until they neared her mother, who broke away from a group of women to approach them.

"My, aren't you two the picture of affection! Good afternoon, Your Grace." Lady Seymour nodded to William. "I hope Esther isn't giving you any trouble."

"Never," he said sincerely. "Or, rather, I seem to be the only one who can manage her when she gets troublesome."

Esther scoffed, and Lady Seymour snorted behind her fan.

"Why, that's one way to put it. But, Your Grace, I couldn't help but wonder. Where is your mother? I do hope she is well."

Esther noticed William's expression falter slightly.

"Ah, yes, my mother. She had other engagements this afternoon with a friend of hers and was unable to join us for the festivities. But I assure you, she sends her regards."

Lady Seymour nodded in understanding, though Esther detected a hint of curiosity in her gaze as she observed William's response.

"Mother," she said gently, "I think it's getting a little stuffy around here. William and I will continue our walk for some fresh air."

"Of course, dear," Lady Seymour said before leaning in. "And please go easy on him. He's a duke, after all, and he's being merciful with his patience."

Esther rolled her eyes, though she understood that William had a lot of power over her as a duke. Still, she didn't think he'd ever hurt her. He'd only… withhold her desires after riling her up.

And she thought she was the shameless one in this arrangement.

As the afternoon progressed and the garden party continued in full swing, Esther and William found themselves a little distance away from the crowd, finally enjoying a moment of relative privacy amidst the bustling festivities.

Esther wondered why the Dowager Duchess hadn't come, but she did have an inkling. She couldn't resist the opportunity to tease William about his mother's absence, though.

"Well, well, Your Grace," she began with a playful smirk, "it seems Her Grace is not very happy about your courting decisions, hm?"

William's expression darkened. "I would not dwell on that."

"Come now." Her voice dripped with mock innocence. "Surely even you must admit that her absence speaks volumes. Perhaps she simply couldn't bear the thought of her beloved son being swept away by a rambunctious lady like me."

"I assure you, Lady Esther," he replied through gritted teeth, "my mother's absence has nothing to do with you."

Esther couldn't help but chuckle at his obvious discomfort, her teasing nature getting the better of her as she continued to push his buttons with playful abandon.

"Oh, really? And here I took pride in being too much of an anomaly. My mistake."

The comment earned her a reproachful glare from William. She was taken aback when he turned fully towards her, his gaze intense as he took her gloved hand in his own.

"Esther, I understand you're trying to provoke me into affirming some self-deprecating, self-fulfilling prophecy of yours," he said sternly, "but know that I've been vehemently protesting against every single negative thing anyone's had the nerve to say about you in my presence."

She looked up at him with wide eyes, feeling touched and surprised by the confession. He raised her hand to his face, pressing his lips gently to her knuckles.

"I say this as a friend," he whispered against her skin. "Please don't think so unkindly of yourself."

Esther felt a rush of warmth spread through her at the unexpected display of gallantry, her heart skipping a beat as she sensed the collective murmur that rippled through the gathered guests a ways from them. She couldn't help but blush at the attention, acutely aware of the envious glances the other single ladies in attendance cast her way.

But before she could fully process the moment, William straightened up and whispered softly in her ear, his voice low and intimate. "Perhaps it's best we refrain from further conversation, Lady Esther. It seems we've attracted quite the audience." He slowly let go of her hand. "Though it's quite amusing to see you like this."

Esther cursed herself inwardly for not retorting. She nodded mutely, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment as she tried to gather her wits. She stood there, hand still tingling from the lingering touch of his lips and a flutter in the pit of her stomach.

The day continued, and as Esther stood by William's side, she found herself caught in a whirlwind of introductions and polite conversation as his friends and acquaintances approached them.

It soon became apparent to her that not everyone was pleased to see her in William's company. The couple who engaged in conversation with William wore polite smiles, but their eyes betrayed a look of disdain as they glanced in her direction. And it wasn't just them—she noticed similar looks of disapproval from others in the crowd, their expressions ranging from subtle disinterest to outright hostility.

Esther felt increasingly self-conscious under the weight of their scrutiny. This time, it was much different from when she was simply a predicted spinster.

As William acknowledged the pair of excited young ladies with his usual disinterest, Esther observed their interaction with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The ladies, about the same age as her, seemed positively thrilled to be in the Duke's presence, their giggles and fluttering eyelashes betraying their infatuation.

"Lady Amelia, Lady Caroline," Esther said politely, offering them a warm smile as they turned their attention to her.

But to her dismay, their smiles seemed to falter ever so slightly as they greeted her in return, their expressions bordering on forced politeness.

"Good afternoon to you as well, Lady Esther," Lady Amelia replied, her tone polite but lacking warmth. "I almost didn't see you there."

"Oh, Lady Esther," Lady Caroline said with saccharine sweetness, "how delightful it must be to find yourself in such esteemed company."

"Yes, one could almost say it's almost a mismatch." Lady Amelia laughed.

A steely glint appeared in William's eyes.

"Indeed," he replied with subtle disdain. "I find Lady Esther's company to be far superior to that of any lady who comes my way today. Especially those who laugh behind their fans, unable to carry themselves with even a modicum of grace."

His words hung in the air, heavy with implication as Lady Amelia and Lady Caroline exchanged uncomfortable glances, their expressions shifting from feigned politeness to embarrassment. Esther couldn't help but feel grateful for William's staunch defense.

"Oh, of course, she is positively a pleasure." Lady Amelia tried to cover up her nerves with a strained smile.

As they left the company of Lady Amelia and Lady Caroline, Esther turned to William with a quiet expression of gratitude.

"Thank you," she murmured softly. "I'm used to this treatment, Your Grace. But I am grateful that you defended me."

"Don't thank me just yet, Lady Esther. You haven't seen the bill for my services," William teased with a playful glint in his eyes. "But in all seriousness," he continued, his tone softening, "you are beside me today, and I wouldn't be much of a man, let alone a duke, if I couldn't stand up for those I claim to hold dear."

She nodded in silent acknowledgment.

Yes, to prying eyes, as he had said, they were meant to be yearning lovers.

As they were joined once again by William's sisters, Esther couldn't help but notice the murmurs exchanged between the twins. Their hushed conversation seemed to carry an air of curiosity, though she couldn't quite discern its exact nature.

Marina, however, addressed William directly. "William, I must confess, I'm beginning to feel rather worn out by all the festivities. I've never been an avid admirer of big gatherings."

"I completely understand, Lady Marina," Esther replied sympathetically. "Especially when there are so many people to interact with."

William nodded in understanding as he turned to his sister. "If you're feeling tired, we can make our excuses and depart," he offered gently. "There's no need to overexert yourself on my account."

Gratitude was evident in Marina's expression as she nodded. "Thank you, William," she replied softly. "I would appreciate that."

She then turned to Esther with sincerity in her voice. "Lady Esther, I might have judged you too harshly. I do extend my apologies. It truly warms my heart to see you here by William's side. He has always carried the weight of his title with such grace, but I cannot help but worry that the burden of his responsibilities leaves him feeling isolated at times."

Esther's heart clenched at Marina's words. Though their relationship was bound by a contract, she couldn't deny the pang of guilt that tugged at her conscience. Not being his true lover was probably adding to his burdens.

"Thank you, Lady Marina, your words mean a great deal to me. I will do everything in my power to support William and ensure that he does not face his burdens alone."

"I have no doubt that you will," Marina affirmed. "Your presence brings him comfort in ways you may not even realize."

William coughed and cleared his throat, which made his sister glance his way with a hint of mischief.

Juliet spoke up. "You wouldn't believe how traditional William is," she complained. "He's always bothering us about marriage, as if it's the only thing that matters."

William let out an exasperated sigh, shaking his head in disbelief. "Not this again."

Sarah chimed in, echoing her sister's sentiments, "Exactly! We're tired of being constantly badgered about marriage. Now that he has you, he should let us be, but here he is again, telling us to conduct ourselves well."

"I only want what's best for all of you," he insisted. "Marriage may not be a priority for you, but it is what will secure your future, should anything happen to me."

"William, perhaps you should take a step back and consider that financial security is not the only priority in marriage," she suggested gently. "It's important to acknowledge genuine affections as well."

"I quite agree," Esther murmured, much to William's chagrin.

"Exactly," Juliet added. "You have your own life to focus on, William. Let us handle our own affairs."

"Perhaps an older brother's grievances may not always be understood. He cares a great deal about his family. I'm sure he means well." Esther smiled at them.

There was silence, and William shot her a look of disbelief, but then he nodded as he stood beside her. "Yes. I am sure Esther understands, as she has an older brother of her own."

As Esther looked up at him, his expression soft for once, she should not have felt the pang of grief. Even if momentarily.

None of this is real. This is just a show.