Page 37 of For a Lady's Irresistible Gaze

Chapter 12

“A windfall!” Esther gaped. “Is that all you think I’m worth to him!”

“Is it?” John pressed. “Tell me, Esther, has he told you that he loves you? Any pledges of undying affection or commitment? Has he given you any indication about what you mean to him?”

Esther was so incensed, she nearly screamed, but under all her anger, John’s words had carved out a cold pit of hollowness in her stomach. No, Arthur had not said anything to that tune, but the man was reserved. He had told her that sentiment did not come to him quickly—but that did not mean he felt nothing for her.

Or does it?

“No,” Esther replied sullenly. “But that does not mean you get to pick the poor man apart and treat him like a criminal. Arthur risked his life to save us, and he deserves more respect and trust than that! Goodness gracious, John! You told me that you met him at your gentleman club and that he was thinking about me. Arthur has suffered through war. Do you know what seeing such carnage repeatedly does to a man? No, you nor I do, not. He told me that affectionate emotions were beaten out of him during his stay in France. Will you please leave the man alone?”

John did not look pleased, and Esther took his hesitation to convince him further, “Please, for me, do not do this.”

His lips formed a hyphen, then he rubbed the side of his neck, “I would love to do so, Esther, but it would be negligent of me not to make sure all is right.”

She bit back the irritation sparking at her chest, because she could see that John was wavering, “Do you distrust my judgment?”

“It is not as precise as I would want it to be…” John replied, “but no. You have always had a good sense when it comes to people.”

Sensing victory, Esther came to him and grasped his hand, “Please, do not do this. Everything will be fine. Believe me; it will.”

Giving her a slanted smile, John conceded, “Fine, I won't prod into the good Captain’s affairs, but I would like a good sign of commitment about his intentions for you from him soon.”

Relieved, Esther nodded, “Just be patient, John.”

“I’m off to London anyway,” John said, “I might be out late. Tell Mother not to worry.”

“Mother and I are very versed when it comes to you being away for hours of the night,” Esther laughed. “Don’t worry about that, but since we were on the topics of suitors, this Gale lady, was it her finances that turned you away?”

“No,” he looked over his shoulder. “Her brother is an Earl, and they have sufficient money; it was something else.”

Frustrated for another reason, Esther pressed, “Will you ever tell me why?”

“I don’t see the point,” John waved lazily. “It's already done; what point is there into bringing up the old matter. I’ll see you tomorrow, Esther.”

Tempted to roll her eyes at his back, Esther collected her book, went to her rooms, and placed her precious book on the table. John was still cagey about why he had ended his courtship, and though it bothered her, what did anger her was his impertinence; how dare he investigate Arthur as if the man had not had enough taken from his life. Now, he had to give up his privacy as well? Surely not.

Arthur is a good man. John might have his doubt, but I do not, and to prove it to my dear brother….

Turning, she rang for her maid, and when Margaret appeared, Esther smiled, “Send for my carriage, Margaret, and then, find me a lovely dress. I have a visit to make…”

***

Esther’s wide eyes traced over the front façade of Captain Morgan’s home with a little dizzy as the simple home that he lived in, but why the surprise? Arthur was a simple, unpretentious man; why would he live in luxury?

“My Lady,” Margaret said, while gazing out as well, “are you sure about this?”

“I am,” Esther replied, as the driver came down and opened the door for her. After helping her and Margaret out, she walked to the door and knocked.

Soon a footman opened it and stepped away to bow, “Good afternoon. May I help you, Miss?”

“My name is—”

“Esther?” Arthur’s shocked voice had her looking over the footman’s shoulder to him.

He was standing away from them, in buff trousers and shirtsleeves with astonishment on his face. Addressing the footman, he said, “Thank you, Stevens, I’ll take it from here.”

Bowing away, the footman disappeared around a corner, and Arthur held the door open. “Esther, what are you doing here? Not to say that I do not want to see you, but this is surely a surprise.”

---