Free Web NovelChapter 42: Garden of drama (1)
"You look lovely."
"Thank you, Florence. I don’t know how long I will be out, so if Nolan or any other lawyers come with the divorce papers for me to put away, have them come another time. It would be rude to keep them waiting," Scarlet said, watching as Florence moved like a busy bee to finish getting her dressed.
"Understood," Florence replied.
"Isn’t this too much for a simple garden party?" Scarlet questioned, turning her head to the right to get a better look at the hat Florence picked.
Florence internally screamed as Scarlet’s first choice was already too simple. Scarlet had plenty of jewels gifted to her that deserved to be put on display to remind everyone of who Scarlet was. "It is not too much in my opinion. It is enough to add to the dress but to stay true to the simplicity you enjoy."
"I will put a fan in your purse as the weather is a little warm. Excuse me for a moment," Florence said, leaving Scarlet’s side to find a yellow fan to match Scarlet’s dress.
"I would prefer a darker colour. I suppose the yellow suits the garden theme," said Scarlet, deciding to put up with the bright colour today. ƒrēewebnovel.com
"Will you need me to make a call at any time to help you leave?" Florence asked as it was the usual arrangement.
"No," Scarlet answered.
When she was ready to leave, she would simply tell Ian and arrange when to leave with him. She was going to take his carriage but she had gotten him to agree to switch to Harry being their driver.
Unbeknownst to Scarlet, Florence could not stop smiling as it was exciting to see Scarlet allow someone to court her. What had this man done to get Scarlet to not think of work and attend a party?
Whatever it was, Florence hoped it kept happening to rid Scarlet of thinking about Jack or his whore.
"I must go down now as it is nearing his arrival. I leave the estate in your hands as always. Should my mother call or pay a visit, do not tell her where I am going," Scarlet said, taking her purse from Florence.
When gossip about her and Ian would start going around after the party, Scarlet would inform her parents of her relationship with Ian.
"Of course," Florence replied. "Can I do anything else for you before you leave?"
"No. That was all. Make sure Sunny is well-fed so you don’t have to put up with a grumpy cat," Scarlet said, glancing at the cat sleeping on the bed as if it owned it.
To be ready to leave when Ian arrived, Scarlet exited her bedroom and headed down to the front door. She was prepared for all the stares and whispering that would be done once she was seen with Ian.
’He’s here?’ Scarlet wondered as she walked down the stairs.
The front door was wide open with a maid standing outside. Ian had scored a point for being here now so they could arrive at the party at the time they were expected. If they arrived at the party on time, it was perfectly fine to leave well before it ended.
The maid made way for Scarlet to pass once she noticed her and bid goodbye.
Below the steps, Ian exited his carriage to greet Scarlet. He watched as she descended the steps to him. Was she on a mission to have others breaking their necks today? So far, everything she wore suited her well. freewebnσvel.cѳm
"Smitten again?" Scarlet asked as his silence told her that he appreciated the view.
"I thought you never wanted me to mention it again?" Ian replied.
"I don’t but it is evident what is going on inside your head. I applaud you for being on time today. We should hurry so we can leave the party when we want. Before it gets too noisy with those interested in your return. Thank you," Scarlet said as Ian opened the door and offered his hand for her to go inside.
"I think they’ll be more interested in you than me. I might find myself having to act as your guard today to ward off your admirers."
"I can chase them away. Besides, you need to be concerned about yourself as you may be seeing your family today. Are you prepared?" Scarlet questioned.
Ian already spoke to Layla and his father so there was nothing to be concerned about. It wasn’t like meeting his little brother would be any different. "I will be fine. I have a feisty woman beside me to protect me. Should I start calling you my knight in shining armour?"
"I have never been called that. You may," Scarlet agreed.
"So when I am like any damsel and try to kiss you, you won’t stab me right?" Ian asked as he sat opposite Scarlet.
"You made a good choice sitting on the other side but my foot can still reach you," Scarlet warned, tapping her shoe which would make a fine weapon.
"Wanting to fool around in the carriage with our feet. How naughty of you," Ian said, enjoying the way her nose flared like a little dragon. "You look beautiful, Scarlet. I thought of bringing you flowers but you were annoyed by the ones sent to you by your admirers so I hope this will please you."
Scarlet watched as Ian took a small box from his pocket and opened it to reveal a bracelet. There were not to be any gifts but Ian was hellbent on ignoring that part it seemed. Scarlet stayed quiet and offered her hand for him to put it on.
Once it was on, Scarlet raised her hand to have a closer look at the bracelet, admiring the skilled work of whoever made it as there were designs of various flowers on the gold band. It was pretty and a nice replacement for real flowers as she had become annoyed by men giving her flowers.
"Thank you," Scarlet said as she turned her hand to see what other flowers were there.
"We are moving off now," Harry announced so the two could get comfortable for the long ride.
"Are you wondering who made it?" Ian asked as Scarlet was still staring at the bracelet as the carriage moved.
Scarlet nodded her head. "Yes."
"Then, have dinner with me when the party’s over and I will tell you who made it. I would offer you tea but that is getting a little old. Do you accept?"
Scarlet smiled as Ian was a true businessman. Nothing was free even for his fake partner. "We shall see. It depends on how this party goes."
"Then I hope it will be a lovely party for you to accept my offer," said Ian.
"It will not be," Scarlet answered as along with Ian’s family there might be a few faces she did not want to see. "Oh, where are my manners? You also look handsome today."
"Did your eyes just wander to my chest, Scarlet? How scandalous," Ian said, touching his exposed neck. "I am not shy so should you ever want another look, you only need to ask."
"I did not!" Scarlet argued, taking a deep breath as she would not allow his teasing to get to her. ’Does it bring you joy to tease others?"
"No, that happens when I see them trembling before me. There’ll be a good show of it today," Ian said, ready to get the games started.
