Free Web NovelChapter 52: What is mine (2)
"Scarlet, how kind of you to show up. I’m sorry about the rain."
"Viscountess," Scarlet greeted the host with a hug. "It is fine. We can’t predict the weather."
"You make one guest that I don’t have to keep apologising to," Cora, the viscountess whispered. "My husband is going to get some of his finest drinks. That should keep the men quiet. The women, on the other hand, are grumbling but they will get over it."
"Listen, Scarlet," Cora said, touching Scarlet’s arm. "I hope you don’t think that we meant any harm by those two being here. I invited you and Jack before all this other news came out and I didn’t think you would show. I am not taking any sides. Please understand."
"I know, Viscountess. It is your home so you are free to invite whoever you wish. I am fine and aside from the light rain, the party was decorated well," said Scarlet.
"Oh, thank you. I was waiting for someone to compliment it. I just had the garden fixed up not long ago but all everyone is interested in is dresses. And you must be Ian Kingsley. My husband invited you," Cora said, still trying to place how her husband and Ian were acquainted.
"It is nice to meet you, Viscountess Cora. The party is just as Scarlet said. I am enjoying it. I hope there will be another day for you to show us around and tell us how you changed the garden," said Ian.
Scarlet watched as Cora’s eyes twinkled because of Ian. He had quickly charmed the woman.
He would have to visit alone since she wasn’t interested in how anyone changed up their homes for each season. It was a waste of money and something she wouldn’t join her peers in doing.
"I see now why the two of you are taking over my party by being the talk of it. I don’t mind that you’re getting all the attention. It’s saving this rainy party. Thank you for attending. I must go see that the other guests are fine."
"She seems lovely," Ian said, watching the viscountess hurry off to someone else.
"She is. One of the few nobles not with their head so high in the clouds. I can’t say the same for the viscount. The viscountess makes coming around him a little tolerable. There isn’t much rain so we can go back outside soon. This time, I will walk around with you to greet those curious about you," Scarlet offered.
"Or leave and keep them curious a little longer. I’ve had enough of all the staring your way," Ian said, moving to stand in front of Scarlet to block her from prying eyes.
"You must get used to it while courting me. There will always be stares but I think they are looking at you. The returned son of Hank Kingsley. You might be in the paper tomorrow and your business is filled. How unfortunate I will have to skip visiting for tea," Scarlet teased to distract him from the stares.
"I can always make a visit to your estate to personally prepare your tea there. I need as many visits as I can get to see the cat to win her over. Once the cat adores me, it would be hard for you to-"
"Miss Collins."
Scarlet tilted her head to the right to get a look at who had so rudely interrupted Ian. She couldn’t see anyone until a gentleman leaned his body. Scarlet tilted her head back to not see the man. "I think it is time we leave," she whispered.
Scarlet didn’t know why he wanted to speak to her. She just had the feeling that it was time for them to leave the party.
Ian had different plans as he didn’t budge from where he stood and held Scarlet’s hand to show what he was to her. "A few strands of your hair look wet. Do you want me to get a towel?"
The sound of someone clearing their throat was heard behind Ian.
"Do you not know how to tell when you are being ignored?" Ian asked, looking over his shoulder. He found a man who appeared twice or maybe three times in age compared to him and Scarlet.
Scarlet being ready to leave after seeing who was addressing her was enough for Ian to place the man as an eyesore.
Robert Marshall ignored Ian and stepped to the side to get a good look at Scarlet. She was just as she was described by those who spoke of her. A beauty that shouldn’t be wasted. "I am here to introduce myself to the lady and ask for a dance."
"This is a garden party. There is no dancing," Ian answered. "You walk around the garden. Try walking away to get the hang of it." ƒreewebɳovel.com
"I am asking now for it to be reserved for when there is a party with dancing. I am Robert Marshall. A pleasure to finally meet you," Robert introduced himself then offered his hand for Scarlet to return the greeting.
Scarlet glanced at his hand before looking back up at his face. "It is nice to meet you, Mr. Marshall. If you don’t mind, I was in the middle of a conversation."
Robert inspected the young fellow who got to Scarlet before him. She wouldn’t answer the message he put in the flowers he sent to her so he never received an invitation to sit with her. "I have been waiting to speak with you but it is so hard to see you," he said, moving forward with his hand out for Scarlet to place her hand. freewёbnoνel.com
She lacked manners but so did his two wives before they wed. He could fix it in time.
Ian sighed as he was put in a terrible spot. He wasn’t looking to hit someone far above his age today but with the old gentleman pushing himself to Scarlet, it might happen.
Scarlet tugged on Ian’s shirt. Before something more could come of this, they should leave. The way Robert eyed her told his intentions and since she came to the party without a gun, she didn’t feel safe.
Along with not feeling safe, Scarlet wished to avoid giving the people around them a show to watch.
"Mr. Marshall, you’ve interrupted my conversation which I find to be quite rude. As far as I am concerned, we have nothing to speak about. Go back from where you came," said Scarlet.
Robert clicked his tongue, disliking how she spoke. The younger women were getting ahead of themselves these days by not knowing how to respect men. He missed his younger days when women were more well-behaved. Some rebelled then but eventually found their place.
"Is this how to speak to a man courting you? Given your predicament, you should be glad that I am showing some interest in you. I already have three sons so you wouldn’t need to rush in giving me-"
Robert found himself moving against his will toward Ian. A handful of his shirt was lost in Ian’s right hand and the collar was pushing on his neck from being tugged. "L-Let go."
Ian couldn’t hear what was coming out of the sorry excuse of a man’s mouth as he only thought of strangling the fool. Regardless of how this town enjoyed ruining someone, Scarlet was not a woman one could easily mess with and he would gladly make an example for why.
