Return (4)

Scarlet was a little surprised to hear that his intentions had something to do with courting her. It was the first time since calling for the divorce that she had personally heard of a man wanting her.

It was constantly repeated that she was a cold-hearted woman who didn't know how to care for a man. Something which might have been started by Jack or assumed because she didn't act like most women did around men. 

Then there was all the talk of how she didn't give Jack a child. Some men considered it pointless to court her and would only be after her wealth while others saw it as a blessing because anyone could bed her and not have to worry about children.

The town was rushing ahead with the stories of how she couldn't have a child. Of course, she wouldn't be having a child for Jack since their intimacy had steadily declined. 

"Did my confession shock you into forgetting how to speak?" Ian mused. "Surely a woman like you isn't new to hearing that a man wants you. There is much to change," he said, tapping his fingers on the chair.

"It was a sudden confession. Hardly something I expected to hear now. I can't stop you from having that attraction to me, but should it become unbearable, I will not frequent your business for another second," said Scarlet.

Too much flirting would be uncomfortable for her at this time since she wanted a break from men. Not just with relationships, but with relatives and the men involved in her businesses. She had grown tired of them all and needed a vacation. 

Ian smiled as he was not the pushy type. A woman like Scarlet required little steps he was willing to take. He was hounded by Monica whenever she visited and a few of the women who frequented the business so he knew what it felt like to have someone forcing their interest on you.

"I am not a pushy man, Scarlet. Seeing that I already have you taking a glimpse at my body-"

"It was only once!" Scarlet interjected, almost spilling her tea. She looked down at her lap and luckily didn't find a spot of tea on her dress. "You're insufferable."

"I think I am the perfect remedy you need right now. A bit of teasing to lighten your day up. You can't always be so serious all the time. I shall make all your visits here enjoyable," Ian said as he stood. "I will give you privacy to enjoy the rest of the tea while I make a second pot."

"I wish to be alone when I come," Scarlet quickly said before he could leave.

"Being alone isn't fun. You think it is best because you are surrounded by fools, but trust me, we all need fun people around us to save us. I will be back soon," Ian said, exiting the room right after.

Scarlet stared at the door, still not knowing what to make of Ian. He wasn't exactly annoying, but she had yet to see a friendship between them and certainly not something more forming in the future. 

It was the first time she allowed someone to sit before her during her time drinking tea without having the thought of leaving to avoid unnecessary conversations. 

Scarlet wasn't ready to dismiss that he wanted something more from her, but she started to believe that he was being nice because of his past scandal.

"He should open a teahouse next," Scarlet said, finishing the last of her tea in her cup. 

The tea was so good that she might lose track of time because she was so focused on the tea. After the second pot of tea, Scarlet would need to leave as she had business to tend to. Even during the divorce, she had to stay focused on the hotels and other businesses so her relatives had nothing to say. 

Scarlet poured herself another cup and then continued to look around the room. There wasn't a single family portrait in the room, just a few pieces of art she recognised from once being in the paper or at auctions. 

She couldn't be sure if they were the real art as Ian would have to be in town for a while now to buy a painting she had seen at an auction more than a month ago. If it was the real art, Ian had done well for himself as it wasn't something cheap. 

Ian would have received money from his father regardless of whether Lord Kingsley wanted to do it as the court would make him. It seemed that rather than wasting the money, Ian had invested it well. The art could be sold again for a higher price. 

This was positive in Scarlet's eyes as she enjoyed being around others who thought about the future and didn't waste money.

As Scarlet continued to look around the room, she noticed a black envelope with a familiar seal from the palace, propped up onto books giving her a view of it. 

If she had to guess, it was an invitation to the diamond ball thanks to having one of her own, but how would that be possible? How did the palace know of his presence in town and how did he receive an invitation when the guests were carefully selected? Was he going with the Kingsleys?

"This doesn't make any sense. Why am I concerning myself with his matters?" Scarlet muttered, realising that she was doing a bit of snooping. It was unintentionally as she was only looking at the decor and stumbled upon the envelope. 

Ian going to the ball did not concern her. It only confused her as it appeared he was in town for longer than she thought and had made a few connections already. Though his personal life wasn't her business, she had to know a bit more about him seeing that she would be coming here for tea. 

Scarlet didn't want to be around someone who confused her so much. 

The door opened, revealing Ian returning without another pot of tea. 

"You look as though something troubles you," said Ian.

"Are you going to the diamond ball?" Scarlet questioned.

"Yes. Right now I am yet to find a partner so if you are also without someone to escort you, it makes perfect sense for us to go together," Ian proposed. Showing up with Scarlet would be a good start to getting under his family's skin. 

The diamond ball was his big reveal of being back in the very town his family practically chased him out of.

"I plan to go alone," Scarlet answered. "You are confusing. It seems like you have been here long, but for someone who might have been in a big scandal, nothing about your return was mentioned. There is a need to be mindful of you since I don't know just who you are more than a Lord's son and who might be helping you."

"You are showing quite an interest in me early on. You will learn more about me the more you come. I am not some dangerous man wanting to hurt you and there isn't anyone helping me. Again, if you want help with the papers, you only have to ask," said Ian.

"And the price?" Scarlet asked, not forgetting the important detail,

"One dance with me at the ball," Ian answered.