Page 27 of A Symphony for the Earl

She had not noticed his arrival. The music ended with a rapid flurry of movement and crescendos, and as the last notes hung in the air, he applauded. Miss Rafferty glanced over in surprise as Octavia ran to him, throwing her arms around his fine worsted wool coat.

Richard laughed and squeezed her shoulders affectionately. “Hello, Scamp. Good afternoon to you, Valentina. Another stirring performance, Miss Rafferty. Who is the composer?”

“Mozart, Piano Sonata 13 in B-flat major. A difficult piece that I have not quite mastered.” She stood and stretched. “What on earth is the Four-In-Hand Club? Valentina said you had had a meeting today and then mentioned boxing. I know of Jackson’s Saloon; Athair spoke of it as a pinnacle of the sport, but he also mentioned Cribb’s Parlor in the same breath.”

“Your father sparred, then? I only met him once or twice as a youth but remember him as a strong and athletic man. The Four-In-Hand is a driving club, of which I’m a member.”

“A very exclusive club, I’m sure.”

“As a matter of fact, it is.” A smile played about his lips. Miss Rafferty rarely failed to amuse. “Speaking of driving, shall we start a bit early? The earlier we return, the sooner Miss Rafferty and I can begin our dancing lesson. Mother, I see you are awake.”

Lady Amelia yawned delicately. “Oh, was I asleep? I must have dozed off…”

Valentina set the paper aside. “That is a splendid idea, Richard. Let me ring for my jacket. Mother, would you care for a shawl?”

“Yes, my dear.”

“Do you wish to come, Octavia?” the earl asked. “Have you completed your studies?”

Octavia presented a pleading face to her governess.

“Nothing is pressing,” Miss Ernest replied.

“Hoorah! I’ll get my coat!”

“You need not run, Octavia,” Lady Amelia called. But it was too late.

“I shall call for the landau.” The slight headache brought on by another visit to Mr. Falworth this morning had dissipated with some intense exercise, and the idea of a drive in the fresh air promised to be entertaining.

“And the chestnuts?” Valentina asked hopefully.

“Yes, the chestnuts indeed. We will go in style,” he promised.

Pillows of white clouds accentuated the bright-blue sky of a lovely afternoon as the carriage ride commenced. Hyde Park was crowded with other carriages, but Richard’s open landau and four showy horses attracted no small attention. It was rare that the entire Merrick family gathered for a drive, and they received many nods and greetings as the chestnuts trotted smartly along the main thoroughfare.

He handled the fractious geldings easily, well satisfied with the attention his party attracted. More than one gentleman looked twice at Valentina and Miss Rafferty, whom he had settled in the third seat of the carriage. His ward was quite fetching in a deep-cherry spencer and straw-brimmed bonnet decorated with matching ribbons, and Valentina a stunning foil in sky-blue taffeta and a jacket of sapphire velvet.

His mother sat opposite them, rigidly clutching Octavia to her side. She found even the most conservative pace intimidating, but bravely faced trepidation to fulfill her duty as matriarch of the family. At one point, Richard urged the chestnuts into a brisk trot and he heard a strangled gasp behind him.

“Richard! Pray remember we are not at Newmarket.”

He laughed and slowed the horses to a more sedate progress.

Denys Spencer, mounted on a fine gray, cantered up to them and fell in beside the carriage as it came to a walk. Richard smoothly checked the horses to avoid a squirrel in their path and caught his friend’s flash of admiration. Denys appeared to best advantage on horseback—he was a heavy-handed driver and often quizzed on his dismal lack of skill with the reins.

“Good afternoon, Lady Amelia, Miss Valentina, Miss Rafferty. And Miss Octavia, of course.” He tipped his smart, curly-brimmed hat to the women. “What a lovely picture you present. Richard, when will you allow me to drive those chestnuts? Are we not the best of friends?”

“Friendship has its limits, Denys. The last time I let you take the reins it took weeks to reschool my grays.”

“Richard! You will not say so!”

“I will, and I do,” he answered firmly. “Be satisfied with the dashing figure you cut riding.”

“Well, ladies,” Denys teased, “am I dashing enough to procure a dance or two at Almack’s tomorrow?”

Valentina accepted without hesitation, but Miss Rafferty was less enthusiastic.

“I am to have my first lesson tonight. You may wish to hear how I do before offering to be my partner.”