Page 29 of A Symphony for the Earl

Richard paused the team to let a faster carriage pass. He glanced back at Miss Rafferty to see flags of color on her cheeks and her green eyes flashing with temper. Had he actually thought she wasn’t beautiful?

“You will do nothing, Miss Rafferty. The waltz has been dealt with, as have the voucher and the tickets. You will find yourself unwelcome at most social events if you flout Almack’s.”

Still looking mutinous, she made no reply, and he turned his attention back to the road, flicking the whip to move the chestnuts forward. There was little conversation as he drove up Carriage Drive, avoiding the heavy traffic and turned the carriage toward Park Lane.

Near home, his mother attempted some small talk.

“Perhaps your new dress will have arrived, Fiona. Madame Brigitte did promise it today. These new, simpler styles take less time in the way of fittings, and she is a genius with her measurements, so we rarely have to return for a second. I have planned supper for six o’clock. I do hope you are fond of goose, for our cook Lucy does the most wonderful cherry sauce—Richard, I know you are a notable whip, but if you could take the turn with a bit less speed—”

He slowed the pace, and they soon turned onto Brook Street, where Jerome waited at the curb. When Richard pulled up, a footman came to assist the ladies from the carriage, while his tiger took the reins.

He extended a gloved hand to help Miss Rafferty down, noting the frigid set of her features.

“Is thirty minutes sufficient for you to freshen up before we start?” She looked at him with surprise. “Did you think I would renege on my promise because we exchanged words? You don’t know me very well. Come, let us call a truce.” He offered his arm and escorted his exasperating ward into Merrick House.

Chapter Ten

A Dancing Lesson

Inside her chamber, Fiona hastily discarded the cherry-red spencer and threw her bonnet on the bed, smoothing down the toile muslin of her skirts. She was reluctant to bother Betty, who probably tended to Valentina anyway.

She went to the mirror and redid a pin or two in the loose knot of hair gathered at the nape of her neck. What if she did not meet the earl’s expectations as a pupil? Sharing the intimacy of a dance could prove awkward and uncomfortable even in the best of circumstances.

With no small trepidation, she headed to the music room and heard a lilting tune. Miss Ernest was at the piano, and the earl sat in an armchair by the fire. No other family members were present. Whether this was their choice or his, she was glad of it. She dreaded fumbling her steps in front of an audience.

He stood at her entrance, and Miss Ernest paused the music.

“Miss Rafferty.” The earl walked to the center of the spacious room. A blue-and-gold Persian rug that usually covered the hardwood floor lay rolled up by the door.

He had changed from his driving attire to nankeen breeches and an indigo frock coat, both flawlessly tailored to his impressive form. The waistcoat underneath was of subtle striped silk in the same dark blue and cerulean.

“Mother sent word that your dress arrived. It’s been brought to your room.”

“Thank you. Is-is anyone coming to watch us?”

“No. I thought you might like privacy at first. After supper, we will invite the others, and perhaps we can all practice together.” He raised an eyebrow. “There is no objection? I’ve noticed you don’t battle my decisions when they suit you, Miss Rafferty. Yet, I’m a dictator when they do not?”

She caught the gleam of humor in his eyes, and her face grew warm. Whether it was embarrassment at the accurate reading of her emotions, or noticing that his eyes were neither blue nor gray, but an intriguing combination of both, she wasn’t sure.

“We will do better when you realize that my resolutions are generally sound.”

There was no good response to this advice. She could say the same about her opinions.

“Let’s start with a country dance. They’re performed in a line, with partners facing each other. You simply mirror the movements of the person opposite, even if your partner changes. The quadrille is very similar in style but performed by sets of four people. I’ll start with the most common steps.”

He demonstrated each component, most of which lasted four to eight bars of music. Crossing Over, Set to Partners, Hands Around, Right and Left, and the Ladies Chain; she performed them repeatedly until he seemed satisfied. She need not have worried about feeling awkward in his presence; the attempt to master the steps took all her concentration.

The earl was an excellent instructor and more patient with her mistakes than she would have guessed. Fiona soon relaxed and relied on his guidance and Miss Ernest’s excellent playing to keep time with the music. A good two hours passed before she felt comfortable with each movement.

“What of the waltz?” she asked as they paused to rest. “You took the trouble to secure permission, so I am anxious to discover what all the fuss is about.”

“The success of a waltz depends largely upon the skill of your partner. You would do well to stay with Denys or myself in that respect.” He stepped closer and put his arm lightly around her waist, lifting his right hand.

“Take my hand…like so,” his long fingers closed around hers, “and place your left upon my shoulder. It is a triple-meter dance, performed in unison. Play slowly, if you please, Miss Ernest.”

She caught the subtle scent of bergamot and cedar. Her breath fluttered; as close as they were, she sensed the heat radiating from his body. Fiona considered herself above average height, yet the earl stood a good four inches taller.

Beneath her fingers, she felt the play of sculpted muscles through his fine wool coat, and her breath caught in her throat. He was large and powerful, and so very male. What had she been thinking to dance alone with the earl? She kept her eyes on the intricate knots of his cravat.