Page 51 of A Symphony for the Earl

“Yes, but I am much better now. I hope you are planning on attending Lady Drummond-Burrell’s musicale tonight, Denys.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he assured her. “I look forward to hearing you play, Fiona.”

“We’ve missed you,” Lady Amelia told him. “Have you been out of the city?”

“Yes, I met Richard at Seldon for some grouse hunting on Thursday. As I left last evening, he asked me to bring a letter to you.” Denys reached inside his dark-green coat and withdrew an envelope, which he handed to Lady Amelia.

“So, is that why you have come to see us?” Valentina teased. “To deliver Richard’s letter?”

A tinge of color touched Denys’s cheekbones.

Lady Amelia took the missive eagerly. “Oh, I wonder if Richard will pick up Octavia from Bath and bring her home. He mentioned that he might before he left.” She broke the seal and unfolded the linen paper, scanning the contents. A look of dismay crossed her delicate features and she refolded the letter quickly.

“What is it, Mama? Is everything all right?” Valentina reached for the letter but her mother quickly tucked it in the pocket of her gown.

“Perfectly fine.” Lady Amelia glanced nervously at Fiona. “He is fetching Octavia and will meet us tonight at Lady Drummond-Burrell’s.”

“He heard about my ride in the park,” Fiona guessed.

Denys regarded her with sympathy. “I believe he received a note from his stableman.”

Of course, Cedric had informed Richard. After all, his loyalty was to his employer. “I hope he did not blame you, Lady Amelia.”

“No, he did not cast blame, but he says that no more horses shall leave the stable until he returns home. I fear he is very angry.”

“You mean he forbids me to ride, or even take a carriage? Insufferable.”

“Fiona, you promised,” Lady Amelia reproached her.

“But there is good news, too. Viscount Atterbury has asked for an interview at Richard’s earliest convenience. It can only mean one thing, Valentina. He means to ask for your hand.”

“Why, we have hardly spoken.”

“No matter, dear. Sometimes that’s all it takes. The viscount is an excellent match. I’m sure Richard will request that you take time to become better acquainted. Perhaps you will find he suits you very well.” Valentina accepted her mother’s excited hug without enthusiasm.

Fiona glanced at Denys and caught the twist of pain on his face. It was quickly masked, but she was sure he shared Valentina’s feelings.

“I brought my phaeton hoping to take you and Fiona into the park, Valentina. My groom will drive, so that we may sit and enjoy our conversation. You are well enough to go, I hope? Lady Amelia, you must accompany us, of course.”

“I think I will rest, thank you.” She yawned. “Why don’t you go enjoy yourselves? It’s lovely outside.”

“Yes,” he agreed. “A perfect day for a carriage ride.”

“You are thoughtful, Denys, to think of us,” Valentina said. “A drive would be perfect.”

Fiona settled into Denys’s phaeton next to Valentina, and the driver handed both ladies a woolen blanket to tuck around their laps while Denys climbed into the opposite seat. She sat back and relaxed, enjoying the sunny day and sapphire skies that brought hope of more permanent spring weather.

Denys could scarcely take his eyes from Valentina. She wore a particularly fetching bonnet with burgundy velvet trim, and her matching gown boasted fine Mechlin lace at the collar and sleeves.

The carriage, though not as high-perched as Richard’s impressive black phaeton, was well sprung, and the ride to Grosvenor Gate pleasant. As the driver turned smoothly into Hyde Park, Fiona complimented Denys on his fine set of plain bays.

“Richard chose them, of course. I defer to his advice on horseflesh. While we were at Seldon, he brought out a new two-year-old, imported from County Wicklow. It is a magnificent colt. Coal black and as flashy a mover as you could wish for. He partners with a breeding farm there. Have you been to the Newmarket Races, Fiona?”

“No, but my father and I enjoyed going to the races in Dublin.”

“It’s quite a sight. Carriages lined up as far as the eye can see. Richard always has a fine horse there…I hear his brown gelding is odds on to win next week.”

Of course, it would be; Lord Richard enjoyed success in all his pursuits. “I was unaware the earl had business in Ireland. I wonder why he did not mention it.”