Page 57 of A Symphony for the Earl

Chapter Nineteen

An Engagement Is Announced

Fiona opened her mouth to protest, but Richard squeezed her hand tightly, and she bit off the words. Her predicament was painfully clear, and it wasn’t pretty.

To be discovered in such a compromised position would destroy any chance for an advantageous match. It wasn’t just that she had been caught kissing the Earl of Seldon…she was half undressed, for goodness’ sake.

Lady Sefton and Mrs. Drummond-Burrell continued to stare, awaiting confirmation of Richard’s statement. His fingers gripped hers like iron. There was no escape and barely time to think, and at that moment, she detested him for backing her into a corner.

“Well, my dearest?” He looked down at her. “Shall we make the announcement?”

She was probably the only one to recognize the steel in his voice. “I…I’m sorry to have caused you discomfort, Mrs. Drummond-Burrell, Lady Sefton. Of course, we intended to tell you earlier of our plans.”

“Indeed?” Mrs. Drummond-Burrell did not sound entirely convinced, but Fiona knew she would never challenge the Earl of Seldon’s word.

Her face must be quite red. The explanation sounded ludicrous even to her ears, but Richard displayed no loss of aplomb. He lifted her gloved hand to his lips, then tucked it firmly under his arm. No doubt he feared she might bolt at any moment, and to tell the truth, she might.

“I apologize, Lord Seldon, for my harsh words.” Obviously, Mrs. Drummond-Burrell saw the advantages of such a situation—the biggest revelation of the Season would be announced at her modest musicale. “Of course, we will overlook such…impetuosity…in light of your pending marriage.”

“How lucky we are to be the first to know,” Lady Sefton said, somewhat drily. She took her fan and snapped it open, fanning herself with an expression that said she didn’t believe a word.

Richard’s color heightened the smallest bit, but his considerable address was intact.

“No need to apologize. I trust we can all forget an unfortunate lapse in judgment on my part.”

Both ladies nodded, and Fiona released a pent-up breath of relief.

“How should we proceed with the announcement, Mrs. Drummond-Burrell?” her fiancé asked.

She thought for a moment, then clapped her hands in delight. “At the piano, of course. What could be better?”

“Indeed,” Fiona muttered and Richard surreptitiously pinched her arm.

“What an excellent idea,” he agreed. “Might I have a word with Miss Rafferty? We’ll rejoin you promptly.”

Lady Sefton looked pointedly at Fiona’s disheveled hair and bodice. “Certainly you should take a few minutes, Lord Seldon. Why don’t we gather the guests, Clementine?” She closed the fan sharply and led the way to the door, Mrs. Drummond-Burrell close behind.

Once they were alone, Richard deftly removed a few pins from Fiona’s topknot, tidying the loose ebony curls and readjusting the ribbon that secured her coiffure.

“I realize you have experience doing this, but I think I’m capable of the rest.” Fiona snapped, smoothing the seafoam silk of her dress and putting the bodice to rights. “How could you put me in this position, Richard? I had no choice but to agree with this farce.” When he didn’t respond, she stamped her foot in frustration. “I don’t love you,” she hissed. “And I certainly don’t wish to marry you.”

He walked to a mirror, calmly adjusting his cravat and cuffs, then replaced his gloves. “You have already volunteered that information in no uncertain terms, Fiona, but there’s no other option.”

“Richard,” she begged, “please don’t do this. I can’t marry you. If you announce our betrothal, I will simply break it later.”

He raised an eyebrow, a gesture that particularly annoyed her. “So, you wish to be on your own in London, tainted with scandal, and no prospect of marriage?”

She had no answer and stared down morosely at her aqua slippers.

Richard held out his hand. “Come, Fiona. I am sorry, but we shall make the best of it.”

“How can we be betrothed if banns have not been read?” she asked hopefully. “Someone of your stature cannot be married without posting the banns. People will know there is something amiss.”

He took her hand and placed it in the crook of his elbow. “They’ll be published by tomorrow evening. There will be some surprise at the haste of things, but my reputation will survive any gossip.”

“I’m glad that you are so sure of that. You really are insufferable, Richard Merrick.”

He had the temerity to smile at her. “You’ll never convince society it’s a love match with such a poor attitude, Fiona.”