Page 85 of A Symphony for the Earl

“I can’t find him,” she said miserably. “Perhaps he is with her now.”

“Hansen told me he had an appointment this morning with Falworth. And last night, Richard told me he’s renovating his hunting lodge in Ireland. He asked if I thought you might like it as a wedding gift. Does that sound like a man forced into marriage?”

“Well, now my father believes I was somehow forced into an engagement. Things are such a disaster.”

“When does Mr. Rafferty plan to visit?”

Fiona glanced at the gilded Sevrès clock on the sideboard. “Two o’clock. But it’s important I speak with Richard first. If only he would return.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure Richard will sort everything out. Oh, my—I have to go change; it’s close to noon. You look like a mermaid in that shade of pale green, Fiona. I recognize Madame Brigitte’s touch. Your wedding gown will be a work of art.”

“If there is a wedding.”

“Of course, there will be a wedding. Richard always has his way.”

“He has never faced Gerald Rafferty. My father can be proud and very stubborn.”

“Well, that certainly runs in the family. Come upstairs and help me dress.”

*

She didn’t have the opportunity to speak with Richard before her father arrived. He came home shortly before two o’clock and went directly to his study, shutting the door. She stood uncertainly in the atrium and debated knocking, but Lady Amelia appeared first.

“There you are, my dear. I’ve arranged for tea, but I wonder if it is too early? Perhaps three would be a better time. Does your father prefer cake or scones? Oh, no matter. I shall have both. Why are you hovering? Hansen will show Mr. Rafferty into the drawing room.”

She led the way down the hall and Fiona had little choice but to follow. Valentina lounged on the brocade sofa by a bright fire and held a newspaper while Octavia sat nearby, her nose buried in a large book.

“Our ball received a glowing account on page two, Mama. It says here the food and refreshments were ‘nearly on par with the exalted company.’ How ever did Richard persuade the Prince Regent to leave Balmoral?” Valentina patted the cushion next to her. “Come sit down, Fiona. Are you excited to see your father again? Oh, here’s Richard.”

He entered, looking very austere in a coat of darkest navy and a white cravat, and walked over to kiss Lady Amelia’s cheek. “Mother. I hope the afternoon finds you well. May I remark on the memorable party you hosted last night? With only three weeks to prepare, the result was miraculous.”

“Miraculous is certainly the right word.” Fiona rolled her eyes.

Richard laughed and took her hand, lifting it to his lips. “Yes, I consider that an understatement given your father’s appearance. Are you well rested, Fiona? You look rather pale, though quite lovely in that frock.”

If only they could have spoken privately, she would have asked him if Mrs. Davenport had lied about their appointment.

“What are you reading, Scamp?”

“All about pirates. Richard, did you know Blackbeard was the most fearsome pirate of all? His real name was Edward Teach. Maybe Fiona’s father sailed with Blackbeard!”

“I doubt it,” he laughed, “but it would make a good story. Did you enjoy your first ball? Not all are quite so exciting, I warn you.”

“It was smashing! At the next one, may I wear a long dress? And carry a fan? I quite liked using Mother’s fan. And fluttering my lashes like Valentina does with Denys.”

Richard brushed Octavia’s cheek. “Don’t be in a hurry to grow up, Octavia. Enjoy your carefree state a bit longer.”

“Oh, I shall marry a duke and do whatever I please, so you needn’t worry for me. Do you think Mr. Rafferty is truly a pirate, Richard? Oh, I hope so!”

“I am sorry to disappoint you, but that too is highly unlikely. I have no doubt an entertaining tale awaits us soon.” He took a bergère to sit by the fireplace, crossing his booted legs. “Good afternoon, Valentina. You looked like you enjoyed yourself last night. I think all in all, things went quite well.”

Fiona wondered if he was apprehensive about the outcome of Gerald Rafferty’s reappearance; it certainly didn’t seem that way.

Her heart sank as the grandfather clock in the hall chimed two bells. Punctuality was not one of her father’s virtues. Richard’s long fingers tapped the arm of his chair as they waited, and Lady Amelia’s head began to droop on her chest. Just as Fiona was about to jump out of her skin with impatience, Hansen appeared in the doorway and sonorously announced the arrival of their guest.

As the majordomo stepped aside, her father’s vibrant presence filled the room. He wore a black coat with a pair of tan breeches and a waistcoat embroidered in scarlet. Instead of a cravat, a red scarf tied below the points of his collar gave him a decidedly roguish air.

“Good afternoon, Lord Seldon,” Gerald Rafferty bowed. “I didn’t have the opportunity to compliment you on your home last night, but it is magnificent.” He approached Lady Amelia, bowing elaborately, “Lady Merrick, you are just as beautiful in the harsh daylight as you appeared in candlelight. Behold me at your feet.”