Page 16 of A Symphony for the Earl

Valentina offered advice and a decided opinion against pastels, which she declared “entirely wrong for Fiona’s coloring.”

“So, we will do the cerulean velvet for your riding habit, non? And then two afternoon dresses with a pelisse and redingote, and four evening gowns.”

“That is too much,” Fiona protested. “The dresses I have now will be fine for the daytime. I only need one or two more formal dresses. Lady Amelia, please…”

“Now, dear,” Amelia said briskly. “You must trust that Brigitte and I know what is best. That sounds excellent, Madame. When can you have them ready?”

“Two of the evening gowns the day after tomorrow, the rest within two weeks. That is acceptable, n’est-ce pas?”

“Excellent.”

“And lingerie?” the modiste asked, lifting an eyebrow. “I have some wonderful—”

“No,” Fiona said firmly. “My current selection is of excellent quality. Dublin is quite known for its lace and delicate lawn.” Lord Merrick would not be purchasing her undergarments.

“And the accoutrements? Slippers, hats, reticules. I will arrange it all, oui?”

Amelia spoke quickly before she could intervene. “Perhaps a hat for the habit, and another for the afternoon frocks. A couple of sets of slippers for the evening gowns, and a pair of long gloves and a matching reticule. Right, dear?”

Fiona gave up. She was outflanked and exhausted. Lady Amelia turned back to Brigitte, pulling on her gloves. “I cannot thank you enough, Brigitte. Your taste is impeccable, as always.”

“I am always happy to be of service to the Merrick family. I remember when my address was not so fashionable, and the earl saw my frocks in the window. The rest is, as you say, l’ histoire. I have a stunning watered silk that would be très belle in a ball gown for Miss Valentina. You will let me do that, will you not?”

“Oh yes, Mama. I should so like something new.”

“Of course, my dear. You have been very patient.” She patted Valentina’s hand. “Brigitte, I see that lovely bolt of sky-blue crepe in the corner. Let’s also add a new spring outfit—perhaps with a sapphire velvet spencer to match?”

“Mais oui, parfaite.” Madame Brigitte bubbled. “As always, Lady Merrick, your taste is exquisite. I will bid you au revoir, and also to the beautiful mademoiselles. It has been my great privilege to serve you, but I have much work to do.”

Lady Amelia dismissed Fiona with a wave of her hand. “You may dress now, my dear. It is nearly two thirty, and we shall have to forego Richard’s offer to ride in the park.”

As she left the modiste, Fiona wondered if the piano tuner had come. She was anxious to return to Merrick House and find out. She still didn’t feel like it was her home, but having a piano to play would certainly help.

Chapter Six

Miss Rafferty Reveals a Talent

The carriage ride in Hyde Park was postponed. Lady Amelia declared she was much too tired to venture out again until evening. She asked Valentina to send the footman to Jackson’s Boxing Saloon with a quick note to her son, who relayed back the message that he would take luncheon at his club.

After a much-needed nap, Fiona joined the family in the drawing room at three o’clock for a light repast of lemonade, sandwiches, and fruit.

“Miss Fiona, will you tell us about Barbados?” Octavia asked the moment Fiona sat down. “Was it wonderful to live on a plantation?”

“The island is beautiful but very different from England or Ireland. It’s hot all the time, and the landscape is full of palm trees—and many flowers with names like frangipani or bougainvillea that smell like heaven. We lived in a huge old house overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The water is turquoise, warm as a bath, and the sand on the beaches is like white powder.” Fiona took a sip of lemonade. “But Barbados is also a dark place, overrun by slavery and rebellion.”

“Was your life ever in danger amid all the unrest?” Valentina asked.

“Athair—my father—kept only free men to work the sugar cane and he was respected for that, but it was still a dangerous time. There were riots among those who were slaves and the natives were unhappy that white men had invaded their home. I was just a child most of the time we lived there. My days consisted of riding and swimming in the ocean, my studies, and music lessons.”

“I like the riding and swimming parts,” Octavia said, her mouth stuffed with cucumber sandwich. “Miss Ernest makes me learn manners and puts a book on my head when I walk. And playing the piano was awful…Miss Ernest said I didn’t have a musical bone in my body.”

“Please don’t speak with your mouth full, Octavia. And, yes, attempting to make you practice was exhausting,” her mother said.

“My sister didn’t like it either,” she replied, unabashed. “She said she’d rather be at a party, didn’t you, Valentina?”

Valentina blushed. “Octavia!”

“Didn’t you have a governess in Barbados, dear?” Lady Amelia asked. “It sounds like a rather bohemian existence.”