Page 25 of A Symphony for the Earl

Valentina’s voice dropped to a whisper. “They were quite…involved. Richard escorted Eleanor everywhere for some time, but then he appeared to lose interest. We were happy that he did; I find Mrs. Davenport to be quite cold, and not the sort one would wish for in a sister-in-law.”

“Had it come to that?”

“Well, she is considered quite fast in some circles, but Richard certainly seemed attached. But here comes Sir William, no doubt to claim a dance or two. I wish I could like him better, but we share nothing in common. I want to fall in love, Fiona,” she said dreamily, “with a man who will sweep me off my feet.”

“Well, then, you will not mind that I have already promised him a quadrille at Almack’s on Wednesday, whatever that may be.”

“Of course not. Be sure to avoid accepting a waltz except from Richard. They’re still considered daring for a debutante. You will need permission from one of the patronesses to participate in one, but my brother will take care of it. Good evening, Sir William.”

“Might I hope you would do me the honor of a dance or two at Almack’s, Miss Merrick?”

“Of course.” Valentina curtsied gracefully. She glanced past him to the corner of the room where Denys Spencer laughed at one of the earl’s remarks. The camaraderie between the two men seemed genuine, and her guardian looked relaxed and approachable.

“Really?” Fiona commented after Sir William had left. “A dance or two? With the elderly William Denton?’

Valentina tossed her head. “What is the harm? I may not want to wed him, but he is a fine dancer, and I will enjoy it.”

“So, we must add ‘a fine dancer’ to Denton’s list of attributes. I must say, Valentina, I find him very attractive.”

“Then you marry the man,” she said, a trifle peevishly.

On the way home, Lady Amelia pronounced Fiona’s introduction to London society a great success. “A ride in the park tomorrow shall certainly settle the matter. But not too early, Richard,” she begged.

He agreed, and they decided on two o’clock.

“I have an appointment with my solicitor in the morning, then a meeting at the Four-In-Hand club. I’ll take luncheon at White’s and see you afterwards. When we return from the park, Miss Rafferty and I shall practice her dancing. I’d be grateful if you would let Miss Ernest know, Mother.”

Lady Amelia seemed well pleased with these plans and as the coach traveled back to Merrick House, she somehow managed to close her eyes and fall asleep. Valentina seemed lost in thought and didn’t offer to speak.

The earl glanced at Fiona. “Am I high-handed in my arrangements?” he asked with a slight smile. “I trust tomorrow afternoon will suit your dancing lesson, or perhaps the evening would be better?”

“I fear I might need both.”

“That certainly can be done, but you underestimate yourself.”

“How would you know, my lord? I warn you, I am abominable at dancing.”

“You have a singular sense of music and are graceful in your carriage and movements. It won’t be difficult to teach you, Miss Rafferty. Did you lack a governess, that you never learned?”

“We moved to Barbados when I was ten, and there were none available and little in the way of parties. Mháthair continued my education, but her attempts at teaching me to dance failed utterly.”

“And once back in Dublin?”

“Aunt Muriel was quite older and not in good health. Besides, my lord, do you know how much practice it takes to learn to play as I do? I’m afraid there was time for little else.”

“I can imagine,” he murmured. “But you do not lack refinement or sophistication, Miss Rafferty.”

“From imitation, I think. My aunt was quite a great lady in her day and remained so until her death. Manners and dress were important to her.” She digested the surprising array of his compliments. Perhaps she had made a decent impression tonight after all.

The earl leaned back against the cushions, closing his eyes for the remainder of the ride home. She followed his example, but the excitement of the evening left her far from sleepy.

Chapter Nine

The Merricks Enjoy an Outing in the Park

No one entered her chamber the following morning to disturb her, and Fiona slept soundly until nine thirty. Pulling on her dressing gown, she slipped into the hallway to see if there was stirring in Valentina’s room. Ear to the door, she heard no sound from within and opened it a crack to peek in at her friend. She lay fast asleep, and Fiona closed the door softly.

Betty waited outside.