Page 34 of A Symphony for the Earl

“You would be correct,” Lord Richard answered. “Fiona is a member of the Merrick family and will be introduced as such.”

“You must be very nervous, Miss Rafferty,” Mrs. Davenport said with pity. “So much is at stake in your first appearance. The approval of the ton is a fickle thing. I certainly don’t miss those days.”

“I am accustomed to harsh critics.” She couldn’t understand the undercurrent of spite she sensed from the older woman.

“Indeed. How so?”

Lord Richard flashed her a dampening look, but she ignored him. “I studied piano at the Dublin Conservatory of Music under the most demanding masters one could face.”

The marquis raised an eyebrow. “A conservatory? For music? How delightful.”

“And very brave of you indeed, Miss Rafferty,” Mrs. Davenport sighed. “We all know the arena of serious music belongs to our gentlemen.”

Lord Richard’s horse plunged, reacting to an abrupt change of hand. He brought the gelding back and inclined his head to their companions. “As pleasant as this encounter has been, we have arrived at Park Lane and must beg leave of you both. Come, Miss Rafferty, or we will be late for tea.”

He trotted off briskly, leaving her no choice but to follow. She said her goodbyes hastily and caught up with him.

“That was very high-handed, Lord Richard. Perhaps I did not wish to leave so soon.”

“To remain and be toyed with like a poor mouse between two hungry cats? I think not.”

Her cheeks grew hot. “I am very capable of standing on my own, thank you. And your friends are very unpleasant, to say the least.”

“Lord Fellingham is not a friend—merely an acquaintance.”

“I am told the same cannot be said for Mrs. Davenport,” she snapped, instantly regretting her words.

“You would do well not to listen to gossip,” he answered in a freezing tone.

Red with embarrassment, she endured his silence the rest of the way home.

In the courtyard at Merrick House, Jerome helped her dismount. “How did you like Della, miss? She’s a fine one, ain’t she?”

“Yes, Della is a wonderful mare, and she took good care of me, Jerome. Thank you.”

The earl gave his reins to the groom and pulled off his gloves. “That will be all, Jerome. We will need the carriage at nine thirty tonight.”

“Yes, Yer Lordship.” The compact tiger led the horses away, the groom on his heels. Lord Richard entered the house without a backward look, leaving her to trail behind.

Chapter Twelve

Preparations Are Made for the Ball at Almack’s

A generous tea that afternoon was woefully short of participants. The earl had excused himself, saying he would spend the remainder of the afternoon at his club. Fiona returned to find Octavia and Miss Ernest had traveled to Bath soon after returning from the circulating library. The house seemed empty indeed.

She picked at her biscuits and answered a few questions about the ride in Rotten Row without revealing anything amiss. Thankfully, Lady Amelia didn’t press for details. Valentina cast a concerned glance at her but remained silent. After tea, a game of écarté took place in the drawing room, but Fiona begged off to practice.

The standing clock in the hall struck six o’clock when Valentina wandered into the music room, carrying a book.

“Here is Sense and Sensibility. I hope you will enjoy Miss Austen as much as I do. I find her books charming, but Mama prefers melodrama.”

“Thank you for remembering me. I believe I shall go upstairs and read a bit.”

“Mama is finishing up some letters. She asked if we wanted a light supper before leaving for the ball.”

“I couldn’t eat. My stomach is in knots about tonight, and I’m afraid Lord Merrick is quite angry with me.” She told Valentina about the meeting with Mrs. Davenport and the Marquis of Fellingham.

“Don’t put too much emphasis on it. I’m sure Richard is merely angry at himself for not deflecting their mischief. And I was wrong to spread gossip.”