Page 46 of A Symphony for the Earl

“Indeed?” The countess leaned forward, her dark-brown eyes lively with curiosity. “We must add you to the program. You will play for us, won’t you, Miss Merrick?”

Fiona didn’t relish the intense scrutiny of performing for the ton, but it would please Lady Amelia and she had confidence in her ability under pressure.

A stream of young gentlemen followed after the ladies. Lady Amelia pretended to read a book in one corner, watching contentedly. Fiona supposed that a room of suitable bachelors was the ultimate success in London society.

There were the Barrett twins, both dressed in the height of fashion, sporting vividly striped waistcoats. She much preferred the earl’s understated yet elegant dress.

Quincy Barrett pulled aside his rather long coattails and sat beside Fiona.

“One would never guess it was your first ball,” he said admiringly. “I must confess, our dances together were the highlight of my evening.”

She tried to remember which dances, but pictured Richard instead. She hoped her face was not as flushed as her body.

They were soon joined by Augustus Redmond, a habitual devotee of Valentina’s, and Merit Fitzcombe, a young man of romantic dark good looks with a pronounced stutter, whom Lady Amelia had declared “eminently eligible.”

“I p-p-particularly enjoy listening to you s-s-peak, Miss R-Rafferty. Your lilt is ch-ch-charming…”

He was a rather quiet young man, but she enjoyed conversing with him about Ireland. The visitors who followed were far less interesting, and she hoped whatever hours were set aside for callers would soon expire.

She looked over to see Valentina with Lord Atterbury, noting that she listened attentively, asking for further details of this or that, and complimenting the viscount when possible, and altogether demonstrating the fine art of reeling in a marriage prospect.

William Denton was among the last to arrive, and their pleasant conversation on a wide variety of topics only confirmed her decision that he was an admirable suitor. Valentina wandered over to greet Sir William.

“I just invited Miss Rafferty for an excursion in the park,” he told her. “The weather proposes to be quite excellent. Won’t you join us? I know you are not one for riding, Miss Merrick, but we would carry a leisurely pace, I promise.”

Valentina agreed to come, and he left after setting a meeting at the Merrick stables tomorrow at noon. Afterward, she rose and drifted to the door rather despondently.

“I wonder why Denys did not come. He promised to do so. Does it seem like he’s avoiding us? He used to stop by nearly every day, but lately, we see so little of him.”

“Do you miss seeing Denys Spencer because he is a friend, or I wonder if there’s more to it?” Fiona teased.

Color rose to her cheeks. “Why would you think that? Denys has been Richard’s friend forever and he’s like a second son to Mama. I practically grew up with him.”

“Somehow, I can’t imagine someone as handsome as Denys Spencer in a brotherly role.”

“Well, he is nearly a brother,” Valentina snapped. “You have a day and a half to practice for the musicale…are you going to waste it talking nonsense?”

The next morning, as Fiona read, completely absorbed by Marianne’s heartbreak in Sense and Sensibility, Betty appeared to say Valentina was not feeling well.

She found her friend still abed, a linen handkerchief held to her nose as she coughed.

“How are you feeling?” Fiona sat on the side of the bed, taking in Valentina’s red-rimmed eyes with concern.

“Just a nasty head cold, I fear. I think if I spend the day resting, it will pass. But I am afraid riding today is out of the question for me. Perhaps you should send a note to Sir William that we cannot accompany him.”

“Why on earth? I’m quite looking forward to the outing.”

“It’s not quite the thing to ride with a single man and just a groom for company, Fiona.”

“Nonsense. Grosvenor Gate is scarcely a half mile. And no harm will come my way in William’s company.”

“You are being deliberately obtuse,” Valentina said crossly. “You know what I meant.”

Fiona adjusted the comforter falling down Valentina’s shoulder and put a hand on her friend’s forehead. “You don’t feel feverish. I shall have Betty bring up some tea with honey and lemon. And we shall open the window a bit…it is quite stuffy in here.”

Settling back among the pillows, Valentina sighed and pushed aside the long blonde braid falling over her shoulder. “Some hot tea sounds wonderful. I suppose it will do no good to object to your ride, as you do what you wish anyway.”

“Ah, now you know me! Mháthair despaired of my stubbornness, but my father always took it in stride.”