Page 47 of A Symphony for the Earl

Valentina chuckled and gave another sneeze. “I will miss having visitors today,” she complained, wiping her nose. “It was such fun to see everyone.” She picked at the covers, avoiding Fiona’s eyes. “If Denys comes today, you will say I am sorry to have missed him?”

“I certainly shall,” she promised.

Valentina turned her head aside and sneezed again into the handkerchief.

“You should rest. I will send up the tea and visit later to tell you of my ride with Sir William.”

Betty hovered anxiously outside the door. “How is she, miss?”

“It’s not too bad, just a cold, I think. Could you have the housemaid bring hot tea with lemon and honey?”

“I’ll deliver it myself, and then come help you dress, miss. Will you be taking breakfast downstairs with Lady Amelia?”

“I think not; I prefer not to ride on a full stomach. Thank you, Betty.”

An hour later, clad in the well-cut black riding habit, she carried her gloves and hat downstairs. Glancing into the front parlor, she was relieved to find it empty. Lady Amelia would surely echo Valentina’s sentiments that riding with Sir William was not a good idea.

Using the mirror in the hallway, Fiona settled the fashionable hat on her head. Her ebony hair was drawn back in a simple braid wound into a thick knot at the base of her neck. She turned away, satisfied with her appearance, and pulled on the black kid riding gloves. She looked up in surprise as Hansen’s tall figure loomed in the doorway.

“Goodness, you startled me. Hansen, I should return by three o’clock, but I couldn’t find Lady Amelia to inform her of my departure.”

“I believe she is upstairs in her rooms, Miss Rafferty. Should I let her know your plans?”

“Yes, thank you. Have we received many cards today?”

“Quite a few, miss. I believe Lady Amelia has declined most of them, except for some of her personal friends. I understand Miss Valentina is somewhat under the weather.”

She nodded. “Do you know when the earl is expected back?”

“Sometime Saturday afternoon, I believe.”

She hummed a jaunty tune on the way to the stables.

In the yard, a liveried young man sat astride a solid bay, and an older groom whom she did not recognize waited with Della. Fiona discovered his name was Cedric, and he was in charge during Jerome’s absence.

“Peter here will take good care of you, miss. He knows ’is way around the park just fine.”

She would rather not have had company at all but imagined it would be a horrid scandal if she didn’t. She settled lightly in the saddle and took the reins from Cedric. The crunch of hooves on the pebbled courtyard announced Sir William’s arrival. His plain chestnut danced a bit as he pulled up and tipped his hat.

“Miss Rafferty. It’s a fine afternoon for a ride. May I offer my compliments? That’s quite a dashing hat. But where is Miss Merrick?”

“Valentina is under the weather and sends her regrets.”

He glanced uncertainly at the young groom. “I’m sorry that Miss Merrick cannot join us on such a beautiful day.” He turned his chestnut toward the gate, and she moved Della alongside him. Peter followed at a discreet distance.

When they reached Grosvenor Street and the ornately scrolled gate to Hyde Park, Fiona turned toward the young man.

“You may return, Peter. I am safe in Sir William’s company and will come to no harm.”

“B-but, miss,” he replied nervously. “Beggin’ yer pardon, but Mr. Cedric said I—”

“Miss Rafferty—” Sir William objected.

“I am asking you to go back to Merrick House, Peter,” she said. “I will deal with Mr. Cedric, rest assured.”

Sir William opened his mouth to protest, but she wheeled Della around and cantered through the gate onto the wide bridle path. She heard an oath and the tattoo of hoofbeats as he pursued her. Fiona rounded Serpentine Road and settled the horse to a walk.

Sir William pulled his chestnut up beside her. “Really, Miss Rafferty, must you put me in this position?” he said with a frown. “You know full well you should not be riding without a groom.”