Page 52 of A Symphony for the Earl

“He rarely discusses his holdings, but they are quite numerous.”

The minutes passed in agreeable silence as they surveyed the surrounding sights, including a parade of well-dressed riders and elegant vehicles.

“I shall look forward to seeing Octavia again. The house has been remarkably dull in her absence,” Valentina commented, watching an extremely high carriage approach. It was manned by two gentlemen dressed in long drab coats and blue waistcoats with bright-yellow stripes. Both wore very tall hats and nodded pleasantly as they passed.

“What strange outfits,” Fiona commented.

“Members of the Four-in-Hand Club,” Valentina explained. “Richard is a member, and I enjoy quizzing him whenever he dresses in their uniform. You can’t tell from here, but the breeches have rosettes.”

Fiona chuckled, imagining the fastidious Richard in such a gaudy outfit. “That I would like to see.”

“Are you prepared for tonight, Fiona? I think people will turn out in numbers to hear you play. I fear Mrs. Davenport has been talking of nothing but your excursion yesterday,” Denys warned.

“No doubt she is eager to see me fall flat,” she sighed. She wondered if that would be the general expectation among her audience.

“Richard praises your talent, and I am confident you will not disappoint. There is little real talent in our small circle. A few lovely voices, perhaps—and Miss Gunstead plays the violin rather well—but no accomplished musicians.”

“I have a few more hours of practice when we return, but I am ready.”

“Yes, you are,” Valentina agreed. “The bigger question is what will you wear?”

Denys’s eyes flickered in amusement. “Yes. That is important indeed. I don’t doubt for a moment you’ll be the two most beautiful women in the room. Did you know the ton refers to the pair of you as ‘Ebony and Ivory’?”

“So you’ve heard that silly nickname too? Really, Denys, do people have nothing better to do?” Valentina exclaimed.

“That particular shoe fits very well.”

She slapped his arm lightly, her blue eyes alight with affection.

“This has been a charming ride, ladies, but it’s time to head homeward. The sky is clouding, and I know you have preparations for tonight.” Denys turned to the driver. “Back to Park Lane, if you please, Dearborn.”

In front of Merrick House, a smattering of rain fell. Fiona and Valentina alighted from the carriage, assisted by Denys and the footman. Hansen greeted them at the door and summoned a maid to take their damp hats.

Fiona led the way to the drawing room, choosing a seat near the fire. She patted the cushion beside her. “So, now you must tell me the truth, Valentina. What is between you and Denys Spencer?”

“Really, Fiona, you are imagining things.”

“The truth, if you please.”

She was silent for a long moment, her hands twisting in her lap. “I suppose it will be a relief to finally tell someone. Yes, I love Denys. I have loved him forever, but he only sees me as Richard’s little sister.”

Fiona burst out in laughter. “Do you think so? What a goose you are. He looks upon you with far more feeling than that, I assure you.”

“Oh, Fiona. Truly?” Valentina’s face fell. “But Richard would never allow marriage between us. Denys has a modest income and no title. How little I care about such considerations. I don’t need all this to be happy,” she said, waving at her surroundings. “Not if I had Denys.”

Fiona stood resolutely. “Well, we shall have to do something about that. First, he must declare his feelings. Have you ever shown your desire for more than friendship?”

“Oh, no—I couldn’t be so forward.”

“Well then, I shall have to help things along.”

“What will you do?” Valentina asked with some foreboding.

“Perhaps I can pull Denys aside and tell him that Richard is insistent you marry Viscount Atterbury. If he knows how unhappy you are, he might speak up.”

“Fiona, you must not do anything to anger Richard on my account. You are already in his bad graces for your ride in the park yesterday.”

“Fiddlesticks,” she snorted. “I was born in your brother’s bad graces.