Page 62 of A Symphony for the Earl

“Very good, sir. The dark-blue Melton coat perhaps? And dove-gray trousers, since you won’t be riding?”

“Your taste is impeccable as always, John. Will you pack a bag for Jackson’s?”

“Of course. If you will excuse me, my lord, I shall go speak to Hansen and call for your tea.”

When he left, Richard fell into the armchair next to the bed, massaging his stiff neck. What the devil was he going to tell his mother?

Precisely fifty-five minutes later, he entered the sun-filled morning room to find Lady Amelia engrossed in a letter. She looked up expectantly as he dropped a kiss on her forehead.

“Richard, how handsome you look this morning. But a trifle pale…it seems like the excitement of last night has taken a toll on everyone. Have you a headache?”

“Just a bit of tension. I intend to leave for the boxing saloon shortly. Physical activity sometimes chases it away.”

“Sit.” She patted the empty side of the cream-and-blue striped settee. “And tell me what has brought about this sudden announcement. I’m rather disappointed you didn’t inform me of the connection between you and Fiona. Honestly, I thought just the opposite, since you two are always at odds.”

“Mother, I’m afraid you will need to trust me without much explanation. I won’t reveal the details, but Miss Rafferty and I were discovered in a rather awkward situation that would lead to conjecture at the least and scandal at the worst. I have decided this is the best way to handle things, and Fiona has agreed.”

“Indeed? What have you done? I’ve never known you to be indiscreet, Richard. And marriage is the only solution? I find that difficult to imagine.” She frowned. “Fiona did not come downstairs this morning. You haven’t coerced her into something, have you?”

“Why does everyone believe I possess some Machiavellian desire to bend her to my will? Fiona had a turbulent evening, with the anxiety of her performance and then the announcement of our betrothal. It was close to midnight when I brought her home. I don’t wonder she avoids company this morning.”

“I won’t accuse you of being domineering, exactly, but you do like to take control. I only want your happiness, Richard. But, my dear, to marry without love…”

“With love, without love, what is the difference? You loved my father, despite his faults. Yet you cannot tell me you were happy in your marriage, Mother. Sooner or later, I must take a wife, and if circumstances have led me to Fiona, it’s not a bad choice. She is attractive, intelligent, talented. I believe we shall do quite well together.”

“Such detachment, Richard.” She patted his hand with a sigh. “I will say there are always surprises in a marriage, no matter how well one plans.”

He decided to change the subject. “Where is Valentina?”

“She took Octavia to the lending library. I will tell her the good news when they return. We shall have many callers later, I expect, eager to congratulate you and Fiona.”

“Put them off, Mother. There are plans to be made. I have decided on an Easter wedding at St. James’s.”

“This Easter?” Lady Amelia’s eyes were wide. “How is that possible? Scarcely a month away, and the wedding of the Season…”

“There is no need for panic. I’ll make the arrangements, but I rely on your help to execute the event. Fiona and Valentina can assist, and you may hire all the extra help you need.”

She sank back among the cushions, a bit pale under her delicate rouge. “But the notices—invitations, flowers, parties—a bridal dress and trousseau—how can it all be done in time?”

“I have sent word to Falworth to handle all the legal matters, including the banns. They will be published in this evening’s paper. He is also interviewing private secretaries today. My new assistant will take on any aspects of the wedding you deem necessary. Thereafter, he’ll shoulder some of my more tedious responsibilities.”

She recovered quickly. After all, it would be the event of the year, no matter how quickly arranged. “When can I fit in a betrothal ball? We absolutely must have one.”

He shrugged. “If you wish. Compile a guest list for the wedding ceremony—I wish to keep that on the smaller side—but invite as many people to the ball as you would like. The new secretary will see to everything you need.”

“Richard, a ball of that size will take weeks to plan.”

“Saturday a week before the wedding should do for the date, I think.”

“Oh, my…that is…I…” Lady Amelia was at a loss for words.

He leaned over to kiss her soft cheek. “I have infinite faith in you, Mother.”

“That’s all well and good,” she said tartly, “but I can do nothing without a wedding date.”

“After my appointment at Jackson’s, I plan on proceeding directly to St. James’s Church and will confirm the date tonight.”

His mother threw her hands up in the air. “You are an inescapable force of nature, Richard. I should know by now that you always get what you want.”