Page 64 of A Symphony for the Earl

“I must confess when you arrived, I was concerned you and Valentina might compete for suitors, but I have grown very fond of you, Fiona. Your laughter and music are good for Richard. Indeed, for all of us.”

“I promise I shall do my best to make him happy, Lady Amelia.”

Lady Amelia covered her hand. “I know you will. Richard mentioned how tired you were last night. Dear girl, you played sublimely. Was it difficult to perform in front of everyone?”

“I was happy to see Richard,” she admitted. “His presence put me at ease. Then after the first few minutes, the music took over and I forgot my nerves. The hardest part of the evening was facing everyone when he announced our betrothal.” Fiona studied their clasped hands. “Was Mrs. Davenport in attendance? I do not recall seeing her there.”

Lady Amelia flashed a sympathetic look. “No, she wasn’t. Have you worries in that direction? I assure you, whatever was between them is past. I do not pretend Richard is a saint, but his affaires have always been discreet and with partners mature enough to play that game.”

“You mean he has had more than one?” she choked.

“My dear, no one wants an inexperienced man as a husband.”

“Were you happy in your marriage, Lady Amelia?

“The answer to that is complex.” She raised a hand to play with the pearl necklace at her throat. On her middle finger gleamed a cluster of sparkling sapphires.

She noticed Fiona’s gaze. “This is my betrothal ring, given to me by the eighth earl. Lovely, isn’t it? My marriage to Creighton was arranged, but he was so handsome and dashing, I loved him immediately. Richard looks very like his father, but their temperaments couldn’t have been more different. Creighton was an avid sportsman and spent the majority of his time at Seldon, our country estate, hunting or racing with his friends. Richard loved music and books and preferred spending time at home. It frustrated his father.”

A shadow passed over her face. It was clear she had suffered disappointment in her marriage.

“I soon realized Creighton was a gambler; he lost large sums at Brooks’s or White’s whenever he came to town. That, coupled with bad management of the estates, left us quite at odds. On the brink of ruin, you might say. Then he passed away…shortly before Octavia’s birth.” She paused, lost in her memories.

“The riding accident.”

“Yes…quite unexpected. My Creighton always took chances. He had to be the fastest rider, jump the highest fence, cry out first at every hunt, but he was a superb horseman.”

“How dreadful that must have been. But Richard returned home to help.”

“Yes. My husband had hired a manager for the estates and left him completely to his own devices. He turned out to be a very wicked man, and everything was in terrible disarray. Richard returned to Merrick, fired the overseer, and set about putting things to right here, and also at Seldon and our other properties.

“I fear those obligations weighed heavily on him. He was always a bit reserved, but then he was forced into adulthood, perhaps too soon. Richard became very focused and driven to excel. He developed a formality to his manner that was not there as a child. But enough talk of the past. Let’s deal with the delightful prospect of your marriage. I’m sorry you have no family to attend. Are there any friends in Dublin you wish to invite?”

“No. I had acquaintances at the conservatory, but they have scattered now. I was always too occupied with my music to have much to do with Dublin society.”

“Were there people you felt close to in Barbados?”

Fiona shook her head. “My tutor retired when I returned to Ireland, and our housekeeper moved on when the plantation was sold after Carlisle Merrick’s death. Athair was sailing back to Ireland with the proceeds from that sale when he disappeared.”

Her eyes grew misty. “I think I would know if he were dead; I would feel it somehow. It’s hard just to accept he is gone.”

“It is difficult not to have closure, Fiona, but you have become part of our family, and we all love you very much.”

“Lady Amelia, I know nothing about planning a wedding and less about running a household. I fear Richard will be sorely disappointed in his choice of a bride.”

“Oh, bother. One can always acquire the skills of a hostess. The key is to depend on the right people. Mrs. Talbot is indispensable to me, and so is her husband, who tends the gardens and keeps everything in good repair. I could never run Merrick House by myself.”

“I would never attempt to change anything at Merrick House. It’s perfect.”

“That’s nice to hear, for I do love this house. Richard may want to establish himself at Seldon for part of the year. It’s an impressive estate. But I hope you will both reside at Merrick House.”

The idea of starting their marriage alone in a strange house was unsettling. She would prefer to stay at Merrick House, at least for a while.

“As for the wedding,” Lady Amelia continued, “I am most happy to direct all the arrangements, with your preferences in mind, of course. Richard suggested just close friends and our important social connections in attendance.”

“Oh, yes. I agree.” A huge wedding would be too intimidating to endure. She wondered if he knew she would feel that way.

“But we must have a betrothal ball,” Lady Amelia said firmly. “We’ll make it a grand affair, the event of the London Season to make up for your private wedding.”