Page 72 of A Symphony for the Earl

“Yes, I do indeed. Is he better now, Richard?” She flushed slightly, knowing the answer already.

“Thankfully, I was able to set things to rights.” He seemed disinclined to speak more on the subject, and Lady Amelia stepped in.

“I think you will be glad to hear that the past few days I’ve been deep in preparations for the ball, and everything is progressing nicely.”

“That’s wonderful, Mama,” Valentina said. “How many people have answered the invitations?”

“Practically everyone. It will be the event of the Season. Your new secretary has proved invaluable. Yesterday, we selected the food and refreshment tables and ordered the flower arrangements. He even hired extra servants. I am about to finalize the orchestra, but only if you’re happy with an ensemble of six.”

“I defer to your expertise in these matters, Mother. You have arranged everything superbly.”

“I thought perhaps Fiona could perform at some point during the evening.”

“What do you think, my dear?” Richard asked.

“Of course.”

Lady Amelia rose from the table. “Excellent. I have a few more arrangements to make regarding the ball. Valentina, would you care to assist? No, Fiona, you need not come immediately. Stay and visit with Richard. The details I’m working on are quite mundane.”

Once alone, Fiona studied her fiancé’s handsome profile.

He met her regard with amusement, lifting a brow. “Yes, Fiona?”

“Where will we live?”

“Where would you like to live? You haven’t been to Seldon yet, which is my estate outside London. We might visit there for a week or two after the wedding.”

“We’re taking a honeymoon?”

“I thought we might have an opportunity to become better acquainted.”

She found the idea of being cloistered alone in the country with him unsettling. What would they do, after all, without the distractions of town? She hadn’t thought of spending so much time alone with him.

“But I like Merrick House, and I’ve grown fond of your family.”

“I am glad to hear it. I’ve been toying with a renovation to my apartments. Perhaps a back entrance and a private sitting area or morning room. The rear of the house is much quieter.”

“Will that take long to finish?”

“I can contract the labor to do it while we are at Seldon. I need to stay at Merrick House until my sisters are comfortably wed, but between our rooms and the country, we won’t lack privacy. And I thought you might like to accompany me when I travel to Ireland.”

Her spirits rose considerably. He laughed—her expression had betrayed her once again.

“Did you expect me to lock you in a dark tower and throw away the key? I promise I will try my best to make our marriage agreeable.” His expression grew serious. “I demand one thing, however.”

Fiona looked down at her hands. Obedience, perhaps? Marital relations? “And that is?”

“I would like a piano in our rooms so that you might play for me. And one at Seldon, of course.”

She looked up, relieved. Was there a glimmer of humor in his eyes? Most certainly he was laughing at her.

“Don’t scowl, my love. I apologize, but it’s delightful to tease you and I can’t resist. What are your plans for today? Would you like to take Della and come to the park with me?”

“That would be wonderful, but I feel I must help Lady Amelia with wedding plans. She has done so much already; it would not be fair to go and enjoy myself while she is working.”

“This afternoon then?”

She nodded, surprised at her eagerness.