Page 13 of A Symphony for the Earl

Fiona had pulled out a day gown of pale-blue serge. It was made two years ago, but still very flattering. Although her wardrobe was well-tailored and expensive, she doubted whether it would hold up to London standards. It was a shame she couldn’t afford a new wardrobe, for she loved the new French fashions.

While Jen worked on the trunks, Betty helped slip on the blue frock, doing up the buttons in the back with nimble fingers. Then she worked through Fiona’s hair, combing out the snarls, and carefully brushing the inky curls into waves.

“In the evenings, I can dress it up for you, miss, with tiny braids and ribbons, and some curls about your face.”

“That would be lovely. But nothing elaborate this morning. Just sweep it up and pin it at the nape, if you please.”

When she finished, Fiona checked the mirror and smiled. “Perfect. I am so glad to have you, Betty. My maid chose to stay behind in Dublin and I miss her sorely.”

“I’m happy to oblige, miss. You go on to breakfast and Jen and I will finish unpacking and tidying up.”

Time to face the Earl of Seldon and her new future.

Chapter Five

A Visit to the Modiste

When Fiona reached the bottom of the stairs, she came face-to-face with Hansen.

“Good morning, Miss Rafferty. May I show you to the breakfast room?”

Did they have a dining room for dinner and another for breakfast? A third for lunch? She resisted the urge to giggle in front of the very proper majordomo.

In the breakfast room, Lord Seldon sat at the head of the table, partaking heartily of bacon and eggs as he scanned a folded newspaper. She hesitated, uncertain where to sit, but a footman who was standing against the wall came over and pulled out a chair to the earl’s right.

“Good morning, my lord.” Fiona sat and unfolded her napkin.

“Good morning, Miss Rafferty. Did you rest well?”

“Yes, I did.” The food smelled delicious.

The earl indicated the sideboard. “You must be famished.”

“I am, rather.” She took some scrambled eggs, potatoes, and toast, finding it a bit early for meat. The footman stepped forward and poured some tea into the china cup at her place setting.

She had eaten nearly half her breakfast before Lord Seldon put aside his paper.

“I trust you found your room comfortable, Miss Rafferty?”

“Oh, yes, it is quite lovely. And it was very thoughtful to send Betty up to help me.”

His brow furrowed slightly. “Betty?”

“The maid…”

“That would have been at my mother’s direction, or our housekeeper Mrs. Talbot. But I’m gratified you found her useful.”

She blushed. Of course, an earl would not be familiar with a lady’s maid. She had to remember it was a much bigger household than her former circumstances and not show her ignorance.

Taking another bite of eggs, she stole a glance at him. The earl was handsome in an austere way. His dark chestnut hair was cut somewhat short and carefully arranged to appear artless. He had the most unusual eyes, blue-gray and set under dark brows. She studied his classic profile, with its slightly aquiline nose. There was a hint of a cleft just below…

“Is there something that puzzles you?”

She jumped and nearly dropped her fork. “I just wondered…who tailors your coats?” She groaned inwardly at her ridiculous question, but it was the only one that came to mind.

He raised an eyebrow. “Maxwell in Bond Street. I hope you approve.”

“Very much,” she choked.