Page 19 of A Symphony for the Earl

“Very much so. We shall make no plans at all beforehand. Fiona may practice if she pleases, and I will write some letters.”

“And how was Madame Brigitte?”

“Quite well. She sends her regards, of course. The place was surprisingly empty on a Wednesday. Did you give notice that we were coming? How thoughtful you are.”

He inclined his head. “I confess I sent a missive from Jackson’s. Did you find Madame’s designs acceptable to prepare for the Season ahead, Miss Rafferty?”

“Thank you for your consideration, Lord Seldon. And your generosity. I will make do with a few selections and my present wardrobe.”

“Valentina and I would have requested far more from Madame Brigitte. Fiona was charmingly modest in her expectations,” his mother added.

Richard suspected it was a distaste for his instructions that prompted his ward’s modest expectations. “Unfortunately, ‘make do’ is not the description I hoped to hear after a visit to the most exclusive designer in London.” Miss Rafferty bristled, lifting her chin in a very decided manner.

“Nevertheless, my lord—”

“There is no ‘nevertheless,’ Miss Rafferty. I expect to see you dressed in a manner befitting your new station. I fail to see why you find it necessary to argue the point. A Season in London requires certain concessions, and so will the search for the proper husband.”

Valentina intervened hastily. “She made quite a lovely selection of eveningwear.”

Miss Rafferty did not refuse the opportunity to battle. “Lord Seldon, I have unfortunately landed in a situation where I must be beholden to you. If dressing in a ridiculously extravagant manner when I already have a fine selection of clothing will remedy that situation, I will object no more,” she snapped.

He smiled inwardly. There were few opportunities for such repartee except perhaps with Denys. Had he deliberately provoked her? Perhaps so.

“I hoped we might visit the assembly rooms at Almack’s on Wednesday evening.” His mother changed the subject quite emphatically.

“Surely, Richard, you can procure a voucher from one of the patronesses for Fiona. Princess Esterhazy practically swoons when you pass by,” Valentina teased him.

“I don’t foresee a problem.” He added sugar to his tea, stirring the fragrant liquid.

“We have vouchers for admittance to the balls and assemblies during the Season,” Valentina explained to Miss Rafferty. “They are the high point of any calendar, save for Lady Cowper’s grand ball next month.”

“Oh, her ball is beyond extravagant. Last year, she had trained monkeys and acrobats.” Lady Amelia set down her cup in excitement. “I can scarcely wait to see what she has planned this year.”

Richard cringed at the memory. He took most of his social obligations during the Season in stride, including the crowded rooms at Almack’s Assembly, but a raucous event like Lady Cowper’s set his teeth on edge. He looked over to see his ward looking decidedly pale.

“Are you ill?” he asked, rising in alarm.

“No,” She moistened her lips. “I…I cannot…that is, I do not wish to attend a ball.”

“And forego an excellent opportunity to make contact with a prospective husband? I think not.”

“I do not wish to go.” Her green eyes flashed stubbornly.

“I don’t think you understand,” he said, rapidly losing patience. “It is my responsibility to escort Valentina, and yourself, to the proper social occasions. And your duty to appear, well dressed and smiling.” She was silent, her expressive face dark with mutiny. “I make the final decision as to the content of our calendar. Need I remind you that I hold your guardianship, Miss Rafferty?”

“No.” She rose as well, hands clenched. “You have made my situation quite clear. You may summon me to any social event you like, Lord Seldon, but that doesn’t mean I shall comply.”

Valentina and Lady Amelia looked at each other in shock. Octavia began to speak, but Richard shot a warning look in her direction. He detected an undercurrent of fear in Miss Rafferty’s refusal and reined in his annoyance.

“What exactly is the matter?” he asked, calmly speaking as he would to a fractious filly. “Have you a fear of crowds, or some other malady we need to be aware of?”

“No, I…” She looked miserably at each of them. “I…” Surrendering, she sank back down in her seat. “I do not know how to dance,” Miss Rafferty blurted out.

Chapter Seven

Miss Rafferty Has a Shortcoming

She faced the silence following her announcement with a raised chin and waited for exasperation, even censure. After all, what nineteen-year-old girl lacked such a basic social skill? Most young ladies learned to dance well before Octavia’s age.