Page 40 of A Symphony for the Earl

She wasn’t sure she liked the beau monde labeling her anything, but refrained from commenting. As they continued to waltz, Fiona noticed the furrow on his brow and his distracted expression.

“Is anything amiss, Lord Richard? You don’t quite seem yourself.”

He flashed a tight smile. “Merely one of my damnable headaches. I thought they might have eased off; it’s been quite some time since the last one. Perhaps the noise and the crowd did not sit well with me tonight.”

“Then this is the last place you should remain. Let’s leave immediately so you may go home and treat it,” she urged him.

“There is no need for that. I don’t wish to cut anyone’s evening short on my account, and the ball is nearly over.”

“Indeed, it is. There’s no reason to stay. Lady Amelia and Valentina are standing near the refreshment table with Denys. Let’s join them as soon as the dance ends, and we can leave.”

He nodded reluctantly, but a flash of relief passed over his countenance.

When the music faded, Richard bowed and escorted her to his mother and sister. Fiona pulled Valentina aside and softly explained the situation.

“Come, Mama, I am quite tired and wish to go home,” she said quickly. “May we leave, Richard? I’m sure Denys will excuse us.”

“Of course I will. Let me call the carriage for you.”

“That would be most kind, Denys,” Lady Amelia nodded. “Richard, if you’ll stay for a moment, I wish to say a quick farewell to Lady Sally and the countess.”

“Is it very bad, Richard?” Valentina asked with concern.

“Only for the last half hour or so. I’m so sorry to take you and Fiona away from the assembly early.”

“‘Oh, it’s nothing. I am quite tired, and I’m sure Fiona will be glad to leave. Once we get home, I’ll bring you some medicine.”

There was little conversation on the way home. Lady Amelia remarked on the number of dances that both young ladies had enjoyed, and on the talk surrounding Fiona’s debut, all of which was positive. Richard lay back against the seat cushions, his eyes closed.

The vehicle soon pulled up at Merrick House. Richard informed Valentina he was going to his study and bid his mother and Fiona goodnight. After a quick hug to Lady Amelia, Fiona hurried up the stairs, tired to the bone, and anxious for some solitude to sort out her thoughts.

Chapter Fourteen

A Late-Night Encounter

Upon arrival at Merrick House, Richard went immediately to his library. Hansen followed, moving toward the tapestry pull in the corner.

“I’ll ring for John, my lord.”

Richard nodded, wincing. “And send for a decanter of whiskey and some water, Hansen. Miss Valentina is fetching medicine.”

“Is it a bad one, sir?”

He grimaced. “Damnable. And it came on suddenly. Please, no candles…just light the fire.” Once the majordomo left, he collapsed with a groan in the overstuffed armchair by the fire, covering his eyes.

A knock sounded at the door and Valentina entered, carrying a small bottle of laudanum and a glass of water. She set the tray on the sideboard and opened the bottle, holding the dropper over the water.

“Three or five?” she asked sympathetically.

He gritted his teeth. “Five. God, I detest the stuff.”

“Richard, I wish you would take things slower. You carry all the responsibility for the estate and this family and have done so since your youth.”

He downed the glass of water and looked up with the glint of a smile. “Are you telling me I am no longer young, Valentina? Thirty-two is not exactly the end of life.”

“That is not what I meant, and you know it. But you always stay so busy. When you aren’t attending to business, you never relax at home. It’s always shooting, boxing, driving. Or gambling at your club. And now you have taken over the guardianship of a ward in addition to everything. Don’t you think all of this contributes to your headaches?”

“I don’t know,” he answered wearily. “But I have little choice in my responsibilities, and I enjoy my outside pursuits. They keep me sane.”