Page 44 of A Symphony for the Earl

“The Marquis of Fellingham sent his card. I know you do not care for the man, Richard, but he is a marquis…and very wealthy, I hear.”

“I believe any reports of his fortune are greatly exaggerated. Is Fellingham hanging after Valentina?”

“I don’t think so. At least he is still found everywhere with Eleanor Davenport. He enjoys the limelight and shares her love of gossip. I must say, Richard, that is one attachment of yours that I shall never understand.”

He scanned the paper without comment.

“It’s a shame Valentina has no interest in Sir William. But have you noticed his attention to Fiona? They do make a handsome couple.”

He quashed a spasm of annoyance. “Fiona will not marry William Denton, Mother; you needn’t have fears on that account.”

“But, Richard, if Valentina will not have him, what is the harm? You found him perfectly acceptable for your sister.”

“He would not suit Fiona. I have no more to say on the subject.”

Even as he spoke, she entered the dining room wearing a rose-striped morning gown, adorned with green satin ribbons. Her hair was fashioned a la grecque, which suited her high cheekbones and generous mouth. If she still suffered from fatigue, it did not show.

“What was that?” Valentina was close behind. “Has someone offered for Fiona?”

The earl rose, casually dusting a crumb from his nankeen breeches. “I was speaking of Sir William Denton.”

Fiona froze. “As it happens, he hasn’t asked me to marry him. But if he had, isn’t that ultimately my decision?”

“I am afraid the law says differently. And I do not find him a suitable husband for you.”

“If I wished to marry Sir William Denton, I would do so. Even if it meant a trip to Gretna Green!” she declared.

His mother looked on in horror. “Gretna Green? Fiona, you wouldn’t.”

“That particular plan would be scotched before it began,” he reassured her, then turned to his fuming ward. “Know that I can and will intercept any carriage you take and bring you back forcibly, if necessary.”

“Richard,” his mother moaned, “Think of the scandal…”

“I have no desire to marry Sir William, Richard,” Valentina said earnestly. “It does not bother me in the least if Fiona does.”

“Thank you, Valentina, but the decision is made,” he said, unable to prevent an edge of sarcasm from creeping into his reply. Standing, he picked up his paper.

“You are not leaving?” Fiona hissed.

“I am. The subject of your marriage is closed, Fiona. Mother, I have some business at Seldon. I intend to leave early this afternoon. Do you plan to attend the musicale at Burrell House Saturday night?”

“Yes. I thought to ask Clementine today if Fiona might participate.”

“Then I shall meet you at the Burrells’ on Saturday. Fiona, I have correspondence to deal with, but I wish to speak privately before I leave. Shall we say noon, before any callers arrive? In my study, if you please.”

“I will be there promptly, I assure you, my lord,” she answered, lifting her chin.

“Ladies.” He dipped his head slightly and departed the room.

*

Exactly at noon, Fiona knocked firmly on the library door. She spent the last two hours playing the piano ferociously, choosing the darkest pieces in her repertoire. Lady Amelia, looking rather alarmed, took Valentina for a stroll in the park. Most likely to miss any confrontation between Fiona and her son.

Fiona passed a sleepless night, lying awake to replay the scene in Richard’s study over and over in her mind. Had she encouraged him to kiss her? It had been foolish to go to his study alone at that late hour. Was she hoping something might happen between them?

No, she truly had wanted to help. It never crossed her mind that the cool, controlled Earl of Seldon might lose himself in passion. She had to admit attraction on her part, but it was just a flutter now and then, perfectly understandable. After all, Richard was a very handsome man.

But her reaction last night had been far more than a flutter. Just thinking of what he did to her breasts, the heat and ferocity of his arousal—not to mention seeing him almost naked—had her heart racing all over again. She couldn’t be in love, not when they constantly fought.