Page 70 of A Symphony for the Earl

Lady Amelia removed her gloves. “I have decided to take Octavia to the opera while you are gone. It’s The Magic Flute, and she has been begging to go since the Season began.”

“She’ll be thrilled, Mama,” Valentina smiled. “Is it a good choice, Fiona?”

“Oh yes. The story involves a mythical kingdom, a prince and princess, magic, and an evil sorcerer.”

“Perfect for Octavia.” Valentina laughed.

Lady Amelia bent to give Fiona a lilac-scented hug. “People could speak of little else than your engagement. How are you, my dear?”

“Quite well, Lady Amelia…I was thanking Lord Richard for his very generous gift.”

A smile played about his lips. “A day of milestones, indeed.”

Lady Amelia noticed the leather case sitting on the piano bench. “Richard, did you visit Rundell and Bridge?”

“Do let us see it, Fiona,” Valentina begged.

Richard lifted the ruby necklace and stood behind her to fasten the clasp. Fiona shivered a bit at the contact of his warm fingers and the cool metal settling about her neck. Stepping back, he withdrew the matching eardrops from the pocket of his breeches.

“Remember.” His lips curved in a smile as he slipped them onto her earlobes. “This is no different from giving you a pair of gloves.” His fingers drifted down the sensitive column of her neck, and she shivered in response.

Lady Amelia sighed. “Stunning, my dear. I have something for your betrothal as well. Valentina, will you go upstairs and fetch my enamel jewelry box?”

When she returned and handed the box to her mother, Lady Amelia lifted the lid and withdrew a ring. She offered it to Richard, who looked at her in surprise.

“Mother? Are you certain?”

“Of course. I always intended that you should have it for your bride. This is my wedding ring, Fiona, passed on from Richard’s great-grandmother.” It was a very large emerald-cut diamond, embellished with tiny lustrous pearls and set in white gold.

Fiona drew an audible breath. “How lovely.”

Richard bent to one knee and extended his hand, and her heart hammered in her chest.

“Fiona, would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

She looked down at his hand with its long, well-manicured fingers. Things between them had progressed too far to back out now. Did she even want to? A second or two ticked by.

Her throat was dry as a desert. “Yes, I will marry you, Richard.” She laid her left hand on his, but he laced her fingers with his own, brushing a kiss across her knuckles. The light touch gave her goosebumps. What was it about this man?

“You make me very happy. But I fear we will need the ring sized before you can wear it.”

“My hands aren’t very delicate, I fear, but I couldn’t play as well if they were.”

Richard rose, turning them over and kissing each palm lightly. “It is one of my greatest pleasures to hear you play, so I’m grateful these are a musician’s hands.” He slipped the ring in his pocket. “I will send Hansen tomorrow.”

The footman entered with a letter on a silver tray. “For you, my lord.”

“It’s rather late for a communication. I hope nothing is amiss.” Lady Amelia dismissed the servant with a nod.

Richard took the envelope and broke the seal. Unfolding the paper within, he scanned it rapidly, his expression grim. When he finished reading, he rose and walked to the fireplace, staring into the flames with a troubled air. “I need to think for a moment.”

“Should we leave?” Valentina asked with concern.

Richard shook his head. “It is nothing that concerns the family, but a private matter. Valentina, I’m afraid that I must cancel our plans for Newmarket. You and Fiona have my apologies, but I am leaving for Wembley first thing in the morning. I’ll answer any questions when I return.” He made a cursory bow. “Excuse me, but there are immediate preparations to be made.”

And with that, he turned on his heel and left the room.

Valentina stared at her mother. “Wembley? Do we know anyone there?”