Page 73 of A Symphony for the Earl

“Are you planning to attend Countess Lieven’s soiree tonight? May I escort you?”

“Actually, I was looking forward to an evening of quiet. Your mother and Valentina intend to go, I believe.” She hesitated. “Perhaps we could stay home and you could help me choose a selection for the ball? I have several new pieces I’d like to try.”

He was still for a moment. “I can’t imagine anything I’d like more.” His hand reached across the table to cover hers for a moment, then he put his napkin aside and stood. “I am meeting Denys at Jackson’s this morning, but shall we ride at two?”

“Two then.” She watched his tall figure leave the room, wondering what had changed that she would count the hours.

*

They didn’t have much time to converse in the park as it was so crowded with carriages and riders, but when they reached a relatively quiet stretch, Fiona turned to him. Their horses walked on a loose rein side by side.

“Richard, I have something to ask you.”

“No, Fiona, I refuse to purchase more jewels and another trousseau, no matter how you beg,” he answered firmly. “There is a limit to my generosity.”

Her eyes twinkled merrily and he grinned like some besotted youth, pleased to see the affection in her look.

Still smiling, she reached down and patted Della’s sleek neck. “Do you think Valentina has feelings for Denys Spencer?”

“So, you have noticed a connection there as well. Yes, and it is a troubling development.”

“But why? If they care for each other, don’t you wish to see her happy?’

“I do, and I will be the first to say Denys is a fine man. But he is a second son who inherited his father’s townhome on Cavendish Square with little else. I place Valentina’s security and comfort above all other considerations. She is accustomed to privilege. Do you wonder why Denys has never declared himself? He is aware of the difficulties of such a union.”

“I think your sister’s happiness would be the most important concern of all,” she said. “I wonder if it is concern or stubbornness that drives you, Richard. You have decided she must make a successful match and won’t accept any other outcome. Do you wonder that I’ve expressed doubts about our own marriage?”

“If she weren’t the daughter of an earl, it might be different. But she is, and I’m a member of the peerage and thus obligated to follow certain responsibilities and social parameters. It is very easy to make judgments from the outside looking in.” Why did she make him question things he’d always taken for granted? Was he autocratic? Inflexible? Even arrogant of his title?

“Would the world fall apart if everything didn’t revolve around your position in society?” she asked. “Why are you marrying me beneath your station? We were discovered in a compromising position, but with the power you have…I’m sure you could…could…”

“Buy my way out of it?” he asked, careful to remain impassive. How could he tell her what was in his heart if she still had doubts about marrying him? I’m more attracted to you than any woman I’ve known, and I couldn’t take the chance you might marry someone else. Was he ready to say that, to change a lifetime of controlling his emotions, of distancing himself to remain the one in charge? “I think you overestimate my powers.”

“That is not an answer.”

He turned away, raking a hand through his hair. “Why do you press me, Fiona? No matter how I resist, you fill my thoughts. I struggle not to kiss you every moment of the day. Isn’t that enough? Aren’t you satisfied that I’m behaving like an idiot?”

A smile peeped out. “You only kiss me when you are furious.”

He blinked. “Do I?”

“I know we share physical attraction. But is that reason enough for marriage? We are so very different.”

“I will make it enough.” She didn’t look convinced. “Do you have some notion you’ll find a more tractable husband? One you can wind around your finger? Such a man would never make you happy, Fiona, you must know it.”

“I fear we will do nothing but struggle and quarrel.”

“Is it Denton? Is that who you have in mind?” God, did he really say that out loud? He had never been jealous of other men; it was an irritating development. “That won’t do, Fiona. We are engaged and will be married at St. James’s in two weeks.”

Her chin tilted. “I have agreed. You needn’t force me.”

“Please let’s not argue. It’s a lovely day and I have looked forward to our ride all morning.”

She looked surprised. “I have too,” she admitted, reaching over to lay a gloved hand on his sleeve. “But promise me you will think about my words. Please, Richard.”

“I promise.” Satisfied with that, she followed as he turned for home.

Chapter Twenty-Five