Page 83 of A Symphony for the Earl

He had experienced similar emotions when his betrothed accepted invitations from Arthur Barrett, Merit Fitzcombe, and even the ridiculous Laurence Kittleston. Denys’s partnership with her in the reel only increased his annoyance, and he had waited impatiently for the dance to end.

A startling realization struck him—he was jealous. He had never been possessive of a woman and rarely considered other men rivals. He was rendered speechless for a moment but managed to recover and murmur a polite goodbye to the Drummond-Burrells.

Sally Jersey was next in line and bestowed a sharp tap with her fan on his wrist, demanding his attention. “Well, Richard, this had been a rare night indeed. Graced by the regent, Lord Byron, and your fiancée’s deceased father. The ton will speak of little else for weeks.”

From the corner of his eye, he watched as Fiona bestowed a brilliant smile on Sir William. “Is there a compliment in there somewhere, Sally?”

She unfurled the fan, gurgling with laughter. “Oh, I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy myself. Especially watching you and Miss Rafferty. Stop tiptoeing around and admit you love the girl—only a fool could fail to see you two are meant for each other. Put your celebrated charms to use, Richard. Lord knows they’ve worked well enough with opera singers and widows.”

“Odd, I don’t recall asking for advice.”

Lady Jersey snapped the fan closed, rapping his knuckles. “None of that high-and-mighty bit with me. You’d best heed my words and buckle down for a fight. It doesn’t look like the father approves one bit. Heavens, what I wouldn’t give to be a fly on the wall in Merrick House tomorrow.” She chuckled and Richard’s jaw clenched at the sound. “My footman’s at the door, so I’ll bid you goodnight.”

Next came Lady Sefton, making idle conversation until he thought his head might explode. After she finally left, Sir William unglued himself from Fiona’s side and graced him with a polite nod. “My felicitations, Lord Seldon. You are a fortunate man.”

He nodded curtly and watched him walk away with relief. Richard groaned inwardly as the Marquis of Fellingham sauntered over with Eleanor Davenport on his arm. Would this night never end?

The marquis kissed Lady Amelia’s hand and greeted him, then bowed to Fiona with a flourish. “A happy occasion indeed. A betrothal and a reunion in one night.”

“Your father is very unique, Miss Rafferty,” Eleanor tittered, her pale-blue eyes glacier cold. “How embarrassing for you to become reacquainted in the public eye like this.” Fiona looked like she wanted to box his former mistress’s ears.

“Never fear, London society will accept him with open arms—the occasional oddity is so amusing.” Eleanor turned, fluttering her fan as she looked directly at him, bold as brass. “I shall see you next week, Richard. I vow, your request to call on me was quite unexpected, but then you always did enjoy the entertainment at my house.”

Fiona froze beside him.

The marquis looked amused. “How delightful. Another reunion. Good night, Lord Seldon. Come, Eleanor, the hour grows late.”

What the hell just happened? Richard’s head was spinning when he saw Gerald Rafferty coming toward them. He was the last to leave, save for the staff beginning to set things to right.

“Fiona—” He tried to catch her eye as her father reached Lady Amelia.

“Don’t you dare speak to me,” she hissed.

Before he could say anything else, his mother approached with Rafferty at her side.

“I have invited Fiona’s father to join us for tea at four tomorrow. Does that time meet with your approval, Richard?”

“Of course. Shall we send a carriage, Mr. Rafferty? Where are you staying?”

“I’ve booked rooms at Steven’s in Bond Street, but I have hired a horse for the duration.”

Richard nodded. “My tiger Jerome will meet you out front at four and take it to my stables. In the meantime, we look forward very much to hearing about your adventures.”

Gerald Rafferty turned to his daughter, embracing her warmly and pressing a kiss to her forehead. “A chailín, coinnigh do cheann ard. Remember, you are the descendant of Domnall Ua Lochlainn himself.”

“I’m almost afraid you will disappear again,” she confessed, caressing his bronzed cheek. “I will see you tomorrow, Athair, won’t I?”

“Aye, that you will, Acushla, have no doubt. There’s much to discuss.” He regarded the earl from beneath thick black brows. “Is there not, Lord Merrick?”

“Indeed there is, Mr. Rafferty.” Richard hoped his expression was bland. Fervently, he wished the man in Hades.

“Tomorrow then. Lady Merrick, I am your servant.” Gerald Rafferty bowed deeply and flashed a grin. “’Tis truly sorry I am for crashing your grand party.”

And with that, he strode to the door, taking his hat from the footman and the door closed behind him. The betrothal ball of the Earl of Seldon and Miss Fiona Rafferty was officially ended.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The Mystery of Gerald Rafferty’s Disappearance Is Revealed