Miss Featherton's Christmas Prince (The Marriage Game Book 9) (28 page)

That morning, was their first dress rehearsal. The children had already gone down for luncheon, leaving her and Damon alone.

“I must say, I have never seen breeches worn so well.” He ran his hand over her derrière and a look of pure lust entered his eyes. “I’m not happy about other men looking at you and thinking what I am.”

She looped her arms around his neck. Pressing against him, she wantonly rubbed against his member. “No? And what exactly are you thinking?”

He turned her around. “Lean over the table and you’ll soon find out.”

They had spent every night together since she had first gone to him, but this was the first time they would make love during the day. In short order, he had locked the door and had her breeches down around her knees. He lifted the shirt, exposing her bottom. Meg had never before felt so wicked. Damon rubbed between her legs, and she throbbed with need. “Please, now.”

“When we have our own house, we can make love in every room.” Reaching a hand under the shirt, he played with her nipples. “If we go to Greece for our honeymoon, we can make love on the roof of the house.”

She frantically rubbed against him, trying to gain some relief. “Damon!”

“Patience, my love.”

One hand skated down over her stomach, stopping when it covered her mons, where he found the small nub and circled it lightly. Finally, just when she thought she would scream, he entered her with one thrust, and she convulsed around him harder than ever before. Meg buried her head in her arms to keep from crying out. Damon brought her to completion again before he sought his release.

Damon collapsed into a large chair, holding Meg on his lap. “I cannot resist you.”

She placed her palm against his cheek. “I cannot resist you either, and I don’t want to. I hope it is always like this between us.”

“It will be,” he promised her. He would love and cherish Meg until he died; nothing would rip them apart. Nevertheless, he could not rid himself of the feeling that something bad was about to happen. “We should find something to eat.”

Meg laughed. “Naturally. You must keep up your strength.”

“Minx.” He nuzzled her neck, breathing in her scent. “I love you.” He glanced at the breeches. “We had better change.”

An hour later as they left the family dining room, he heard the sound of horses. “Someone has arrived.”

“I hope it is Mary and Kit.”

“Shall we have a look?” He pulled her into a parlor overlooking the entrance. He glanced out to see three baggage coaches being taken around to the side of the house.

She looked up at him. “One is Kit’s. I don’t know who the other two belong to.”

“My father and, unless I miss my guess, Aylesbury.”

“That old scoundrel.” Meg’s eyes had grown angry and hard. “He has not given up after all.”

“Oh, there you are.” Her grandmother rushed into the room. “Come quickly.”

He and Meg exchanged a glance, but did not argue. They followed the dowager to a part of the house he had not been in previously. Before long, they were seated with the duchess while Meg’s grandmother paced the room.

“I will murder him.”

“Calm yourself, Lucinda,” the duchess said. “Hawksworth, there is wine on the sideboard. Please pour everyone a glass.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He needed one himself. If Aylesbury was coming, he’d bring his daughter. Which meant that Damon needed to stay as far away from the lady as possible.

“I will protect you,” Meg said, her tone fierce.

Apparently she had come to the same conclusion he had. “He will not have just one scheme in motion. I shall protect you as well.”

“You will both sleep in my apartment,” the Dowager Lady Featherton pronounced. “There is only one way he can attempt to stop your marriage, and that is by compromising one or both of you with someone else.”

The duchess thumped her cane. “You will be ruthless about remaining together during the day and evening. After you retire to your chambers, you will come here.”

“Use the servants’ stairs and back corridors,” Meg’s grandmother added.

“Grandmamma, will you leave our rooms empty?”

“No. Whoever decides to make a midnight visit will have quite a surprise.” The dowager’s lips kicked up in a wicked smile. “The duke may be a wily old fox, but he has met his match. Tell no one about this. I do not want word getting out.”

Meg’s brother Kit and his wife were the first to arrive. He thumped Damon on the back. “Congratulations. I am happy for you. Though I cannot say I’m surprised.”

“I don’t understand.” He bowed to Mary and waited until Meg hugged her brother.

“Our grandmothers were talking about a match between the two of you last spring.”

Now, that was a revelation. “I had no idea. I really did not even have an opportunity to talk with her until Beresford’s wedding.”

Kit grinned. “Don’t feel bad. They decided Mary and I should wed as well.”

“Apparently”—Mary grinned—“they have quite a habit of it. I must admit, though, they seem to do a good job.”

Damon looked at Meg. “Shall we?”

She nodded. “I know what Grandmamma said, but I think Kit and Mary can help us.”

“I have not a clue what you’re talking about, but meet us in our apartment in a half hour.” Kit placed his hand on Mary’s waist. “That will give us sufficient time to wash the dust off.”

By the time the duke and Aylesbury arrived, Kit and Mary had agreed to help Damon and Meg.

M
eg and Damon had decided to play least in sight until they could not avoid meeting his father, Aylesbury, and whoever he brought with him. The rest of the wedding guests would arrive tomorrow. She was not looking forward to seeing Lady Pamela again. The young woman had been mean to Amanda, teasing her about having to wear eyeglasses.

Meg dressed in the red silk gown she’d worn at Lady Bellamny’s and had her maid put Damon’s combs as well as a pair of pearl combs in her hair. As was their habit, they met early on the landing separating their wings.

When they got to the drawing room, he pulled her under the kissing ball. “You are beautiful. I am happy to see you wearing the combs I gave you.”

Meg felt the heat rush into her face. “I still feel bad that I did not have a present for you.” She pulled a package from her reticule. “But I have one now.”

He took it from her, slipped off the ribbon, and opened the paper, revealing a small box.

She bit her bottom lip, praying he would like it.

“Thank you.” He lifted the garnet tie-pin from the box. “Help me put it on.”

She removed the ruby one he had worn and replaced it. “Shall I keep the box in my reticule?”

He walked to the bell-pull. “I’ll send it up to my valet.”

A footman arrived and was dispatched with the jewel worth far more than the one she had given him.

They were half-way through their glasses of wine when her parents entered the room. The look on Papa’s face was grim. “Did you see who your father brought with him?”

Damon took a sip of wine. “I did. Which is the reason we have not been in the main parts of the house this afternoon.”

Papa nodded. “Give them a wide berth. I’ll look forward to being given a reason to ask them to leave.”

Kit and Mary were the next to arrive, then the dowagers. By the time the duke and company got to the drawing room, there was a tacit agreement that Meg and Damon would remain together, and that the others would draw off anyone attempting to separate them.

The duke entered, and she gave him what she hoped was a sweet smile, and curtseyed. “Your Grace, how lovely to see you again.”

“And you, my dear.” His smile did not reach his pale blue eyes. “Hawksworth, good evening.” He made a motion with his hand and Aylesbury and his daughter appeared beside the duke. Lady Pamela’s pale blond hair was dressed in ringlets. She wore a white gown with a beaded bodice. “Miss Featherton, I believe you are already acquainted with Lady Pamela?”

“I am indeed.” Meg smiled and watched the girl as his grace introduced her to Damon.

“My lord,” Lady Pamela simpered. “I have long wished to meet you.”

Not straying from Meg’s side, he bowed, then raised a black brow. “Indeed, my lady. I cannot imagine why.”

Grandmamma turned her chuckle into a cough, and Papa’s eyes began to twinkle.

A moment later, Benson announced another guest. “Viscount Anvers.”

“Miss Featherton,” the duke said smoothly. “Has Lord Anvers been introduced to you?”

She took in the man’s hard eyes. Although he was lean, there was a look of dissipation about him. Meg knew immediately the reason she had never met him. He most likely spent his time in gaming hells.

Damon took her hand and placed it proprietarily on his arm. “He has not, Your Grace. And he will not be.” Damon’s low, dangerous tone drew everyone’s attention from the newcomers to him. “If you knew who he was, you would not have brought him to this house.” He turned to Papa. “My lord, is there a tavern in the village?”

“There is.”

“What is the meaning of this, Hawksworth?” The duke flushed angrily. “You have no right to insult a guest of mine.”

Damon took a breath, focusing on Anvers. “He is a coward and a deserter. His actions caused the death of an entire platoon. He was fortunate to have been allowed to sell out.”

Papa glanced at the duke. “Did you know about this?”

His grace’s jaw ticked for a moment before he spoke. “I did not. Naturally, my son is overly sensitive to matters that occurred in the army. Other than that, do you have an objection to him, my lord?”

“He is known to frequent haunts I would not wish my sons to visit. Based on what I have heard, I cannot think he is a proper
parti
to be introduced to my daughter—any of my daughters.”

Anvers’s glare had never left Damon’s face, nor had Damon’s focus moved from Anvers.

He inclined his head. “I shall go.”

“Benson.” Papa looked at the door. “Have one of the grooms escort Lord Anvers to the Crow. I am sure Lord Aylesbury will be happy to lend his coach. My lord, one of my footmen will help with your bags.”

“Hopefully, we got rid of one,” Damon whispered to Meg.

The silence was broken by a titter coming from Lady Pamela. “I had no idea Anvers was such bad
ton
. Really, Papa, you should have known better than to bring him here. There was no way that Lord Hawksworth could possibly have countenanced his presence.”

“Yes, of course, you are correct, my love. Hawksworth, I beg your apology. I must not have been thinking. Lord Featherton, my apologies to you as well. I did not know that my heir was not welcome in Polite circles. Don’t get around much anymore, you know.”

The duke was rigid with fury, but he nodded to Damon. “I am sure Aylesbury and Lady Pamela would appreciate a glass of wine. I know I would.”

Kit smiled, and handed the duke a glass. “To your health, sir.”

Papa poured glasses for Lady Pamela and her father.

“Come,” Mama said. “Let us not allow a misunderstanding to ruin the joyous occasion of Christmas and the marriage of our children.”

“Indeed.” Damon raised his glass. “To Christmas, my betrothed, and our life together.”

Lady Pamela cut a glance at Meg, and smirked. “To a joyous occasion.”

“Lord Hawksworth.” Lady Pamela came forward placing her hand on his other arm. “Please tell me about the war. I am so interested in what you did.”

Damon smiled politely and said in a perfectly calm tone, “I killed Frenchies and they tried to kill me.”

Lady Pamela’s eyes widened in horror, and Meg bit off a laugh. She could not even find it in her heart to chastise Damon.

Fortunately, Mary joined them. “My lady, we have not been introduced. I am Lady Mary Featherton, Mr. Featherton’s wife.” Mary linked her arm with Lady Pamela’s. “I adore your gown . . .”

Thank God for Lady Mary. Damon was exceedingly happy to be aligned with a family who loved and cared for one another. He tightened his grip on Meg, bending his head so that only she could hear him. “I should not have been so rude.”

“I don’t know about that.” She glanced at her sister and Lady Pamela. “She may give you up now.”

“And miss out on an opportunity to become the next Duchess of Somerset?”

“No, I suppose not.” Meg sighed. “What a bother this is. I have quite lost my Christmas spirit.”

“We cannot have that. After dinner we may sing some carols if you would like. Speaking of dinner, Benson had better announce it soon. I am hungry enough to eat a goat.”

Meg grinned up at him and his heart beat painfully against his chest. This really was true love. “That must be very hungry indeed.”

“Not really. Goat is very good.” Lady Featherton joined them.

“My lady. I came to tell you that I have ordered your bags moved to the family wing. We will be bursting at the seams by to-morrow evening.” She started to turn away and stopped. “I do not know what you said to Lady Pamela, but she has been giving you horrified looks ever since.”

“Thank you, my lady.” His lips tilted up. “Then I have achieved my goal.”

Lady Featherton cast her eyes at the ceiling. “You have chosen to join the right family. All of my children have wicked senses of humor.”

Damon’s stomach had just started to growl when Benson announced dinner.

“Hawksworth,” his father said. “You shall escort Lady Pamela.”

Before he could answer, Lord Featherton was next to them. “Hawksworth will escort my daughter. It is their right as a betrothed couple.”

Damon had no idea if his lordship was stating preference or actual etiquette, but it didn’t matter. His father inclined his head and left to escort Lady Featherton in to dinner.

“Have I told you how much I like your family?” He wanted to wrap his arms around Meg and kiss her.

“They are wonderful.” She sighed happily. “Except for the day we arrived, and I was not allowed a moment with you.”

“Yes, but they did it out of love and concern for you. Not to advance themselves.”

She stopped their slow stroll toward the dining room. “I love you, and they do as well.”

He turned to face her. “That is the second most wonderful gift you have given me.”

“Meg, Hawksworth, come along.” Her grandmother stood smiling at them. “In fact, I believe I shall claim your other arm, Hawksworth. We do not have enough gentlemen present.”

“Gladly, my lady.”

 

After the gentlemen joined the ladies and tea had been served, the duchess set her cup down. “Hawksworth. You may escort me to my chamber. I am not as young as I used to be.”

“None of us is, Your Grace.”

“Impertinent boy. I can give you thirty years at least.” She placed her hand on his arm. “When you get to be my age, you tell me how you’re feeling. I won’t be here, but I’ll be listening.”

A moment later, Meg’s grandmother claimed her attention. “Meg, my dear. I have something I wish to show you. Do come with me.”

Meg and Damon bid her family and the duke’s company good night. When they reached the landing, Damon said, “Well done, Your Grace.”

“Thank you. You’ll make a good duke one day. We just need to get you leg-shackled to Meg. She’ll keep you from making the mistakes your father made.”

“You’ve known him for a long time, haven’t you?”

“He was still a boy when I came out, but I knew his family. They sent him on his Grand Tour, and he fell in love with your mother. The story is that they defied both her family and his to marry. She knew how to handle him, though. He never would have become such a despot if she’d lived. But we all die. He took it hard, and married Catherine less than a year later. She would have been better off with a vicar. She is a kind woman, but hasn’t enough backbone for your father.”

Damon’s throat closed. He had never even known that much about his parents. But then again, he had never asked his godmother, the only other person who might have known. “Thank you.”

“You do well by Meg and that will be thanks enough. I love her as if she were my own granddaughter.”

“I will.” He loved Meg to distraction, and if anything did happen to her, he would hold their children close, and tell them what a wonderful woman their mother was.

His valet stood outside his room. “I did not know if you knew exactly where we have been moved to, my lord.”

“I did not. Thank you. As soon as I am ready for bed, you may retire. Wait until I call for you before you come up in the morning.”

Hartwell frowned slightly. “Yes, my lord.”

A half hour later, Damon stood in the corridor, waiting for Meg. The only problem was that he did not know which chamber was hers. A door opened and she walked out, heading toward the back of the house. “Meg.”

She startled. “Damon. I did not know you would be here.”

“Your mother changed my room.” He took her hand in his. “Let’s go before anyone sees us.”

When they reached her grandmother’s apartments, one of the footmen guided them to two rooms next to one another. It did not take long to discover that the chambers connected.

How was it that he continued to fall into the dowagers’ traps? “They planned this.”

Meg shook her head and grinned. “They are shameless. But, as my grandmother said earlier, we are in love, betrothed, and hot for one another.”

“I can see you will be just like them when you are older.” He wrapped his arms around her.

Laying her head on his chest, she replied, “I sincerely hope so.”

Sometime in the middle of the night, screams rent the peaceful quiet. Next to him Meg stirred.

“What is it?” she asked in a sleep-filled voice.

“A trap being sprung.”

“They really did it.” Her arm slid across his chest.

“Apparently. Part of me wants to go and find out what’s going on, but the other part demands I stay here with you.”

“I know what you mean, but we cannot both go.”

“No.” Damon acknowledged the truth in that. “It looks as if our curiosity will not be satisfied until morning.”

He thought they would both have trouble going to sleep, but Meg pulled him down, kissing him until they made love again and drifted off in each other’s arms.

 

Lord Featherton was in the breakfast room when Meg and Damon entered. He went immediately to the sideboard. By now he knew what she liked and would make plates for both of them.