Miss Featherton's Christmas Prince (The Marriage Game Book 9) (8 page)

After the men had left the room, she linked arms with Meg. “Do not deny that you had fun as well. I heard you laugh.”

“I did. Music always makes me feel better.”

“I know what you mean.” She lowered her voice. “Lord Hawksworth has a lovely voice.”

Just how far has Amanda fallen under the man’s spell?
Meg prayed that her friend did not realize that she was trying to keep her away from him. “He does. Perhaps he plays piano as well.”

“I do not think so,” Amanda said slowly. “Otherwise I am sure he would have said something.”

“You are probably right. He is not a man to hide his talents under a bushel.”

Amanda brought her hand to her mouth and yawned. “I am for my bed.”

It was only ten o’clock, but the travel might have tired her. “Good night. I’ll be up later.”

After she left, Meg decided to approach Lord Throughgood. He and his family would most likely be here a while longer.

Entering the drawing room, she glanced around. Lord Hawksworth was standing with Lord and Lady Grantville, but their son was nowhere to be seen.

D
amon slid a glance to where Miss Featherton stood. She closed her eyes for a moment, and her hands were clenched. Finally she let out a huff.

It was a damned good thing Throughgood wasn’t staying here. As determined as she was, she would have tracked him down to his room. As it was, keeping her away from him would be a challenge. She was exceedingly clever. If she discovered what he, Throughgood, and Miss Hiller were about, their whole scheme would come tumbling down.

One of the other guests joined the conversation, and Damon made his way to Miss Featherton. Over the years, he had sung many duets, but none with a lady so perfectly matched to his voice and style. It was as if they had been singing together for years. She had been happy and relaxed during their songs and had even allowed him to hold her hands. Unfortunately, once their performance ended, she returned to her wary self. If only he knew how to break through the wall she had built around herself. To make matters worse, she wasn’t even confiding in her closest friend. Although he had to admit that would be far too much to hope for, since she thought Miss Hiller was interested in him, and Meg wanted to arrange a marriage with Throughgood.

Flowers, romantic words, and tokens of his affection were not going to work with her. No doubt she had received too many of them to count. Damon would have to show her how he felt. Convince her that he could be trusted with her heart. What he truly required was a scoundrel from whom he could rescue her. Not a likely scenario in their present location. Then again, his luck had always been good; perhaps someone would come along.

He intercepted her as she approached the door to the corridor. “Miss Featherton, I greatly enjoyed our duets. Your voice is enchanting.”

As she glanced up at him an irritated look briefly appeared before she masked her feelings with a polite smile. “It was quite enjoyable, and your voice is equally charming. I had wanted a word with Lord Throughgood, but I do not see him.”

He should have expected that, but it still hurt. He matched her smile with one of his own. “He arrived separately from his parents. I believe he has already departed.” Not precisely a lie. He was somewhere with Miss Hiller, most likely teaching her the finer points of kissing. Which was exactly what he would like to be doing with Miss Featherton.

Her face fell, and he wanted to hit something. He looked at Smithson, willing the rascal to do something that would require Damon to take action. Unfortunately, the man seemed to be on his best behavior. “If it is important, perhaps I can help you.”

Finally her lush lips relaxed into a small, but true, grin. “Thank you, but I merely wished to ask him a question. I have had a long day and should seek my couch.”

Frustration curled through him, yet he maintained his countenance as he lifted her fingers to his lips. “I wish you a good night.”

She stared at her hand for a moment. “A pleasant night to you as well.”

A few moments later the door closed behind her, and Damon let out a breath. Then Smithson headed for the door. Damon slipped out through the music room, catching up to the rake as he was about to climb the stairs. “Going somewhere?”

Smithson seemed to straighten. “To my chamber, not that it is any business of yours.”

Damon was in no mood to play games. “Let me make myself clear. If you bother Miss Featherton, or any other lady here, I will take great pleasure in seeing you on your way home.”

“That, my lord, is for Lady Bellamny to say.”

In a voice that braver men than Smithson feared to challenge, Damon said, “I do not make idle threats, sir.”

Smithson patted his waistcoat. “I seem to have forgot something.”

He returned to the drawing room, but Damon did not believe for a minute that he had given up. Though amusing, it may have been a mistake for him to pretend to be a Dandy. He smiled to himself. On the other hand, there might be a way to put Smithson to good use.

The stable was warm, and the soft snorting of the horses surrounded Amanda and Chuffy. She had always loved the stables, and now she had even more reason to like them.

They had only a few minutes together while his carriage was being readied. She nestled her head against his jacket as he stroked her back, sending streaks of heat where his hand touched her. “Your parents are very nice.”

“They are.” His lips nuzzled her hair. “I knew you would all get along.”

She slid her palms up over his shoulders. “My father will be here soon.”

“Excellent.” He lowered his lips to the corner of hers, pressing softly, until he reached the middle and caught her bottom lip gently between his teeth. “I wish to propose to you.”

She trailed her tongue along the seam of his mouth like he had taught her.

Kissing lessons were ever so agreeable. “Then we would have to keep it a secret from my mother. She would not understand why she could not tell the world. I would like to give Lord Hawksworth some more time.”

“If you wish.” Chuffy opened his lips and began to languidly stroke his tongue against hers. “But it will all come out when your father arrives.”

She flattened her body against his and claimed his mouth again, tilting her head to deepen the kiss. They did not have much time and practice was important. After a few moments she broke the kiss. “Christmas Day.”

Chuffy held her tightly, ravaging her mouth. Amanda could barely catch a breath, but had never enjoyed a kiss more. She had never dreamed kissing could be this lovely. She wiggled against him, needing to be closer, and sensations she had never experienced before took control of her body. She gasped as his palm covered her derrière and squeezed.

“Forgive me.” His voice was ragged. “I should not have done that.”

Placing her fingers over his lips, she said, “I liked it. We’ll be married soon.”

“Not soon enough. I—”

“My lord.” His groom’s voice pierced the gentle sounds of the stable and the door opened a crack, letting the winter air rush in. “Your carriage is ready, and you don’t want to leave the horses standing in this cold.”

“I love you.” He kissed her hard just as the door began to open.

“I love you too.” Amanda hugged him tightly, not wanting to let him go. “I must go in before Mama misses me.”

“I’ll see you to the side door.”

They left the warmth of the stable, and she shivered in the icy air. The night was clear, and stars filled the sky. She pointed to the brightest one. “I have always thought that was the star the Wise Men followed.”

“I had never thought of it, but you might be right. I remember seeing the North Star from Palestine. One has a very good view of Orion from there.”

She scrunched her nose up. “Is that a constellation? I must have constellations pointed out to me. They seem terribly vague. It is as if one must know what one is seeing before one can actually see it.”

He cleared his throat. “I can understand how that could be. Come, let me get you inside.” They strode quickly to the small door near the stables, his arm wrapped around her. “To-morrow seems a long way away.”

Amanda cupped Chuffy’s strong jaw, stroking his cheek with her thumb. “I will dream of you.”

He turned his head into her palm and kissed it. “I shall dream of the day we do not have to part.”

“My lord!”

“I must go.” He kissed her one last time. “Until morning.”

She entered the door, climbed the stairs to the first window, and watched as he jumped fluidly into his curricle. She said a short prayer that he would arrive home safely. Creeping softly past Meg’s chamber, Amanda arrived at her room feeling like she had run a race. As usual her maid was waiting for her.

Lucy kept up a steady stream of talk while she unlaced Amanda’s gown. “Your mother said to tell you that you’re invited for tea with Lady Grantville. After that you’ll go with her to the fair in the town.”

Amanda practically burst with happiness. That meant that she would not have to think of an excuse to be with Chuffy. Surely it would not be difficult to avoid Meg if they arrived at the fair separately. Amanda immediately berated herself. That type of thinking was not fair to her friend. She would also have to make a point of telling Lord Hawksworth he had until Christmas Day to fix Meg’s attentions.

 

Chuffy waited until Amanda was safely in the house. He had barely let her leave him this evening. If he could have, he would have taken her home with him. Perhaps his mother would invite them to stay at Grantville. Having his beloved at his house would also settle the problem of Miss Featherton. When Hawksworth had called Chuffy away from the lady, it had taken him a few moments to remember he was not to speak with her.

Yes. Having Amanda at his house would be much safer. On the other hand, if she would simply tell Miss Featherton that he and Amanda wished to wed, that would be the end of this farce. But part of what he loved about her was her kind heart and loyalty. He supposed he could go along with it for a while longer. At least he had a commitment that they would announce their betrothal on Christmas Day. Hawksworth had better work fast. Poor devil. Chuffy had better warn him.

He was about to give his horses their office when he was hailed.

“Throughgood.” Hawksworth’s long steps quickly ate up the distance from the front door. “What are your plans for to-morrow?”

“I shall be escorting Miss Hiller to the fair. I am not exactly sure how that will come about. I have decided to ask my mother to invite her and her family to Grantville. I was just coming to tell you, though, that we will announce our decision to wed on Christmas Day.”

“Blast it to hell.” He mumbled a string of curses in various languages, before saying, “I’ll come about. I always do.”

“Perhaps once I am no longer eligible, she will be easier to convince.”

“Or find some other gentleman to wed.”

“Not here. M’mother told me that all the guests are either married or betrothed.”

Hawksworth paused, frowning for a moment. “Now that
is
interesting.” He backed away from the carriage. “Have a safe journey home.”

“It is not even a mile and the roads are well kept.” Chuffy snorted. “Our house is at the far north end of the property. One could walk there faster. Apparently the fourth viscountess wished to be closer to the town and her family.”

“Family?” Hawksworth raised his brows. “Don’t tell me Lady Bellamny is a connection of yours?”

“By marriage at least. I have always had the feeling she was connected to pretty much all of the great houses in England.”

“That does not surprise me. She’s related to my father as well.” He grinned. “Although the last time her name was mentioned around him, he called her an interfering old besom. I shall attempt to avoid you to-morrow.”

“Please do. Miss Hiller is feeling very guilty about Miss Featherton.”

Hawksworth barked a laugh. “But not guilty enough to turn you down.”

Chuffy grinned. “No. She is a loyal friend, not a sacrificial lamb.” Now, though, the thought stuck in his head. “Must ensure she doesn’t do anything like that.”

“Good idea.” His friend saluted him. “I suppose I’ll see you soon.”

“No offense, but not if I can help it. Better for me to stay away from here.” He gave his horses the office to start.

There were enough stars to see the well-maintained road clearly, and as he’d told Hawksworth, the houses were not far apart. He would have to remember to have a conversation with his father about the marriage settlements and ask Amanda’s mother if she could discover when Mr. Hiller was due to arrive. There would also need to be a special license for the wedding; he wished to be wed sooner rather than later.

Could he manage to have Amanda stay at Grantville until they were wed, then he need not be in Miss Featherton’s orbit at all. No. That wouldn’t work. His mother was hosting a dinner and some other entertainments to which Lady Bellamny’s guests were invited. Not for the first time, he prayed that their ill-run house would meet with Amanda’s approval.

Chuffy reached home to find his parents had not yet arrived. He was just about to retire when he decided to write missives to them about his concerns. It was only right to give them a warning. Especially Papa. He was just now coming to understand the earldom’s assets and liabilities, and he would need to be conversant in order for the settlement agreements to be drafted.

After Chuffy dismissed his valet, he poured a brandy. He should not borrow trouble, but he couldn’t rid himself of the thought that as much as Amanda loved him, she might defer to her friend. Then what would he do?

Damn the devil. He had to do something to ensure she never gave him up.

 

Meg awoke heavy eyed to the weak winter sun shining onto her face. She was tempted to roll over and go back to sleep. But Hendricks obviously wanted Meg up as soon as possible. Hence the reason for the open curtains.