Free Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince by Jennifer Moore Page B

and she could not help but continue.
    “And if you would condemn American merchants for trading with the French, perhaps, England would care to explain how the Indians attacking frontier settlements have come to be supplied with British weapons.” Meg’s legs were trembling.
    “Meg,” Daniel stepped toward her and placed his hand beneath her elbow. “This is hardly the—”
    “Dear Miss Burton,” Lord Featherstone interrupted her brother, “I admire your loyalty to your homeland. It is quite adorable.” He shook his head from side to side slightly, his face still exhibiting that expression that looked as if he were speaking to a person of slow wits. “But you understand America has no hope of defeating His Majesty’s Navy.”
    Meg pulled her arm from Daniel’s grip and turned her entire body to face the earl directly. “It is true, sir. Although the continual illegal impressment of Americans to serve in the British navy has provided many men with an excellent training in naval warfare, however unwanted it might be.” The issue of impressment had been a topic of heated discussion in Charleston ever since the Chesapeake-Leopard affair, and the thought of men taken forcefully from their families to serve for years aboard a foreign warship heated Meg’s blood further.
    “I think you would be surprised, sir. The shipyards in Massachusetts produce top quality vessels. But even if America didn’t have the resources to attack the British fleet, the fact is, England’s soldiers are spread about the globe. Even now, more and more are sent to the peninsula, not to mention India and other holdings of the crown. I would not be surprised if the United States decided to put pressure on Britain by invading the Canadian colonies. Strategically, it is the perfect—”
    “Margaret,” Daniel spoke more forcefully.
    When she allowed her anger to abate to a simmer, Meg saw the horror on her brother’s face. This sort of topic certainly was not among those deemed suitable for a young lady, and she had undoubtedly offended the men. Colonel Stackhouse continued to study her, and Lord Featherstone’s lips had pressed into a look of such disapproval that they had almost completely disappeared.
    She closed her eyes and released her breath, willing a pleasant smile to her lips. “But perhaps we should change the topic to one a bit more suitable for a dinner party.” Meg forced her arms to relax and tipped her head to the side. “Lord Featherstone, I have not yet thanked you for the lovely flowers that were delivered to my room this morning. And I believe your mother said you spent the day shooting in the duke’s forest. And did I hear that you are planning a fox hunt?”
    ***
    Meg excused herself directly after supper, claiming that her long day had quite worn her out. She trudged up the stairs and down the hallway to her bedchamber. After she stepped inside and closed the door behind her, she sagged against it. Today had been one of the worst days she could remember. She had failed at every attempt to be an accomplished young lady, and even worse she had disappointed Daniel—again.
    The dance instruction and music had been grueling. She had hoped for the time to go for a ride on Bonnie with Carlo or at least to read for a few hours. She didn’t care if she was being overly dramatic as she indulged herself for a moment, envisioning pulling on a cloak and wandering grief-stricken through the woods. But as tempting as the idea was, she knew it wouldn’t make her feel better. All she really wanted to do was sit on the floor and weep.
    A knock sounded behind her, and she opened the door for Bessie to help her undress. Her lady’s maid chattered on as she unpinned Meg’s hair, pulling it back into a braid so it wouldn’t be so difficult to manage in the morning.
    And finally when Meg was left alone, she found she was too tired to even cry herself to sleep.
    ***
    Meg woke disoriented and looked around in the darkness, trying