Free Miss Featherton's Christmas Prince (The Marriage Game Book 9) by Ella Quinn

apart.”
    Amanda’s hand covered her lips as she choked. “Oh dear. I do hope your mother and I will like each other.”
    He drew her into his arms. “How she could fail to love you is beyond me.” Chuffy touched his lips to hers in a chaste kiss. “I love you.”
    Her lips had puckered and moved beneath his. “And I love you.”
    Grinning, he held her, savoring her warm, soft body. “Perhaps by Twelfth Night we will be able to announce our wedding.”
    “That is my wish as well.”
    Her arms had crept cautiously around his neck, and they remained there until he heard steps outside the door. “I believe we shall shortly have company.”
    As she drew back, her cheeks turned the color of a damask rose he had seen in Persia. “I had almost forgot.”
    The door opened and Lady Hiller strolled into the room with his mother. Both were so engrossed in their conversation that he didn’t think they had noticed Amanda and him until they stopped.
    “Chuffy,” Mama said. “I would like very much to be introduced to Miss Hiller.”
    In short order the introductions were made.
    His mother held out her hand to Amanda. “It is my pleasure to finally meet the lady who has commanded my son’s attention.”
    His beloved sank gracefully into a curtsey. “Thank you, my lady. Lord Throughgood and I have much in common.”
    Mama glanced at him over Amanda’s head and nodded her satisfaction. “Did I not tell you, Mother? She is a jewel among ladies.”
    “Indeed you did.”
    Although he did not feel as if he needed his mother’s approval, it was welcome and would smooth the path to marriage. He only hoped her mother approved of his family. Which, considering the servants, might be a problem.
     
    Meg made her way to the drawing room and was surprised but glad that Lord Throughgood was present. However, before she could approach him, Lady Bellamny drew her off to meet another couple who had arrived.
    Lord and Lady Smithson were the epitome of a fashionable couple who seemed out of place in the country. Lady Smithson’s gown was more suited to a London ball, and Lord Smithson aped the most extravagant garb of the Dandy set, with shirt points so high he could not turn his head. He had worn a spotted silk neckcloth, and his waist was unnaturally nipped. He must be wearing a corset.
    Meg dropped a slight curtsey. “How nice to meet you.”
    Lady Smithson, Meg was sure, gauged her graceful curtsey to the precise point for the daughter of a viscount, and curled her lips into a smile. “A pleasure, Miss Featherton. I have heard a great deal about your family.”
    That in itself was not surprising. Her family and the original title dated back to King William I. Suddenly she felt as if she had to protect her family from this woman. “Indeed.”
    Lord Smithson blatantly surveyed Meg’s body before bowing and taking her hand. “A singular pleasure, Miss Featherton.”
    He kissed her hand and Meg wanted to wash it immediately. “My lord.”
    Before she knew what was happening, a warm presence loomed behind her. “Smithson, my lady.” Lord Hawksworth’s deep voice would have startled her if she had not already felt his presence. “How was your journey?”
    Lady Smithson simpered, and Meg had the strong urge to roll her eyes in disgust.
    “Long and cold, my lord.” The lady gave a dramatic shiver and stepped closer to Lord Hawksworth.
    If these were the types of people with whom he normally socialized, it was all the more reason to keep Amanda away from him.
    “As it has been for all of us.” He turned his attention to Lord Smithson. “I would have thought this type of party a bit dull for you.”
    The man flushed. “Not at all. I understand Lady Bellamny is an excellent hostess.”
    “She is.” Lord Hawksworth’s words were curt and dismissive.
    Apparently he did not want anything to do with the couple. His face held no humor, and for a moment it appeared as if he might make another remark. Yet, any setdown he gave the