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

couple would reflect badly on Lady Bellamny. They were, after all, her guests. Which raised the question of why the Smithsons had been invited. They did not fit in with the rest of the party. But Lord Hawksworth’s presence was distracting her too much to give them any further consideration.
    She was used to large men. Her brother’s friends, as well as her father, were all tall with broad shoulders, yet there was something different about Lord Hawksworth. A force that sizzled beneath the Dandy façade. She had sensed it in both Lord Swindon and Lord Tarlington, but not to the same extent. Another reason to guard herself around the man.
    Lord Hawksworth placed her hand on his arm. “You will excuse us.”
    Not a question but a statement. She wanted to shake the cobwebs from her mind, but his strong arm and the determination with which he led her away confused her. Wasn’t he planning to court Amanda? When she glanced to where Lord Throughgood had been, Meg saw another woman and Mrs. Hiller talking. Meg was still trying to find her friend when dinner was announced.
    “I believe I have been instructed to escort you.” Lord Hawksworth steered her toward the door to the hall.
    She tried, briefly, to recall everyone’s rank and who they should be matched with, then gave it up. If Lady Bellamny had told him to escort Meg, then that was the end of it. She quickly glanced around and saw Amanda with Lord Throughgood. Hopefully, Meg would have the opportunity to speak with him later. Yet how was she to do that and keep Lord Hawksworth away from Amanda at the same time? Dear Lord, this was becoming complicated. She shrugged. If she could not discuss a possible future with Lord Throughgood this evening, Meg would ask Lady Bellamny when next he would be present.
    Damon noted with approval that Miss Hiller seemed to be getting on well with Throughgood’s parents. His father, mother, and the lady were having a lively discussion as the four of them strolled toward the dining room. Lord Smithson and his wife approached the dining room with two of the more elderly guests. Damon wondered what the devil Lady Bellamny was about inviting that pair of loose fish. He would warn Throughgood to keep an eye out for Miss Hiller when Smithson was around, and Damon would protect Miss Featherton. Although she seemed to sense there was something repellent about the couple.
    When all the guests were in the dining room, Lady Bellamny stood by her chair and announced, “As you can see, I have decided to break with tradition. After this evening, you shall choose your own dining partners.” She gave her husband a fond but stern look, most likely reminding him not to keep the gentlemen too long. “While we are having tea, I shall discuss with you a few of the entertainments I have planned.”
    She took her seat, indicating that everyone else should do the same.
    Damon held the chair for Miss Featherton. “I wonder what she has in mind.”
    “I wish I knew.” Her words were slightly breathless, as if she had been walking too fast, and worry infused her tone.
    If only he could take her in his arms. He would never allow anyone to harm her again. When it came to his godmother’s planning, he might have a reason to be concerned as well. It would take time to court Miss Featherton, and he did not need to have it taken up with too many other activities.
    Dinner, as he had expected, was excellent. As the courses were being served, he had asked which dishes she would prefer and had done his best to draw her into conversation. Yet that had been the work of Sisyphus. Her answers were desultory at best, and by the time the ladies left, Damon felt as if he’d been pushing a boulder up a hill. Perhaps he should have a conversation with Miss Hiller. She had seemed pleased that he was interested in Miss Featherton. Perhaps Miss Hiller would help him.
    The bottles of port and brandy had been passed around the table only once when Lord Bellamny rose. “Gentlemen, I