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before going around to the other side. Several minutes later they were entering the Park. “Is it always so crowded?”
    “Do you not know?” She laughed lightly. “I would have thought you had been here often.”
    “Ah, I am recently returned from abroad. I went directly to my father’s estate before coming to Town.”
    “I hadn’t realized you had just arrived.” Her finely arched brows drew together. “How strange this must be for you after seeing foreign countries. Did you miss England?”
    “I missed the idea of England. The only time I lived here was to attend school. Still, I have always thought of England as home.” He cut her a quick grin. “I must rely on you to guide me.”
    She blushed charmingly. “To answer your question, the Park is normally much more crowded. We are at the end of the Season. I shall do my best to show you around.”
    “How much longer are you fixed in Town?”
    “For at least another few weeks.”
    That was exactly what Chuffy had hoped for. He settled back to enjoy the ride and his companion. He should know soon if they would suit and where she was spending Christmas. If things went well and her plans were not set, he would write to his mother and ask her to issue an invitation to the Hiller family.

CHAPTER FOUR
    D amon rode his horse, Mentor, at a sedate pace in the Park. On the first day of the Battle of Salamanca, his last horse had been shot out from under him. That night, he had won the beast in a card game.
    Mentor pranced and tossed his head at a pretty mare that appeared to want to flirt. “Did I forget to mention that you’ve been gelded?”
    The horse ignored him, casting his head toward the mare. Damon set him to a walk as he searched the carriages and those strolling, hoping to see Miss Featherton. Surely she was here somewhere. The rest of the ton who were still in Town had managed to show themselves.
    He had not been able to tolerate not knowing what her reaction to his flowers had been. Had Miss Featherton liked his flowers? Had she ascertained they had come from him? How many houses had blue and red as their colors?
    Bloody hell . He should have researched it before deciding to leave the blasted note unsigned. Not knowing what his reception would be, he was hesitant to go to her house. Then he had hit on the idea to find her in a public place, and he’d not been having any luck. He had been too clever by half, and now he was going to suffer for it.
    His horse snorted.
    “You’re not the only one disgusted by this outing.” As he glanced around, a phaeton painted bright yellow came into view.
    Throughgood—and it appeared he had Miss Hiller with him. He had been correct. Her appearance was greatly improved by eyeglasses. She might know where Miss Featherton was.
    Damon urged Mentor forward. “Throughgood, well met.”
    His friend pulled up onto the verge as his pair of matched grays nervously eyed Mentor. “Still in Town, I see. Miss Hiller, may I introduce Lord Hawksworth? Hawksworth, Miss Hiller.”
    She smiled and inclined her head. “A pleasure, my lord.” She glanced at Chuffy and her smile deepened. “I believe you know my friend Miss Featherton?”
    “I do.” He debated an attempt at subtlety, but the last time he had not received the desired result. “Have you seen her recently? I thought she might be in the Park.”
    “I believe Lady Featherton has her busy shopping for last minute items before they return home in a day or two.”
    Hell and damnation . Did that mean he would be forced to haunt Bond Street looking for Miss Featherton? “I suppose she will remain there until next Season.”
    “Not at all. She is joining my mother and me at Lady Bellamny’s estate for Christmas.”
    Now that was a piece of good news. “Then I shall meet you both there.”
    “You will see her this evening if you plan to attend Lady Torrey’s ball.” Miss Hiller had cut a quick glance at Throughgood before turning her wide blue eyes back to