Read Miss Featherton's Christmas Prince (The Marriage Game Book 9) for Free Online Page B

had seen Amanda descend the stairs, but had been unable to catch even a glimpse of her since. Actually, Meg had not seen much of Amanda recently. Well, that would change once they were back at home.
    Meg glanced at her dance card. Only two sets did not have a name next to them. She supposed she should be glad, but instead she felt as if she’d been set adrift. She had always thought gentlemen were essentially good at heart, but now knew that with the exception of her father and brothers, they could not be trusted.
    She stole a glance, hoping to find Lord Throughgood, but her view was blocked by a tall man with a large ruby nestled in his cravat. Really, what kind of gentleman wore such a large jewel? She continued to look up until she met the deep brown gaze of Lord Hawksworth.
    Warmth lurked in his eyes, disturbing the serene mien she was attempting to project. Ah well, at least he was not wearing the pink and white striped neckcloth he had worn earlier to-day when she’d seen him on Bruton Street. And she had to admit, with a chest as broad as his, the ruby did not look out of place or overly showy.
    He bowed. “Miss Featherton, would it be too much to hope that you have a set for which you are not engaged?”
    She wanted to say her card was full, but then she would be caught in a lie. Meg was certain that she could convince her mother to leave before the last waltz, but not before the supper dance. “I am free for the first waltz.”
    “Thank you.”
    He bowed, and for the first time she noticed the restless restraint with which he held himself. Forcibly reminding her of one of the caged lions in the Royal Menagerie. Then he turned, and as he walked away the heels of his shoes glittered. Jewels? Meg let out the breath she’d been holding. He was nothing more than a Dandy, and she had been concerned. More fool she. It really was time to go home when she saw danger in every gentleman. Still, she had never before met a Dandy who reminded her of a dangerous beast. Even now, he seemed to prowl around the ballroom. No, she was correct in her first assessment of his lordship: He was not to be trusted.
    “Meg?” Kit and his wife, Mary, had strolled up. “Did Hawksworth say anything to upset you?”
    “No, of course not.” He did not have to say anything at all. His mere presence troubled her. “He merely asked for a dance.”
    “You were looking at him as if he . . .” Her brother shook his head. “Never mind. How are you?”
    Kit and Mary had been in Town for a week, but had opted to reside at the Pulteney Hotel until their apartments were ready at Featherton House. Meg had recently discovered their father had received the same information about Tarlington that Meg had, and Papa would have told Kit. “I am well. How long have you known Lord Hawksworth?”
    “I knew him in school, then he went off to the army. Strange thing for an heir to do. After that, I didn’t see him again until last Season. He’s a bruising rider, handles a team well, and he recently won a wager at Angelo’s, betting on himself.”
    That did not fit in at all with his silk neckcloth and jeweled heels. What was the man playing at? It was as if he was trying to be all things to all people.
    She had been right to be distrustful of him. Fortunately, the Season was ending in a couple of days. And Amanda would not have a chance to fall in love with the devil.
     
    A half hour before midnight, Damon collected Miss Featherton for his dance with her, which happened to be not only the first waltz but the supper dance. Yet unlike the last time he had arranged to stand up with her, she had a militant cast to her eyes. Had he done something to upset her, or was this a result of her recent heartbreak?
    They took their places on the floor. When he put his palm on her waist, he had the urge to tug her a bit closer, yet she stood perfectly still, as if she felt nothing. Was she now afraid to get close to a man? That would make his courting of her much more