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

Unless you’re coming down with something. Are you?”
    Meg wished she could claim a headache, but that would only draw attention to herself. “No. I am getting up.”
    An hour later she was in the morning room where the others were gathering. In addition to Lord Hawksworth were Sir Randolph and Lady Culpepper, the Smithsons, Miss Riverton—a lively lady of about nineteen with brown curls—and her betrothed, Lord Darby. The latter was several years older than she, and had arrived late last night. He was clearly infatuated with her. His mother, Lady Darby, was also present, although she did not look as if she wanted to join their excursion.
    Lady Darby’s face puckered as if she had eaten a lemon. “Are you sure a village ”—she said the word as if it disgusted her—“fair will not be too dull?”
    Lady Bellamny’s eyes narrowed. “You must not be aware, my lady, that Grantville is a market town. Each year before Christmas Day, there is a fair to help the town. This year it is to raise funds for a new roof on the church.”
    “You see, Mother”—Lord Darby’s tone did not hide his irritation with her—“it is for a good cause.”
    “You should be looking to the welfare of your betrothed,” she retorted. “I am sure Susan is fatigued from the travel.”
    Lord Darby glanced at Miss Riverton, who appeared anything but tired. “My dear?”
    “I am quite well and excited about the treat.” She turned to Lady Bellamny. “I was raised in London and have never attended a town fair. I am greatly looking forward to it.”
    Lady Bellamny nodded her head approvingly. “I am sure you will have a wonderful time.” She addressed Lady Darby. “I am certain you will feel better with a rest.”
    Knowing she had been dismissed, Lady Darby paled. “Yes, that is most likely it. Thank you.”
    Again Meg wondered at someone such as Lady Darby being invited. Most likely she was only here to chaperone Miss Riverton.
    Meg glanced around and did not see either Amanda or her mother. “How long until we depart?”
    “Immediately,” Lady Bellamny answered.
    “Are Mrs. Hiller and Miss Hiller not joining us?”
    “They will meet us there,” Lady Bellamny said in a matter-of-fact tone before turning and ordering a nearby footman to have the coaches brought around.
    Meg did not understand why Amanda and her mother were not coming with them, but before she could ask, she sensed Lord Hawksworth next to her. “Good afternoon, my lord.”
    “Good afternoon, Miss Featherton.” The corners of his lips curled up as he inclined his head. “Allow me to escort you around the fair.” He held his arm out, not giving her a choice.
    “It would be my pleasure.”
    Placing his mouth next to her ear, he whispered, “I doubt that, but I can assure you it will be my pleasure.”
    She had no answer for that piece of impudence, and placed her hand on his arm. “Thank you.”
    “Life is not always just, Miss Featherton,” he said as he led her to the hall. “However, if one prevails, one can conquer one’s demons.”
    “Is that a lesson you learned during the war?” She tried to mask her interest, but the more time she spent around him, the more he intrigued her. She really must not allow that to happen. She was only suffering his attention to save Amanda.
    Even in the bright light cast from the long mullioned windows his eyes were shaded. “One of many.”
    “And are all your demons vanquished?”
    “Many of them.” He was quiet for a moment. “Most of them. There are times when I dream of battle and wake up believing I am still in the fight. Yet those times are rare now.”
    Despite her concerns about Lord Hawksworth, she was drawn to comfort him. “I would that you had not had them at all.”
    He flashed her a brief grin. “I was fortunate, unlike many of my fellow soldiers.”
    “My father is extremely active in helping the plight of those who fought in the war.”
    “You are lucky to have a family that cares not only