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

difficult.
    Damn Tarlington to hell. Damon had almost decided to tell her he was attending Lady Bellamny’s house party, but now that didn’t seem like a good idea at all.
    The music began and he was not surprised at how gracefully she followed his lead, or how well she performed the steps. They were silent for several moments. He must say something, but what? Miss Featherton was definitely not encouraging conversation. “I suppose Lady Torrey is happy this is such a crush.”
    Although she glanced up at him, he could glean nothing from her shuttered expression. “Naturally, she will be pleased. I did not think there would be so many present.”
    “Will you depart for the country soon?”
    “Mama and I will leave the day after to-morrow. My father still has some issues to settle before he joins us. And you, my lord?”
    “I shall remain a while longer.” Damon would have liked to learn more about her, but obviously she was not in the mood to disclose or invite confidences. “After that, a round of house parties awaits me.” Not exactly the truth, but close enough. “I suppose you will remain with your family.”
    “For the most part.”
    This was the most excruciatingly tortured conversation he had ever had with a woman. “In that case, I shall wish you a Happy Christmas.”
    Her countenance seemed to soften for a moment before she replied, “I wish you the same.”
    Damon gave up attempting to converse and settled in to enjoy having Miss Featherton in his arms, envisioning a time when she would be in his bed. Her long dark hair spread on a snowy white pillow, her ruby lips swollen with his kisses, and her porcelain skin flushed with passion. Unfortunately, it would not be tonight or any night in the immediate future. Knowing what a vibrant lady she was, it was disconcerting and heartrending to see her so guarded and subdued.
    When the dance ended, he returned Miss Featherton to her mother.
    The lady’s sharp eyes studied her daughter. “Are you not feeling well, my dear?”
    “I have a headache. It must be the heat.”
    She turned to him, obviously wishing to beg off having his escort to supper. Before she could speak, he said, “It is rather warm in here.” Or it had been when they’d been dancing. “Perhaps you should retire.”
    “I think that is a very good idea.” Lady Featherton nodded approvingly.
    He watched as they made their way out of the room. To-night had not gone as he had wished. Still, he had the house party to look forward to. Perhaps she would be in better spirits by then.
    Without saying good-night to his hostess, Damon slipped into the hall and called for his town coach. Several minutes later he was home, a glass of brandy warming in his palms. Somehow he would find a way to break through the barrier Miss Featherton had erected around her and the path to her heart. Yet first, he needed to know how badly she had been hurt. Before Tarlington left the country, the gossip was that an offer from the man had been imminent. Speculation had flared for a few days, but when the Feathertons behaved as if nothing untoward had occurred, it died down. What had happened between them, and who could Damon ask?
     
    The next afternoon Damon plied the knocker on the front door of Lady Bellamny’s town house. The old lady terrorized most of the ton , including him when he was in Town. But she was his godmother and had always been kind to him. While he’d been in the army, she had maintained a steady correspondence. Not that he would let anyone know it. The information might ruin her reputation as a Fury.
    A few minutes later, he was shown into an upstairs parlor and announced. “Godmamma.”
    “Hawksworth.” She presented her powdered cheek for him to kiss. “What brings you here at such an ungodly hour?”
    “It is past one o’clock in the afternoon.” Stifling a grin, he lowered himself onto one of her delicate chairs. “I require information, and I believe you are the best person to