Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince Read Online Free PDF

and shook it, a smile forming on his face. “I could not agree more.”

Chapter 3
    Meg leaned back against the pillows she had arranged on the library window seat and rested her book on the blanket that covered her legs. She sat with her feet pulled onto the cushion, her small space enclosed on three sides by the bay windows, and the other by heavy drapes. It had rained constantly for two days, spoiling her planned excursion to the gazebo. But she’d discovered the library window seat and found that with the drapes closed, it was just the spot to remain hidden. Her own secluded realm. The space was dimly lit, gloomy, and rather cold, but even the chill was a tolerable exchange for her privacy.
    The diamond-paned windows had a splendid view of the front gardens, and if she leaned her cheek against the cool glass, she could just see the doorway to the duke’s stables. She’d found her gaze pulled toward that particular section of the property more often than she’d like to admit, but since she had met Carlo in the woods two days before, there had been no sign of him.
    Movement at the main gates caught her eye, and she turned her head to watch as a carriage approached accompanied by a group of men on horseback. When the company arrived at the entrance, Meg managed to catch a glimpse of colorful skirts and wraps as three women exited the conveyance, but she could not make out any particulars through the blurry water-trails on the window. Servants with umbrellas hurried to escort the visitors out of the rain and carry luggage into the house. Grooms hurried from the stables to lead the horses and carriage away. Meg tried but could not discern whether Carlo was among them.
    She waited until she figured the company had enough time to be welcomed and shown to their rooms before peeking out of her sanctuary. When she saw that she was alone, she made her way to her bedchamber to change her gown for supper.
    Serena had told her very little about the Poulters. Only that they were old friends of Lady Vernon’s. She wondered nervously about the new guests but did not have to wonder for long. Bessie bubbled over with information when she came in to help Meg dress.
    “Lady Vernon and Lady Featherstone are the best of friends,” Bessie said as she arranged Meg’s hair. “Ever since they were young girls. Lady Featherstone’s father’s estate is near to here, and of course, Lady Vernon grew up at Thornshire Castle as the elder sister of the duke. Every year, they prepare for the Season together, and the night before they depart for London, they throw a masquerade ball at Thornshire. It’s been a grand tradition since the two of them made their bows in the Queen’s drawing room over twenty years ago.”
    Meg raised her brows. After only a few days among the duke’s servants, Bessie was sounding as British as King George himself.
    Bessie began to fasten Meg’s curls, chattering around the hair pins that she held clamped in her teeth. “Lady Vernon’s sons are all grown and married, except for her youngest, who is in His Majesty’s Navy. Lady Featherstone arrived today with her son, the new earl, and her two younger daughters. Her eldest daughter is married. The late earl died tragically two years ago. Rumor has it, she’s got her mind set to marry off her two younger daughters—and of course the earl—as quickly as possible.”
    Meg should have been thrilled with this news, but instead, a heavy brick of dread settled in her stomach. Here was her first opportunity to attempt to catch the eye of a member of the aristocracy. What type of man was Lord Featherstone? Would he be interested in her? Would she know how to keep his interest if he were?
    Lost in her thoughts, she hadn’t noticed that Bessie had finished and was waiting for Meg’s approval.
    “Thank you, Bessie. You did a lovely job,” Meg said, studying her reflection. Bessie had managed to tame what Meg’s mother referred to as a “crimson thicket” into sleek