Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince Read Online Free PDF Page B

twists, arranged so that a few curls surrounded her face and fell down to her shoulders. The dress Meg had chosen was robin’s egg blue, and one of her favorites, as the color complemented her auburn hair and light-brown eyes.
    She left the room, closing the door to her bedchamber, and found her brother, Daniel, waiting for her in the hallway.
    “And where have you been all day?” he asked. “No doubt you discovered a hideaway where you could read to your heart’s content.” Daniel smiled at her and offered his arm.
    “You look very handsome tonight,” Meg said, noting his crisp white shirt and smartly tied cravat. Her brother had no doubt been making good use of the valet the duke had procured for him. The man obviously knew how to choose clothing, as the dark blue of Daniel’s coat muted the unfortunate hair color he shared with Meg.
    He tipped his head in a thank you, grinned, and flipped a curl off of his sister’s shoulder. “And I see Bessie has miraculously tamed your wild hair into submission.” Daniel stopped at the landing above the great hall and turned toward her. He glanced once over his shoulder before speaking, all teasing gone from his expression. “Lord Featherstone owns a grand estate in Somerset. From what the steward tells me, his mother is eager for him to marry.” He took Meg’s hand from where it rested on his arm and pressed it between both of his. “Meg, I hope you remember what I said. Father is counting on you—I am counting on you.”
    The weight in Meg’s stomach grew, and she thought she was going to be ill. “I remember, Daniel.” She turned away and started toward the stairs.
    He held onto her hand, pulling her back toward him. “Just take your lead from the other ladies. Speak about easy things, like the weather. For heaven’s sake, do not mention the ridiculous Gothic romances you read or indulge in any of your strange fantasies. And don’t forget to smile. Your smile will win over any man.” He tipped his head, trying to catch her eye. Apparently he thought he’d bestowed a great compliment.
    “Anything else? Would you like me to learn German or master the harpsichord before supper?” Her tone was more curt than she’d intended.
    “Meg, I know it’s not what you want. I would never wish you to be unhappy. Perhaps the earl is wonderful.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “If only you hadn’t been so picky in Charleston. You understand why you must do this, don’t you?”
    A rush of anger overcame Meg, but she managed to keep her temper in check. How often must she be reminded of the ship maker’s son with his greasy hair and simpering smile? Was it too much to want a man who could carry on an intelligent conversation? She pulled her hand from Daniel’s and started down the steps. “I understand, and I will do my best not to humiliate you.” She had accepted her duty and would see it through, but she was insulted nonetheless.
    “Meg—” Daniel began, but he didn’t have a chance to finish what he would have said. At that moment, a group of people entered the Great Hall. Meg recognized Lady Vernon, and she assumed the tall thin man whose arm she leaned on was her husband. The remainder of the party was unfamiliar to her, and she stopped upon the stairs and allowed Daniel to catch up to her, unsure about facing them alone.
    Before there was a chance to feel the least bit awkward, the duke and Serena, ever the perfect hosts, entered the main hall and graciously introduced Meg and Daniel to their new guests.
    Besides Lord Vernon, who she had correctly assumed was the lanky man accompanying Lady Vernon, Meg was presented to Lady Featherstone and her three children: Anthony Poulter Lord Featherstone, and his two sisters, Lady Lucinda Poulter and Lady Helen Poulter.
    The four members of the Poulter family had the brightest shade of blue eyes Meg had ever seen, and it was all she could do not to stare. She carefully curtseyed the way Lady Vernon had taught