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

to stand up with her at the party to-night, that would be even better.
    Forty minutes later, he pulled his pair of matched grays to a halt outside of the Hiller town house. As he ascended the steps, the butler opened the door and bowed. “Lord Throughgood?”
    For a moment Chuffy wondered what the servant would say if he said no, but those days of foolishness were behind him. “I am. Is Miss Hiller available?”
    “I shall send word that you have arrived.” He spoke softly to a footman, who scurried up the stairs.
    All in all a well-run household, Chuffy thought. Much different than his father’s, which was inclined to have a number of servants Papa had brought with him from abroad, some of whom did not speak the same language and believed in relaying messages in the loudest voice possible. Those were mixed in with old retainers who disapproved of the foreign servants’ behaviors and lack of English manners. In short, most of the time the staff was involved in full-out war. Chuffy wondered how Miss Hiller would like his family’s new home, and what she would make of the disorder that ruled there.
    As he was finishing the thought, his attention was drawn to her, standing on the top step of the main staircase. Her hand was on the rail. She smiled and wiggled her fingers at him. As she squinted down at the next tread, he surged forward, taking the stairs two at a time, catching her just as her foot missed the step. “Are you all right?”
    She sucked in a shaky breath and nodded. “I do not normally remove my hand from the rail.”
    Using a funning tone, he said, “You should wear your glasses.”
    She wrinkled her adorable nose. “But they make one appear so ugly.”
    Where ladies got that idea he had not a clue. “I don’t think so at all. I find spectacles enhance the eyes.”
    “Do you truly?” Her own eyes grew wide.
    “Of course. I wouldn’t have said so otherwise. Have you a pair?” He fervently hoped she did. So much was lost without the ability to see. Although it was his considered opinion that his brother-in-law had most likely benefited from his eldest sister refusing to wear hers. He wasn’t the handsomest of men.
    A clear pink blush rose in her cheeks. “Yes, yet I never go out with them on.”
    “But you must. I shall enjoy your eyes, and you will enjoy seeing things better. I’ll wait here while you fetch them.” He glanced around, spying a footman. “Better yet, send for them. We may remain here and chat until they arrive.”
    “Very well.” She gave him a grateful smile.
    He nodded to the servant, who set off smartly down the corridor.
    “What is all this?” A gentleman who must be Mr. Hiller said from the bottom of the stairs.
    “Oh, Papa. Lord Throughgood kept me from falling, and now I am waiting for my eyeglasses.” She blushed again. “I am truly a pea-goose. My lord, please meet my father, Mr. Hiller. Papa, this is Viscount Throughgood. We are going for a ride in the Park.”
    “Pleased to meet you, my lord.” Mr. Hiller nodded and Chuffy did the same, not letting go of the man’s daughter. “Glad she’s finally decided to wear her glasses. Keeps bumping into things without them.”
    Miss Hiller’s blush deepened to a lovely rose. “Papa!”
    “It is amazing,” Chuffy said in a low tone, “how easily one’s parents are able to embarrass one and without even trying.” Situated one step down from her, he was distracted by her very fine bosom, which rose as she took a breath.
    “I am so glad you understand.”
    “None better. My father was a diplomat, but tactfulness did not extend to his family. Plain speaking is what he prefers with us less fortunate beings.”
    Her spectacles arrived and soon a pretty pair of gold-rimmed glasses adorned her upturned nose. He held out his arm. “Shall we?”
    Miss Hiller’s smile was as warm as a summer day. “I would like that very much.”
    He escorted her down the stairs and out to his phaeton. He helped her up to the seat