Page 25 of It's a British Christmas

“Yes. In the snow.”

Both girls jumped up and down and clapped. “Oh, please, we haven’t played in the snow in ever so long,” Charlotte said.

“If that is your wish, Your Grace. I don’t like having their routine interrupted, but of course, I bow to your wishes.” The governess’s pinched face and tightened smile communicated her disapproval.

“Wonderful.” He faced Merry. “They are free to join you in the snow.”

“Thank you.” She turned to the girls. “Come, get dressed in your warm clothes, and I’ll meet you downstairs.”

They quickly curtsied once again and raced from the room.

“Your Grace, if you have a moment?” Miss Jennings stopped him as he meant to leave with Merry.

“Certainly.”

Merry hurried to her own chamber to put on her outdoor clothes. One of her favorite things to do was frolic in the snow. Perhaps it was a bit undignified and unladylike, but nevertheless, she indulged whenever she had the opportunity.

Still tugging on woolen gloves, she descended the stairs and greeted the girls as they hopped from one foot to the other at the front door. Even the footman’s lips inched up slightly at their exuberance.

“Look what I found in the attic.” Penrose walked up to them, holding two wooden sleds.

“Oh, Your Grace, thank you so much,” Charlotte cried.

Each girl took a sled and disappeared through the door. Merry tightened the scarf around her neck.

“You are really going to play in the snow?” Penrose regarded her, his eyes twinkling.

“Yes I am, and if you had anything left of the child inside you, you would join us.”

“Madam, I am a duke, not a schoolboy. I plan to stay right here where it is dry and warm.”

“Coward.”

He merely responded with raised eyebrows.

The sounds of the girls yelping and racing around in the snow as children had done for ages, greeted her as she stepped through the door.

Merry stood and breathed deeply of the bracing cold air. Everything always seemed magical when it snowed. Lights burning within the house, with snow decorating the roof and windowsills, soothed her with a sense of peace. The dreariness of winter would vanish and turn everything into a sparkling white play land.

The first order of business was building a snowman. Charlotte requested a hat, scarf, carrot, and two pieces of coal from the footman, who supplied them with a full grin on his face this time.

They all diligently rolled three different sized balls and stacked them, then decorated their effort with the supplies. The exercise warmed her, as did the lighthearted expressions on the girls’ faces. Children needed to be young and carefree, even when they were ladies.

Once the snowman stood proud in front of the manor, Charlotte and Clare spent time on the sleds, whooping with laughter when Merry took a turn and tumbled into a snow pile.

“Bravo, Miss Chambers.” Penrose leaned against the front door, dressed in his greatcoat, scarf and hat. He crossed his arms and grinned as she stood and swiped snow from her pelisse.

“Have you decided to join us?” She dragged the sled toward where he stood.

“Merely to observe, I assure you.”

“Sir, you need to recapture your youth. You’ve told me to remember my place, but it appears you need to forget your place once in a while.”

“Indeed? I can assure you I never forget my place. And I find it’s much wiser to enjoy watching all of you get wet and uncomfortable.”

“Your Grace, we’re going to make snowballs and have a snowball fight.” Charlotte shouted from her position where she formed the small white balls, stacking them into a pile.

“And will Miss Chambers be joining you?”