Page 6 of It's a British Christmas

“When you are through entertaining my family, perhaps you will join me in the library?” The duke addressed Merry as he stood, and then turned on his heel, not waiting for her reply.

Indeed, why would he wait for my response?

Merry decided to eat her breakfast as slowly as possible.

Kitty’s gaze followed her son as he left the room. Yes, the young woman definitely rattled him. For years she’d watched him view the world from his self-imposed tower. Women had fallen at his feet practically since he was out of leading strings. He’d treated them all the same. With respect, and a bit of condensation. The mamas of unmarried ton daughters chased him down shamelessly, which resulted in his avoidance of London during the Season.

She noted Miss Chambers and Lord Brandon as they conversed about horses, about which Miss Chambers was quite knowledgeable. The girl was very pretty. Soft blonde curls resting against her face brought creaminess to her skin. A light blush on her cheeks and full red lips gave her just enough color. Her son could certainly do a lot worse.

Once Lady Eleanor had surprised them all, and accepted Bedford years ago, Penrose had taken himself off the market, and named Lord Brandon his heir. Kitty was never sure if Penrose’s feelings had been so engaged with Lady Eleanor, or his pride merely stung. Her son didn’t like to lose. And when he’d told her younger son he expected him to marry and produce the heirs to the dukedom, Kitty had been enraged.

As much as she loved both her offspring, Brandon did not possess a single attribute to be a duke. Penrose was born and bred into the role, and only his son would be an acceptable heir. But her stubborn eldest refused to listen to reason, and instead attempted to make Brandon into the sort of man he could never be. This American woman might very well be his unknown salvation, and Kitty’s dream come true.

Penrose needed to be shaken up, challenged. Everyone deferred to him, did his bidding without thought. As lovely as Lady Eleanor had been, she would never have been an acceptable mate for him. Too blasé and conciliatory, he would have despised her weakness after a few years.

But this woman, who apparently had a mind of her own, would have him dancing to her tune. Not right away, of course. Arrogance was too deeply bred in her son for a sudden change. But change he would.

“We shall arrange for a mount while you are visiting us.” Brandon wiped his mouth and leaned back in his chair.

“Oh, thank you, but I need to spend my time here with the girls.”

“The duke has hired another governess, I understand, which should leave you with quite a bit of free time.”

“I certainly appreciate the offer, Lord Brandon, but if I’m to help the girls with the transition to a new governess, I won’t have time for much else.”

He shrugged. “Nonsense. Even though my older brother is an ogre, I doubt even he would object to you taking a half hour or so to ride. We shall plan to venture out each morning before breakfast. Certainly he doesn’t expect you to begin your duties at the crack of dawn.”

“If I am able to obtain his permission, I will be more than happy to accompany you on a ride.”

Kitty regarded them with pursed lips.

Penrose strode back and forth in front of the fireplace, his anger growing. Where the devil was the woman? All she had on her plate was a piece of toast. How long did it take to eat that? He checked his timepiece again. Almost twenty-five minutes since he left the breakfast room with instructions for her to attend him in the library.

Just as he moved to ring the bell to have a servant summon her, the door opened and Miss Chambers floated in like a queen ready to address her subjects. However did an American develop the haughtiness the aristocracy took generations of breeding to achieve?

Her blue and white striped morning gown hugged her figure a little too well for his comfort. Although he had to admit she presented an inviting picture, he knew the minute she opened her mouth, the image would shatter like so much broken glass.

“Miss Chambers. Please take a seat.” He motioned to one of the chairs in front of the fireplace, and sat across from her.

She smoothed her skirts over her plump derrière and sat. Fascinated at the movement, he didn’t realize he stared until she addressed him.

“Your Grace?”

What was the matter with him? He mentally shook himself and cleared his throat. “I think it would do us well to outline your duties regarding my wards so there is no confusion when the new governess arrives.”

She dipped her head slightly.

Expecting an argument of sorts, he found himself at a loss as to how to go on. He jumped up and leaned an elbow on the fireplace mantle. “Miss Sarah Jennings will arrive today. She will take over the duties you’ve held until now. The girls need to be instructed in appropriate decorum, how to conduct themselves in Society, and the proper forms of address.”

He clasped his hands behind his back, and staring at the carpet, paced in front of her. “It’s obvious their education to this point has been seriously lacking. Why Lord and Lady Bedford saw fit to allow such behavior on the part of their daughters will always remain a mystery to me. However, that will end today…” He glanced at Miss Chambers, who had risen from her seat, hands fisted at her sides, her face flushed a bright red.

“How dare you!”

Penrose stiffened his shoulders, his eyes wide. “I beg your pardon.”

“You should. Beg my pardon, that is.” She rested her hands on her hips. “You are the most pompous man I have ever met.”

“Madam, please remember to whom you are speaking.”