Page 10 of It's a British Christmas

“Yes, Your Grace.”

The older woman leaned forward, placing her cup on the table. “I’m sure you’ve discovered by now that my son, the duke, is a bit pompous.”

Merry choked on her tea, and coughed until tears ran down her cheeks. Of all the things she’d imagined the duchess would begin the conversation with, this was not one of them.

“Well, Your Grace, he is a duke.” She patted her mouth with a snowy serviette and set it alongside her cup.

The duchess gestured with her hand. “Nonsense. His father was the same way. Always thinking everyone should fall at his feet and tremble with fear at his mere presence.” She glanced at Merry and smiled. “It took me a few years, but I brought him around.” Looking off into the distance, she mused. “Life among the ton can be difficult. My husband and I had an arranged marriage. I must admit, at the beginning he did frighten me. I was a young girl, barely out of the schoolroom, and he was Penrose’s age now, two and thirty.”

The duchess brought her attention back to Merry. “We eventually fell in love. He was such a handsome man. Penrose takes after his father with the swarthy skin, dark hair, and deep brown eyes. I was the envy of so many of the young girls that year. He was considered quite the catch, you know.

“Our two sons were our greatest joy, and I was unfashionable enough to want to spend time with them. When they were young, my husband would roll on the floor with the boys, playing games and being silly. But, when Penrose reached an age where his father felt it was time to train him for his station in life, all the games and fun ceased.”

She sighed. “I’m afraid the late duke did too good of a job. Penrose has become much too stiff. He needs to be shaken up a bit.”

Merry listened, unsure of the woman’s intentions in relating this story.

“No doubt you’re wondering why I’m speaking thusly.” The duchess seemed to read her mind. “I think you bring a breath of fresh air to Penrose Hall. I’m not happy that my son wishes to send you on your way. I also think the girls would feel much more comfortable with you in residence.”

The woman certainly had her attention now. Her heart sped up in anticipation of what would come next. “What are you saying, Your Grace?”

“Why, I want you to remain with us.” She raised her hand when Merry opened her mouth to speak. “Not as charity, of course. What I am asking is if you would consider accepting a position as my companion.”

Merry’s smile grew as she considered the idea. To be near the girls, continue to watch them grow into women. Something that up until a few minutes ago, seemed far beyond her reach. To not have the need to seek another position, possibly not as satisfying as this one had been. Then her stomach clenched, and a cloud passed overhead. The duke.

“While the situation you offer is most appealing, I doubt very much that His Grace would approve.”

The duchess raised her chin. “I make the decisions as to whatever staff I chose to engage. I retain my own funds, so Penrose has no say in how I spend it. If I wish to employ you as my companion, then that’s precisely what I shall do.

“Think,” she urged, “you will see the girls daily. It will be so much easier for them to adjust to the life my son is preparing them for with you nearby. I have not met this Miss Jennings, but knowing Penrose as I do, I can well imagine what she is like.”

Merry didn’t answer, but smiled her agreement. “I would be honored to act as your companion, Your Grace.”

“Then, if you accept, it is settled.” The duchess rose and moved to the bell cord. After a few minutes, a footman appeared and bowed.

“Maxwell, please see that Miss Chamber’s things are moved from the nursery wing and placed in the room across the hall from my apartments.”

The duchess returned to the chair and picked up her tea cup. “We will have such good times.”

Merry smiled. “I hope so, Your Grace.”

“From now on, you must call me Kitty. It is how my family and friends address me, and I hope you and I will be friends.” The glint in her eyes said a great deal more than Merry was comfortable with.

CHAPTER 4

That afternoon, after returning from a visit to a tenant, Penrose drew on the reins of his horse, Tafoya, and rested his hands on his thighs as he observed his estate. Being up high like this, above his land, always gave him a sense of flying, of freedom. The weight of his title rested heavily on his shoulders today, more so than usual. Many times over the years he had wanted to throw it all off, and like his brother, just go about enjoying life with no accountability, no restrictions.

Now he had the added responsibility of two young girls who needed guidance into womanhood. He had no doubt Miss Jennings would see to their training, but he needed to encourage his mother to take them under her wing as well, to provide the gentle hand all young girls needed. It was certainly unfortunate that Miss Chambers was such a poor influence on them. The children certainly seemed attached to her.

His chest tightened. Never in his life had he met a woman who’d gotten under his skin as the American did. Women were supposed to be soft, gentle, and defer to men’s wishes and commands. In return, ladies received security and protection from men. Those tenets had been drilled into him since childhood. Then along came Miss Chambers with her soft, sensual body, creamy skin, and outlandish impertinence.

When she left the garden earlier, those plump lips smiling at what he thought was a joke on him, he wanted to snatch her back and kiss her senseless. Show her who was in charge, run his hands over those delicious curves.

He brought himself up sharp. It appeared Miss Chamber’s quick departure would be best for more than one reason.

Reluctantly, he returned to the stable, his time of freedom behind him. His steward was to meet with him, and then his solicitor had sent word there were papers he still needed to sign to present to the court for the girls’ guardianship.

His heart warmed at the sight of Penrose Hall rising before him as he approached from the winding path. Built from stone over one hundred years before, the home he loved always bolstered his spirits when he returned. Now with the sun dipping below the slate roof, an ethereal glow surrounded it, creating even more of a welcome.