The dowager 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, four and thirty.”
The dowager 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 dowager 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 dowager 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 dowager 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 dowager 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.
“Good afternoon, Your Grace.” Ballard, the stable master, tugged on his forelock as Penrose dismounted.
He nodded at the man. “Tafoya needs more exercise. Have him ready for me in the morning−say seven o’clock. I’m going to try to work in a ride each day.”
“Will ye be joining the others, then?”
Penrose frowned. “What others?”
“Yore brother and the new lady.”
“Lord Brandon is planning on riding in the mornings?” Penrose smiled and shook his head as he turned to head to the house. His younger brother rarely saw the light of day before noon. He came to an abrupt halt as the rest of the man’s words penetrated his brain. “What lady?”
Ballard yanked the saddle off the horse. “That new one what’s come with the little girls.”
“Miss Chambers?”
“If that’s her name. Don’t think your brother said.”
Penrose strode away. Why would the governess be going for rides in the morning with Brandon? Of course with Miss Jennings taking over the girls’ schedule, Miss Chambers would have time for a ride. Even with that justification, a sense of foreboding swept over him. She should be furiously writing letters to secure a new position. He needs remind her that her tenure here would soon come to an end.
“Have my brother join me in the library.” Penrose tugged off his gloves and handed them to the footman at the door.
He crossed to a side table and poured brandy into a crystal glass. Swirling the amber liquid, Penrose settled behind his desk, noting he only had about fifteen minutes until his steward arrived for their meeting.
“I hear I’ve been summoned by The Duke.” Brandon sauntered into the library with the perennial smirk on his face and headed directly for the brandy.
Penrose waited until his brother lounged in the chair in front of his desk, glass in hand, before he spoke. “I understand you have decided to take early morning rides.”
Brandon’s eyebrows rose. “I’m flattered my comings and goings are of such interest to someone as overburdened as Your Grace.”
Choosing to ignore the sarcasm, Penrose took a swallow of his drink. “I’m interested enough to wonder about the identity of the young lady accompanying you.”
“Ah, Ballard ha
s been talking again.” Brandon stretched out his long legs. “Give over, Penrose, you already know it’s Miss Chambers, so why the games?”
“I merely wish to warn you, Miss Chambers is a governess. A temporary one at that.”
“Surely you don’t begrudge the woman a mount?” Brandon crossed a booted foot over his other knee, swallowing the last of his brandy. He set the glass on the desk, disregarding Penrose’s frown at the wet spot under the goblet. “As for her being short-lived, I suggest you seek out Mother for enlightenment.” Brandon smirked and stood, then bowing slightly, quit the room.
Mother?
Unable to spare any more time to the mystery, Penrose retrieved ledgers from the bottom shelf of the bookcase, then flipped through the pages as he waited for his steward.
“But Miss Merry always lets us go for a walk in the afternoon. She says it is part of our education.” Charlotte stood with her back straight, arms crossed over her chest, a mulish expression on her face.
“Miss Chambers is no longer your governess. We will abide by my schedule which does not allow for strolls outdoors during regular schoolroom time.” Miss Jennings raised her chin a notch, her face red.
“Lady Charlotte!” Merry entered the nursery in the midst of an apparent mutiny by her former charges.
Both girls hurried to her side, hugging her fiercely.
“Miss Jennings doesn’t do things the right way. She won’t let us go for a walk.” Clare gazed up at Merry, tears rimming her eyes. She stuck her thumb in her mouth and rested her head along Merry’s hip.
“Miss Jennings is now your governess, and she will surely do things differently, pet.” She ran her fingers through the young girl’s silky curls. “But it’s part of your growth, and journey toward womanhood, to be exposed to other routines.” She bent and eyed Charlotte. “And I believe you owe Miss Jennings an apology for the way you spoke to her just now.”
The governess moved forward, lips in a thin line. “Thank you Miss Chambers, but I am capable of handling my charges.” She turned her attention to the girls, still clinging to Merry. “Ladies, you will write a composition on proper manners. I will expect to see the finished essay before dinner.”
Heat flooded Merry’s face at the dismissal. Was the woman purposely attempting to make Merry dislike her? Or was it just her nature to be so abrupt? Someone else besides the girls needed to do an essay on proper manners.
At a nudge from Merry, Charlotte mumbled “Please accept my apology, Miss Jennings.” The girls released Merry and trudged toward the table.
“Miss Chambers, may I speak with you outside, please?”
Merry gave her a curt nod and spun on her heel to leave the room. She waited on the other side of the doorway for Miss Jennings.
“I understand the young ladies have an attachment to you, however, now that I am in charge, I would appreciate you only coming to the nursery upon invitation. Perhaps you may join them for their afternoon tea each day.”
All manner of insulting words raced through Merry’s head, but realizing Miss Jennings only spoke the truth, albeit in a not very nice way, she merely nodded. “I apologize for disturbing you. I shall return for afternoon tea.”
“Not today,” Miss Jennings said.
Merry raised her eyebrows, afraid to open her mouth, less her vicious thoughts spew forth.
“They are being punished for poor manners. Although, I don’t expect their manners to improve until they’ve had good English lessons on deportment.”
After a moment of stunned silence at the woman’s impudence, Merry asked, “Do you speak German, Miss Jennings?”
The woman’s eyes widened. “No, I do not. Every properly brought up young lady should know French and Italian. It is not necessary for one to acquire knowledge of the more advanced languages.”
“Good. Wünsche ein tausend Floh zum ihrem Bett kommen.”
Leaving the confused governess not understanding Merry just wished her a thousand fleas in her bed, Merry hurried away from the nursery, taking gulps of air to control her anger.
She charged down the stairs, muttering to herself until she reached the bottom of the staircase, swung left, and walked into a brick wall.
Penrose grasped her by the arms to keep her from falling backwards. Merry yelped and tried to retreat, but he held her firm.
“Are you all right, Miss Chambers?”
She looked into those deep brown eyes, now full of concern. The hint of Bay rum and brandy drifted toward her. Plus another scent that she’d already identified as Penrose. Merry struggled to contain her emotions, and replied in a shaky voice, “I am perfectly well, thank you, Your Grace.”
He released her, still watching her with a guarded expression. With trembling fingers, she patted the sides and back of her hair, barely noticing it had almost fallen completely down again.
“You don’t look well. Your face is flushed, and your breathing is quite rapid.”
“I just came down the stairs too fast. If you will excuse me.” She shifted to go around him, but he stepped into her path.
“It’s more than you hurrying. Something has upset you.”
Reconciled to having this conversation, Merry drew back and crossed her arms, still shaken from her encounter with Miss Jennings. “I’m afraid my attachment to the girls is stronger than I realized.”
Then to her abject horror, she burst into tears.
Penrose placed his hand on her lower back and moved her toward the library. “Send some tea in, Jasper.” The footman standing at the door nodded and headed in the direction of the kitchen.
The duke drew a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Merry. He led her to a comfortable chair in front of the fireplace where she sobbed into the cloth. The anger and embarrassment of Miss Jennings’ set-down was nothing compared to the complete humiliation of succumbing to female hysterics before the duke. Sobbing like a school girl, she cried for her dear friends who’d died too young, for the beautiful daughters they left behind, and for the sadness in the girls eyes when she left them at the nursery just now.
After a few minutes, her sobs turned to soft hiccups, as a tea tray was carried in and placed on the table before her. The duke, who sat in the chair across, eyed her carefully.
She peeked at him over the handkerchief wondering if she could run from the room without making a complete cake of herself.
“No, don’t leave. Have your tea, it will calm your nerves.” His deep voice, kinder than she’d heard thus far, soothed her, and then immediately put her on guard.
The man was a mind reader, or was it so easy to discern her thoughts? Merry took a deep breath and cleared her throat. “I apologize, Your Grace, for that outburst.”
He abruptly nodded and glanced at the teapot. Merry attempted to pour, but her shaking hands spilled the hot liquid over the tray. Penrose stilled her hand with his warm one, and took the teapot from her, pouring for both of them. “Milk and sugar?”
“Yes, please. Two lumps.” Her voice came out stuffy from crying. She must look a mess. With her fair skin, red blotches generally appeared on her face when she cried. Once again she attempted to smooth her hair, but gave up. She reached for her tea, and immediately felt calmer when the warm liquid slid down her throat. One thing the English had over the Americans, and that was their belief in the restorative powers of a cup of tea.
Penrose studied the woman alongside him. Despite her disheveled appearance, he was once again struck by her beauty. Tears gathered on her full eyelashes, giving her a waiflike look. Every once in a while, she took a shuddering breath, still attempting to get herself under control. White even teeth chewed on her lower lip. Lips he would love to cover with his own, then slide his tongue along the seam until she opened, allowing him to plunder the depths of her warm, sweet mouth.
What the devil is wrong with me? The woman is a termagant, and will, thankfully, be gone very soon.
“Perhaps you can visit with the young ladies more often until both they and you a
re ready to go your separate ways.”
Miss Chambers shook her head sadly. “Miss Jennings has set a new schedule, and I’m afraid their time with me is quite limited.”
“I shall speak with her. It will certainly benefit Lady Charlotte and Lady Clare to have an easy, smooth transition.”
She reached out and touched his hand, then drew it back as if burned. “I prefer you do not, Your Grace. I don’t wish to cause problems.”
His skin tingled where her fingers had rested. Before he had time to consider that, a light tap on the partially opened door caught his attention.
“There you are. I wanted to speak with you, but since Miss Chambers is here as well, I can talk to you both at the same time.”
Penrose stood and waved his mother to his seat.
“Tea?” Miss Chambers asked.
“Yes, dear, that would be lovely.”
He moved to the fireplace, resting his arm on the mantle, waiting for his mother to continue.
“With it being the beginning of December, I would like to start preparations for our Christmas Eve ball.” She leaned closer to Miss Chambers. “We always have a lovely ball on Christmas Eve. We invite all the gentry in the county, and several peers who are within driving distance. It’s such fun. The decorations are a huge undertaking, but I engage a few of the tenants’ sons to accompany our footmen to gather greens and berries. Then their wives and daughters supply baked goods from ingredients made available to them. Some of them even help in the kitchen. But, Cook is very fussy as to whom she lets into her domain.” The dowager laughed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“That sounds lovely.” Miss Chambers’ blotches had faded, but now a flush of excitement decorated her cheeks.
“I don’t wish to dampen your spirits, Mother, but Miss Chambers will most likely be at her new post by Christmas.”
His mother’s eyes gaze slid from Miss Chambers to him. “No, dear. Miss Chambers will definitely be here for the Christmas Eve ball.”
Penrose raised his eyebrows. “Indeed? Am I mistaken that Christmas is more than four weeks away? Surely you don’t think it would take Miss Chambers longer than that to secure a new post?”
Merry Christmas, My Love Page 24