Page 13 of It's a British Christmas

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 are 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 duchess 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?”

“Of course not. Miss Chambers already has already accepted a new situation.”

His gaze swung to the governess. “You already have a new position?’

“Yes, indeed,” the duchess beamed. “I’ve hired Miss Chambers−Merry as she’s asked me to call her−as my companion.”

His jaw tightened as he glared at Miss Chambers who shrugged and tilted her lips in a slight smile.

The devil take it!

CHAPTER 5

Merry entered the drawing room to the sound of Miss Jennings, tittering. Everyone had already gathered to await the dinner announcement.

“Miss Chambers, would you care for a sherry before dinner?” Lord Brandon sauntered over to her. Dinner hadn’t even started, yet it was apparent he was already in his cups. Bloodshot eyes and a slight hesitation in his gait told the story.

“Thank you, no, my lord.”

Miss Jennings let out with another giggle at something the duke said. Merry glanced in her direction and swallowed a laugh. The woman wore a pink gown more suited to a young miss. Rosy cheeks on her otherwise sallow complexion grew as she flirted−there was no other word−with Penrose.

Heavens, where was the very proper governess who’d disparaged her? Merry’s gaze moved from the pink nightmare to His Grace. Her heart almost stopped. No man should be that handsome. His dark brown eyes above a strong jaw almost had her giggling like Miss Jennings. No padding had been necessary in the jacket that fit him like a glove, and his snug breeches outlined the taut muscles of his legs.

“They make quite a pair.” Lord Brandon leaned close to her ear, his brandy-laced breath wafting over her.

Merry started at his words, then chastised herself for staring. “Whatever do you mean?”

Lord Brandon smirked and sipped his drink. “I think Miss Jennings has her eye on my big brother. Although, with you in the room, I don’t see how the poor woman has a chance.”