Read Online Callie Hutton by Miss Merry's Christmas - Free Book Online Page A

horse bucked again, throwing her to the ground. Within seconds, the mare turned and raced back toward the stables.
    Penrose jumped from his horse and hurried to where Merry sat on the ground. “Are you all right?” He squatted and studied her face.
    “I think so.” Merry took a deep breath. “I’m not sure what happened.” She s hifted to rise .
    “No, don’t move just yet. You’ve had quite a fall, and you need to be sure you didn’t break anything.”
    She extended her arms and legs. “I don’t think so. I’m actually sorer on my…. Never mind.”
    Penrose helped her gain her feet . When s he stumbled against him , he scooped her in to his arms.
    She gasped, her eyes wide. “What are you doing?”
    “I don’t think you’re in a ny condition t o walk.” He strode to his horse and lifted her to the saddle. With one quick motion he mounted behind her.
    “This is most improper.” She attempted to cover herself with her skirts, but they’d been twisted underneath her, exposing the bottom half of her legs.
    “Don’t concern yourself . We need to get you home and send for the doctor.”
    “Oh , for heaven’s sake. I’m fine. I don’t need a doctor.”
    “That’s my decision to make.” He slapped the horse with his reins, and they cantered forward.
    Penrose tried desperately to ignore the soft body resting on his. Her lemon scent drifted to him, tempting him further. His arm burned where it wrapped around her middle, his fingers itching to ease upward and embrace a warm breast. Thankfully, the ride didn’t take too long, since he feared she could feel his throbbing desire pressing against her bottom.
    They entered the stable yard. Aphrodite stood panting, her mouth wet with white foam. Ballard r an his hands over her. “What happened, Your Grace?”
    “Something hurt or spooked her, and she threw Miss Chambers. See if you can figure out what caused her to bolt like that. I’m taking Miss Chambers to the house.”
    Penrose slid off the horse and reached for her.
    “I can walk.”
    “Not until the doctor has seen you.” He settled her in his arms.
    “You are being ridiculous. I know I’m not injured.”
    His lips tightened. “ You are my responsibility. You will see the doctor.”
    “I am not your responsibility. Furthermore, I know if I can walk or not.” She raised her voice.
    “Nevertheless, as long as you reside under my roof, you will abide by my wishes.”
    “You are an impossible man.”
    “I agree.”
    The footman opened the door at their approach , his eyebrows raised at Penrose carrying M erry , with both of them s narling at each other.
    “I’m taking Miss Chambers to her room . Please send for the doctor, she’s had a spill from her horse.”
    Merry crossed her arms over her chest. “I do not need a doctor. ”
    “Nevertheless, he will be sent for.” He started up the stairs.
    “I protest.”
    “Excellent. You may protest in bed while you wait for the doctor.”
    “You may not carry me into my bedroom.”
    He raised his eyebrows. “Says who?”
    Merry lowered her voice. “Miss Jennings.”
    “She is the governess. I, on the other hand, am the duke .”
    As they reached the top of the stairs, his mother came from her sitting room. “What in heaven’s name is going on? I’ve been hearing bickering from all the way outside.”
    “Miss Chambers took a fall from her horse. I’m taking her to her room while we wait for the doctor.”
    “Oh my goodness. Is she badly hurt?” The dowager hurried behind them.
    “I’m not hurt at all, Your Grace , ” Merry called over his shoulder. “But His Grace is too stubborn to listen to me.”
    As his mother stepped in front of them to open the door, she covered her mouth with her hand, looking suspiciously as if she tried to hold back a laugh.
    “The doctor will determine if you are injured or not,” Penrose growled. He swung past the dowager and strode to Merry’s bed where he deposited her gently.
    “Dear, you must