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

leave us no w. ” His mother looked from him to Merry.
    “Fine. S tay with her M other, and make sure she doesn’t move until the doctor sees her.”
    She smirked. “Yes, dear.”
    “I don’t need a doctor,” Merry called to Penrose’s retreating back. He slammed her door.
    ****
    Much to Merry’s disgust, and even though he’d found no injuries, the doctor ordered her to stay in bed for the rest of the day. Nonsense. She felt fine, and had been thrown from a horse more than once. That arrogant, stubborn man who insisted on sending for the doctor annoyed her to no end. Why she ever thought him attractive remained a mystery.
    Kitty entered the chamber, followed by a young maid carrying a tray containing soup and bread. “I br ought you the lovely soup Cook fixed for luncheon.”
    “You should not be waiting on me. For goodness ’ sake everyone is acting like I’m some sort of invalid.”
    Kitty directed the maid to set the tray on the table next to the bed. “I’m afraid when Penrose gets something into his mind, it doesn’t leave easily.” She snapped open the snowy white serviette and handed it to Merry. “And I have an ulterior motive. I want to begin making the plans for the Christmas ball.”
    “Of course. I’ll be happy to take notes.” Merry shifted to lean against the pillows.
    “Eat your soup first, and then we can work.”
    Merry ate the delicious thick soup and fresh bread. For an hour afterward, she and Kitty discussed the largest event of the year at Penrose Hall as Merry scribbled furiously .
     
    Merry’s eyes shot open at the sound of young voices. “Miss Merry! We’ve come to visit with you.”
    Apparently her sore body had needed the rest, for she had fallen asleep. Lady Charlotte and Lady Clare raced into her room, with Miss Jennings following behind. “Ladies always walk,” she scolded.
    “His Grace wished for the girls to call since you won’t be able to join them for afternoon tea.” Miss Jennings ’s lip curled and she looked so far down her nose, Merry thought the governess would become permanently cross-eyed.
    “Thank you very much for bringing them.”
    “It was His Grace’s wishes.” She sniffed , all her displea sure in the sound .
    “What happened, Miss Merry? The duke told us you were injured in a spill from your horse. ”
    Merry sighed. “No, pet. I was not injured. I did fall from my horse, but aside from a few aches and − mostly in the area where I sit down − I’m fine.”
    At Miss Jennings’ sharp inhale, Merry glanced at her.
    “Th is is not proper conversation for young girls.”
    Merry raised her eyebrows. “What did I say?”
    Miss Jennings drew herself up. “A proper ly brought up lady never mentions any part of her body.”
    Biting back a retort, Merry re turned her attention to the girls, encouraging them to tell her all about their lessons.
    After a bout fifteen minutes of visiting, Miss Jennings reminded the girls the time drew near for their tea. Hugging Merry fiercely, they left to return to the nursery . Their governess remained behind.
    Once the latch on the door caught , Miss Jennings moved closer to Merry’s bed. “I know what you’re trying to do.”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    Her eyes grew to slits. “I thought you claimed to be an experienced rider?”
    “And if I did?”
    “Then how is it you came to fall from your horse?”
    Merry’s jaw muscles worked. The nerve of this woman! “Not that it’s any of your concern , but my horse unexpectedly reared and threw me.”
    “Right into His Grace’s arms?”
    Stunned into speechless ness , Merry didn’t move a muscle as the governess hissed.
    “You can forget what you’re thinking. The D uke of Penrose will never stoop so low as to marry a foreigner . And from America, no less.” She paced in front of the bed , slapping her fist into her hand . “If he were to select a wife not a member of the haut ton, he would surely cho o se me. I’m English. My father was a member