Merry Christmas, My Love

“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? My poor ears have been tortured with 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,” 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 leave us now.” His mother looked from him to Merry.

“Fine. Stay with her Mother, 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.

Shortly after noontime, Kitty entered the chamber, followed by a young maid carrying a tray containing soup and bread. “I brought 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 Eve ball.”

“Of course. I’ll be happy to take notes.” Merry shifted to lean against the pillows.

“Eat your meal first, and then we can work.”

The duchess talked as Merry ate the delicious thick soup and fresh bread.

“The Penrose Christmas Eve Ball has been a tradition for generations. In fact, the original ball was held the Christmas after the first King George had assumed the throne. The story is passed down that he actually attended, but there has never been anything written to prove that.”

Merry laid her spoon alongside her bowl. “I am looking forward to it. Lord and Lady Bedford hosted a very small gathering on Christmas Eve each year, because they included the girls. They also had what they called a “Christmas Tree,” a tradition they learned from their German cook. Several footmen cut down a pine, and they set it up in the house. They the girls would make paper dolls, stars, and such, to hang on

the tree. It was quite entertaining, and brought a wonderful smell to the drawing room.”

“I have heard of that. Maybe we should do the same here. I’m sure the girls will love it.”

“I agree. That activity might bring a little bit of their parents back.” She wiped her mouth and placed the tray away from her. “I’m finished with my soup, and ready to plan the ball.”

Merry’s eyes shot open at the sound of young voices. “Miss Merry! We’ve come to visit with you.”