Miss Merry's Christmas by Callie Hutton

Author:Callie Hutton [Hutton, Callie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: (¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯), Romance
Publisher: Callie Hutton
Published: 2012-10-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Early the next morning, Merry hurried to the stables to meet Lord Brandon for their outing. Having practically been raised on a horse, she was thrilled to have the chance to ride once again. Bedford Hall had an impressive stable, and she often rode when she had the chance. But amid all the upheaval with Lord and Lady Bedford’s deaths, and preparations for the move to Penrose, she’d hadn’t ridden in weeks.

Ballard led a dark grey mare from the stable as Lord Brandon joined her.

“Oh, what a beauty!” Merry ran her gloved hand over the magnificent horse’s velvet nose. “What is her name?”

“Aphrodite, miss.”

She beamed. “A perfect dub.”

“Good morning, Merry. I must admit this is not my favorite time of day.” Lord Brandon’s drawn face and bloodshot eyes confirmed his words.

“I could ride by myself. I’m an experienced horsewoman.” Her gaze roamed his face. “You do look as though you could use more sleep.”

“No. It would not be a good idea for you to ride alone. You’re not familiar with the land, and I would hate for something to happen to you.”

“Don’t concern yourself, brother, I will be more than happy to escort Miss Chambers on her ride.” Dressed in the height of fashion riding clothes, Penrose strode from the house, pulling on tan leather gloves.

Merry’s stomach clenched. The light of day only intensified his good looks. Had those full lips actually ravished hers last night? His glance at her was warm, without the hint of disapproval she’d always seen before.

Be careful. He is a duke, and you can’t afford to allow your thoughts to wander in that direction.

“Miss Chambers would you mind terribly if I excuse myself?” Lord Brandon’s eyes pleaded with her.

“Of course she doesn’t mind. You best search out Cook for one of her tonics.” The duke turned to Ballard. “Is Tafoya ready?”

Merry stood, her mouth agape, as Lord Brandon gave her a short salute and hurried to the house.

“Excuse me, Your Grace, but I would prefer to answer for myself.”

He frowned at her. “What do you mean?”

“You don’t even know, do you?” She shook her head. “Lord Brandon just asked me if I minded him not riding with me, and you answered.”

“Do you mind him not accompanying you?” He looked genuinely confused.

“That is not the point.”

His eyes flashed with annoyance. “What is the point?”

“Never mind. This conversation is a waste of words.” Before he could assist her, she stepped on the block and settled on the sidesaddle, adjusting the deep blue skirts of her riding habit over her legs.

Penrose gracefully mounted his horse and took up the reins. “Are you ready? I wouldn’t want to start off without asking.”

Merry smirked. “Yes. I’m ready.”

They rode side-by-side down the path leading from the house, neither one aware of the narrowed eyes watching them from the schoolroom window.

*

Despite the cold, late fall air, the sun shone in the rarely clear sky, reaffirming Penrose’s decision to begin taking morning rides. Lord, he missed this. For a while he could forget his duties and just enjoy a ride with a beautiful woman at his side.

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