Callie Hutton Read Online Free

family, perhaps you will join me in the library?” The duke addressed Merry as he stood, and then turned on his heel, not waiting for her reply .
    Indeed, why would he wait for my response ?
    Merry decided to eat her breakfast as slowly as possible.
    *
    Kitty’s gaze followed her son as he left the room. Yes, he was definitely affected by this young woman. She watched Miss Chambers and Lord Brandon as they conversed about horses, which apparently Miss Chambers was most knowledgeable about. The girl was very pretty. Soft blond curls resting against her face brought creaminess to her skin. A light blush on her cheeks and full red lips gave her just enough color. Her son could certainly do a lot worse.
    Once Lady Eleanor had accepted Bedford years ago, Penrose had taken himself off the market, and named Lord Brandon as his heir. Kitty was never sure if Penrose’s feelings were so engaged, or his pride was stung more than anything else . Her son didn’t like to lose. Over the years, m any young ladies and their eager mamas had tried to attract his attention, but he held himse lf aloof. And when he’d told her younger son he expected him to marry and produce the heirs to the duke dom , Kitty had been enraged.
    As much as she loved both her offspring, Brandon did not possess a single attribute to be a duke . Penrose was born and bred into the role, and only his son would be an acceptable heir. But her stubborn eldest refused to listen to reason, and instead attempted to make Brandon into the sort of man he could never be. This American woman might very well be his salvation, and her dream come true.
    Her son needed to be shaken up, challenged. Everyone deferred to him, did his bidding without thought. As lovely as Lady Eleanor had been, she would never have been an acceptable mate for Penrose . Too blasé and conciliatory, he would have despised her weakness after a few years.
    But this woman, who apparently had a mind of her own, would have him dancing to her tune. Not right away, of course. Arrogance was too deeply bred in her son for a sudden change. But change he would.
    “We shall arrange for a mount while you are visiting us.” Brandon wiped his mouth and leaned back in his chair.
    “Oh, thank you, but I need to spend my time here with the girls.”
    “The duke has hired another governess, I understand, which should leave you with quite a bit of free time.”
    “I certainly appreciate the offer, Lord Brandon , but if I’m to help the girls with the transition to a new governess, I won’t have time for much else.”
    He shrugged . “Nonsense. Even though my older brother is an ogre, I doubt even he would object to you taking a half hour or so to ride. We shall plan to venture out each morning before breakfast. Certainly he doesn’t expect you to begin your duties at the crack of dawn.”
    “If I am able to obtain his permission, I will be more than happy to accompany you on a ride.”
    Kitty regarded them with pursed lips.
    *** *
    Penrose strode back and forth in front of the fireplace, his anger growing. Where the devil was the woman? All she had placed on her plate was a piece of toast. How long did it take to eat that? He checked his timepiece again. Almost twenty-five minutes since he left the breakfast room with instructions for her to attend him in the library.
    Just as he moved to ring the bell to have a servant summon her, the door opened and Miss Chambers floated in like a queen ready to address her subjects. However did an American develop th e haughtiness the aristocracy took centuries to achieve?
    Her blue and white striped morning gown hugged her figure a little too well for his taste. Although he had to admit she presented an inviting picture, he knew the minute she opened her mouth, the image would shatter like so much broken glass .
    “Miss Chambers. Please take a seat.” He motioned to one of the chairs in front of the fireplace, and sat across from her.
    She smoothed her skirts over her plump