Glass Half Full
November 2012
On Sale: October 29, 2012
Featuring: Miss Meredith Chambers; David Worthington, Duke of Penrose
100 pages ISBN: 1301859311 EAN: 9781301859313 Kindle: B009Z1K9J2 e-Book Add to Wish List
Lips twitching, but maintaining his austere demeanor,
the butler opened a large wooden door with elaborate
carvings, and sniffed before announcing, "Lady Charlotte
Spencer, Lady Clare Spencer, and Miss Meredith Chambers."
The girls clung harder, making it practically
impossible for Merry to enter the room. She dragged one
limb, then the other, until she reached the massive oak
desk. Breathless from her effort, she looked up into the
most arresting brown eyes, with specks of gold, she'd ever
seen. Above the eyes, sharp black eyebrows rose almost to
the hairline of wavy black hair. Below the eyes an
aristocratic nose led to sensual lips drawn into a tight
line.
"Your Grace." She puffed and attempted a clumsy curtsy.
The only sound in the room was the soft click of the
door as the butler exited. Merry waited patiently to be
invited to sit. Instead, the brown eyes kept staring at
her, then leisurely slid their way down her person, and
obviously from the additional tightening of his full
sensual lips, finding her wanting.
Eventually, a long–fingered hand flicked in the
direction of one of the two leather chairs in front of his
desk. "Sit."
Merry sat abruptly, feeling like a dog panting in front
of its master. The two girls ended up on their knees on the
floor, still buried in her skirts.
"Is there something wrong with the young ladies?" The
deep voice rolled over her, setting her heart to pounding.
Merry grasped the girls' arms and attempted to pull
them to their feet. They held tighter. "No, Your Grace.
They're merely a bit anxious."
"Indeed."
How was it possible to put so much disapproval into one
word?
After a moment, he settled back in his chair, his
fingers clutching a quill pen he tapped on the desk. "I
trust you had a pleasant journey?"
With all the liquid in her mouth dried up, she merely
nodded.
"I understand from my solicitors you've had sole charge
of the girls since their parents passed away a month ago?"
"Yes, Your Grace." Good. She was finally able to pry
her mouth open.
"And you cannot control your charges enough to insist
they sit as proper ladies?"
Heat rose to Merry's face and anger washed through her.
The arrogant arse! "They're confused and a bit distressed."
She bent and whispered furiously to the girls. "Please get
up, His Grace is not happy."
"No." Two voices piped up, muffled in her skirts.
She smiled slightly at the duke and shrugged. If
possible his eyebrows rose further, disappearing underneath
the wave that rested against his forehead.
"It appears to me, Miss Chambers, that Lady Charlotte
and Lady Clare have arrived here just in time." He pushed
his chair back and stood. "I arranged for a governess to
train them in proper behavior. She will instruct the girls
in the skills necessary for a lady." He waved his
hand. "Sewing, French, watercolors, and so forth."
Merry stared at him, her jaw slack. Well over six feet,
David, Duke of Penrose, was a sight to behold. Every inch
the lord of the manor, his coat fit him as if it had been
painted on. His white–on–white waistcoat hugged
his impressive body above well–fitting tan breeches
tucked into black Hessian boots. A snow white, intricately
tied cravat was a stark contrast to his lightly tanned skin.
Lord Penrose rested one hip on the edge of the desk,
peering down at her, his foot swinging back and forth. "I
shall allow a bit of transition time for the young ladies.
You may stay on for a week or two. Then I will see you
receive a generous stipend to tide you over until you can
secure another position."
Two blonde heads popped up from behind Merry's
skirts. "No!"