Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters (Spinsters Club Book 1)

by Samantha Holt

  He grimaced. Now he really did sound old. Merry was having a strange effect on him. Was it not enough that she had persuaded him into the idea of matrimony without even trying? Now he was comparing Brycesbury to London—and favorably so.

  “An attractive place,” Griff commented, “but what are we doing here?”

  “I need to see my accountant.” Harcourt dismounted and tethered the horse to a hitching post. “Do you want to explore the town on your own while I visit with him?”

  Griff shrugged. “I am well-used to being abandoned by you these days.”

  “Need I keep reminding you that you invited yourself here.”

  His friend held up a hand. “Yes, yes, I know. I am an utterly unwanted guest. It’s a fine job this neglect is in pursuit of a woman or I would be sore about it indeed.”

  “You’re not unwanted, Griff, but you did manage to choose the worst time to decide you like the country.”

  “I will confess, there is something diverting about it.”

  Harcourt chuckled. “You mean there is something diverting about all the ladies that you have never met before.”

  “The country air does seem to breed attractive women,” Griff mused. He glanced around. “I see a coffee shop. Leave me there and I shall meet you in an hour.”

  Harcourt nodded. “That works.”

  Leaving Griff, he set off toward the curtain shop, ignoring his accountant’s place of work entirely. He would worry about that once he had assured himself Merry was safe. He found the shop to be empty once he arrived and the shopkeeper informed him that two young ladies had been in a mere ten minutes ago. Harcourt must have just missed them. He thanked the shopkeeper and headed out once more, scanning the streets for them.

  The town was not as crowded as London but nor was it designed to house as many visitors as it did. The streets were narrow, only allowing for a single carriage to pass and stalls were set up on street corners, forcing pedestrians onto the busy road. He stopped by a stall selling hot crumpets and scanned the crossroads. There were plenty of women in bonnets and pretty gowns, but his gaze landed upon two women—one in color and the other in black.

  He picked up the pace and hastened after them as they entered a small park through iron gates. He saw Merry talking animatedly to Sophia without any care for her surroundings.

  Scowling, he moved into a quick stride. Damn the woman. She should be paying more attention. While she and her friend strolled along the pathway between two lawns, Harcourt could see a man following behind them, his clothes ragged and his manner suspicious. The man paused briefly to see if there was anyone else in the park.

  Harcourt started to run but the busy paths made it hard to catch up with Merry and he knocked into several people and was nearly struck by a carriage. He pushed past a large man, muttering a quick apology, his gaze set on the man following Merry.

  His heart lifted up into his throat as the man approached. He grabbed Merry’s arm and she turned. The sunlight caught a glint of something. His blood ran cold.

  A knife.

  Shoving through a couple strolling arm in arm, he raced toward the park, turning the corner and shoving through the iron gates. “You there!” he bellowed.

  The man twisted, his eyes widening under a floppy hat, then pushed past Merry. He raced down the path and darted in between the trees. Harry hurried up to the women and grabbed Merry’s arm.

  “Are you well?” He sucked in a breath. “Did he hurt you?”

  “I-I-I am well.” Her skin was ashen.

  He looked to the trees. No doubt whoever he was knew the town better than Harcourt and would be long gone.

  “And you, Miss Sophia?” he asked.

  She straightened. “I am fine. He seemed more interested in Merry.” She wrapped an arm around Merry’s shoulders. “Goodness, I never thought we would be victim of a robbery in a town like this.”

  “Was that what he wanted?” demanded Harcourt. “To rob you.”

  Merry shook her head. “He never said. He just pulled out his knife then ran off as soon as he heard you shouting.”

  Harcourt’s heart stilled. This right after the near carriage accident. This was no coincidence. “Did you get a good look at him? Was he scrawny?”

  “I suppose.” Merry glanced at Sophia.

  “I was too busy looking at the knife,” Sophia confessed.

  “Old?” he asked.

  Sophia shrugged. “A little old I suppose. Dark hair.”

  Then it was not the same person who had been at the dower house. But he did not think the carriage driver had been either. Whatever this was, there was more than one person involved in trying to harm Merry. Somehow, he was going to have to discover what the devil was going on—and fast.

  “I think we should get you home,” he said to Merry and Sophia. “You look pale, Merry.”

  She nodded slowly. “Yes, that might be an idea.”

  “Lord Thornford is in town with me. We shall escort you both home.”

  Merry shook her head. “Oh no, there is really no need. We can—”

  “I will not accept a no,” he said firmly. “We are seeing you home safely.”

  For the second time that week too. Whoever was trying to hurt her was becoming more determined and bolder. If he was going to keep Merry safe, he would have to take action. Next time something happened, he would be close by and he certainly would not let the bastard get away.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Merry paused to study the drawing room. With the chairs clean and in place, the windows gleaming, a few choice ornaments scattered about the room, it almost looked livable. It was a shame about the rest of the house, though. There was still much to be done.

  “Where would you like me to start, my lady?” asked the maid Merry had managed to steal away from the house.

  “If you start over there.” She motioned to the windowsill. “And I shall start with the fireplace, then we shall see if we can tackle the chandelier together.” Merry looked up at the crystal chandelier. It was not as grand as the ones in Whitely Grange or Lulworth Castle, but it would still take some cleaning and they’d have to stand on the table to do it.

  Brandishing a cloth, Merry dampened it in a bowl of water and set to work cleaning the dust and grime from the top of the fireplace, working her way down to the cornicing. The methodical, repetitive movements were somewhat soothing—allowing her to drift into a world of thoughtlessness. That was until the maid knocked into a vase, making it rattle on its table.

  Merry whirled, heart pounding. A hand to her chest, she drew in a breath. “You startled me.”

  The maid grimaced. “Forgive me, my lady. I know you are still jumpy.”

  Sucking in a breath, Merry smiled. “It’s fine. I am fine.”

  The news of the attack had spread quickly—most likely thanks to Bella who had heard all about it from Sophia. It had been three days since it had occurred, and she had been fine since. Nothing had happened. Nothing would happen. It was just one of those things...

  She frowned. One of those strange things. She still had no idea why a man should pull a knife on her, nor why all these other things had happened. As much as she hated to admit it, Harcourt might be right. What if someone did wish to hurt her?

  She straightened and set back to work. Even if there really was someone trying to harm her—and she could not fathom a reason why—she would not let them dictate her life. She had already taken to ensuring she was never alone and Harcourt had inserted himself into her life more than ever. There had not been a single day since that she had not seen him. Glancing at the clock on the mantelpiece, she gave the face a thorough scrub and scowled. He would have normally checked on her by now. Where was he today?

  Blast, was she really anticipating his arrival? Looking forward to it even?

  She shook her head at herself. It really would not. Yet...yet she could not help herself. She missed his smile, the way his eyes creased at the corners when he looked at her, the deep timbre of his v
oice.

  Lord, she even missed the way he made her feel—how he tangled her up inside until she did not know which way was up or which was down. She had not seen him for all of an evening and a morning, and she missed him! It was ludicrous.

  A crashing noise made her heart bound again and she flung down the cloth to face whatever it was that had caused such a noise. Fists lifted, she found herself confronted by a large, black and white, shaggy and awfully muddy dog. The creature bounded over to her, jumped up to give her a lick across the face, then sprung over to the maid. Emma squealed when the dog pressed its filthy paws to her apron before jumping onto a chair then off again.

  “What on earth...?” Merry made a grab for him but he darted out of reach, knocking into a side table and sending a vase to the floor. Thankfully it landed on the rug, saving it from disaster. The same could not be said for the dog.

  Its tongue lolling from its mouth, it darted out of the door. Merry heard a crash from down the hallway and glanced at Emma. “Where did he come from?”

  The maid shrugged. “We need to get him out before he dirties everything!”

  Merry noted the muddy prints and splatters everywhere. He had almost undone all their hard work. She snatched her skirts. “I had better see if I can stop him.”

  She followed the sound of chaos, dashing down the hallway and into the rear dining room. The dog did an excited loop of the room, forcing her to chase him around the table. “Come here, doggy,” she cooed.

  The dog paused and tilted his head but the sound of the carpenter working on the door must have caught his ear as he cocked his head and raced in the direction of the back of the house.

  “Damn doggy,” she muttered, taking off after him again.

  A cry of annoyance came from the carpenter and Merry found the dog on top of the man, licking his face. “Get off me, damn dog.” Mr. Nicholson fought to get the great animal off him.

  “Here, doggy,” she tried again. “Good, doggy. Why do we not find you something to eat?”

  The animal paused at the word eat and lifted his head.

  “That’s right,” she said softly. “Come with me. Let us find you some food.” She backed away slowly, coaxing the dog to follow her.

  He took a few steps, inching closer. Merry stopped and continued to motion with her hand. “Are you hungry” She glanced underneath him “...boy?”

  Just as the dog was within grasping reach, he sprinted off again. Merry cursed under her breath. If this continued, the whole house would be in chaos. She gave chase once more, following him down into the kitchen which was almost all organized. At least it had been. The dog knocked its big body into one of the tables, sending jelly molds and copper bowls to the floor. The crashing sound startled the dog and he darted under the large table in the middle, his body quaking.

  Merry shook her head and squatted to eye him. “Silly, doggy. You are not so bold after all, are you?” She stretched her hands out. “Come here and I shall give you a biscuit.”

  The dog inched out from his hiding space and gave her hand a lick. Apparently enjoying the taste of her, he gave her wrist a lick, then her forearm. She took the opportunity to grab him by the collar. He rewarded her with a long, wet lick across her face. Merry scratched behind his ears and rubbed his head.

  “That’s better, is it not? After a bath, I think you would be a fine dog, if a little clumsy. But I know about clumsiness.”

  “Ah, there you are.”

  Merry peered at the boots in front of her then followed them up and up until she met Harry’s gaze. He grinned down at her. “I see you’ve met Orion.”

  “Orion?”

  “Rather appropriate name for your dog, do you not think?”

  Standing, she brushed her hands down her skirt. Orion had apparently appeased his need for chaos and stood dutifully by her side. Likely waiting for a biscuit, she concluded.

  “My dog?”

  He nodded. “He used to be a sheepdog for one of the farmers on the estate but he’s getting a little old for the job now.”

  Merry smiled down at the animal. “He seems to have all the energy of a pup.”

  “And he is getting naughty in his old age.” He leaned forward and gave the dog a pat on the head. “He’s loyal, though, and could be good protection for you.”

  She opened her mouth then closed it. As much as she wanted to protest the preposterous idea that she needed protection, that niggling feeling would not leave her.

  “You shall have to forgive his muddy state. He was perfectly clean when we left but somehow found the only mud puddle in existence at the moment.”

  She shook her head at the dog as he looked innocently up at her. “I do not think you deserve one, but I did promise.” She plucked a biscuit off a plate on the table and gave it to him. “I’m sure he’d prefer meat but that’s all I have.”

  Harry chuckled. “I think he will eat almost anything.”

  The dog lowered himself and munched happily on his reward then dropped his belly to the floor, resting his head on his paws.

  “Is he really called Orion?” she asked.

  He nodded. “Perfect for you, do you not think?”

  She let her lips curve. She’d never had an animal. Her father had not allowed it, but she’d always thought she might get a cat one day—a peaceful creature that would curl up on her lap as she studied. But looking at Orion’s now peaceful face as he regained his energy, she could picture him settled at her feet quite easily.

  “You are being quite presumptuous, Harry.”

  He stepped close. “You need protection, and Orion here can look after you when I am not around. As much as I would like to be present at all times...I cannot be. Unless...”

  Her mouth dried a little. She shouldn’t ask it. She knew where this would lead. But she could not help herself. “Unless?”

  “Unless something changes. Unless you give me a reason to be constantly at your side. As your friend, I can only spend so much time with you in the eyes of Society. But—”

  Orion barked and lifted his head. Before Merry could grab him, he was off again, racing upstairs.

  “Oh no.” Merry grabbed her skirts and glanced at Harry “I thought sheepdogs were obedient!”

  “They usually are. I think he’s excited to have you as his owner.” Harry grinned. “I cannot blame him.”

  Merry rolled her eyes, then gave chase. They followed the sound of barking out into the garden where Orion bounded around the expanse of grass like a madman. They watched him for several moments.

  Harry chuckled. “I think he will like it here.”

  She nodded. “I think so too. He seems a good dog, if a little unruly.”

  “It’s the new setting. He will calm down soon enough.” He turned to look at her. “Keep him close, Merry. Then I will not have to worry about you so much.”

  “You do not need to worry for me, Harry.”

  “Even after the other day?” He drew off his hat and pushed a hand through his hair. “I think I aged a hundred years witnessing that.”

  She bit down on her lip. “It was very scary, but I am fine. I’m sure it was just...a coincidence.”

  He lifted a brow. “You still believe all of these things are coincidences.”

  No. But how could she admit as much when she had spent the past weeks insisting otherwise? How could she admit she was scared and that she wanted to leap into his arms and have him wrap himself around her until she could forget anything and everything? Her friends would never forgive her, and she would never forgive herself.

  “I am certain I will be fine. Daniel should be home any day now and things will return to normal.”

  Harry shook his head. “Is that what you wish? For things to be normal?”

  She plastered on a smile. “Of course.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “Harry...” She was interrupted by Orion coming to lie by her feet.

  “It seems you are his mistress already.” His eyes were warm a
nd inviting.

  She could feel it happening, the way her heart softened at the sight of the dog curled up beside her. And at the way Harry looked at her. What a fool she was. Even if she had not made those vows, Harry was a rake. And she was cursed!

  As much as she did not want to believe it, her family was fine evidence. Not a single happy marriage between them. She only hoped Daniel and Isabel were the exception. But could she risk her heart to Harry when it would all turn out so horribly? How could she not have learned from her friends’ experiences?

  Harry gave the dog’s head a quick ruffle. “I think I can be assured he shall keep you safe.”

  Suppressing a sigh, she forced attention on the dog. Bringing her a loyal pet and smiling at her like that...how was she meant to resist?

  “You need not worry over me so much, Harry.”

  He shook his head, his gaze intense when she peeked up. “I must, Merry. I really must.”

  Lord, the look in his eyes...the timbre of his voice. It all had her wondering...what if Harcourt Easton, Earl of Langley really did care for her? What if, perhaps, just perhaps, he actually loved her?

  Chapter Seventeen

  The door to the drawing room slid open. Merry glanced up from her book at the intrusion. Orion lifted his head, giving off a slight grunt of annoyance at being disturbed. She rather felt the same. After a busy day of cleaning and dog-wrangling yesterday, she had opted for a day of reading and studying.

  A day indoors with no chance of running into Harry too. A day to mull things over.

  Bella entered, looking grim. Sophia and Arabella followed, their expressions and manner of walk equally miserable. Merry set her book on the armchair and stood.

  “What is it? What has happened?”

  Bella’s throat worked, and she raised her chin. “We are calling a Spinster’s Club meeting,” she announced. “Sit down, Merry.”

  Merry sank slowly back into her chair and frowned. Her friends arranged themselves on each of the chairs surrounding the small table in the center and Merry saw glances swing between them.