“As did you three,” Merry reminded her.
Bella pressed her lips together. “I think we made things worse, did we not?”
“Well,” Merry glanced at one of the pictures they had hung that was still slightly askew, “not completely worse.”
Sophia chuckled. “I think we had fun doing it.” She paused. “I think. My toes have still not forgiven Bella.”
“I did not even drop it hard.” Bella made a dismissive noise. She leaned back. “Is it true Easton thought you were in danger, Merry?”
Merry gave a little nod.
“Why did you not tell us?” Sophia demanded.
“Because it all sounded preposterous!” She grimaced. “And it was. All coincidence. The house was steadily falling apart with the recent winds we had and I heard tale that there was robbery by knifepoint in Brycesbury the very same day Sophia and I were there. It was just rotten luck.”
“Well, we were not actually robbed,” Sophia pointed out. “Harcourt rescued us if you recall.”
Lifting the plate of biscuits from the table, Merry offered them about. “We were lucky there. Or at least, lucky he was so determined to protect me from a non-existent threat.”
Sighing, Bella pressed the back of a hand to her head dramatically. “If only I had been there. What I would not give to be rescued by a man.”
Sophia gave Bella a jab in the ribs with an elbow.
“What?” Bella straightened. “One is allowed to dream occasionally, is one not? It does not mean I really want a man.”
“Nor do any of us,” Sophia reminded them. “We might be one member down, but the Spinster Club still remains.”
“Oh yes.” Bella nodded. “I have no intention of marrying, even if our founding member has abandoned us.”
Merry opened her mouth to protest but quickly closed it when Bella shot her a teasing look.
“Good, nor do I,” said Sophia firmly. “Lord Easton is one of the few good men around, and now that Merry has snapped him up, I see no need for any of us to marry.”
“I do not mind admiring, though.” Bella folded her arms across her chest. “You cannot deny me the odd flirtation, surely?”
Sophia shook her head, lifting her gaze to the skies. “You will scandalize us all, Bella.”
Bella shrugged. “Well, if we are not to marry, what does it matter if we are scandalized?”
“You could be sent away to Ireland like poor Miss Lucy Gable,” Arabella reminded her.
Taking a long, noisy sip of tea, Bella made a dismissive noise. “Father would not notice if I flung myself at the Prince Regent, I suspect.”
Sophia nodded. “Thank goodness I live alone.”
“You are certainly not missing out on anything. As soon as I can decide how to gain my independence, I am leaving them all for good.” Bella pursed her lips. “Perhaps I could become a courtesan.”
Arabella straightened. “Most certainly not!”
Bella grinned. “I was jesting. Though sometimes anything seems better than remaining at home with my awful brothers.” She gave a mock shudder. “This morning they woke me up because there were no sausages for the morning meal. Apparently, it is up to me to ensure we are always well-stocked with sausages.” She shook her head. “It is not like there was not enough food!”
Merry leaned over and gave Bella’s hand a squeeze. Though Bella jested more than most, she knew her brothers were a handful. If not worse. They were spiteful men who looked down upon their sister.
“We shall figure out a way of gaining your independence, but you know we shall all support you in the meantime. You could always come and live with me at Lulworth Castle.”
Shaking her head vigorously, Bella made a horrified expression. “Just as you did not want to be intruding on your brother’s new marriage, I have no wish to become your companion, Merry. You and Easton are far too in love.”
Sophia lifted a brow. “Is there such a thing as far too in love?”
Bella nodded. “There is when one is the only company for the couple. I shall simply have to find some other solution to my situation.”
“You are always welcome to come live with me, Bella, you know that,” said Sophia.
“We would probably kill each other if we lived together.” Bella slumped back on the chaise. “Face it, I am stuck there until I think of something immeasurably clever. Unfortunately, I have very few skills.”
“You’re a wonderful harp player,” pointed out Arabella.
Bella waved a hand. “Anyone can play the harp.”
Merry laughed. “I certainly cannot. And even if I tried, I would not sound anything like you.”
“I thought we came here to talk of Merry’s impending marriage, not my harp-playing.”
“Will you not miss the solitude?” asked Arabella. “I know how much you like to be alone to do your work.”
“Harry has promised me plenty of space to finish my translations, so long as I emerge sometimes and pay attention to him.” Merry suppressed a smile. She suspected that would not be hard. She’d seen him only yesterday and she missed him already.
Bella eyed her in awe. “I never thought you would be the first to fall, Merry.”
“I have no intention of falling.” Sophia lifted her chin. “I enjoy widowhood far too much.”
“And I certainly never want to set eyes on a man again,” added Arabella.
“Men are the worst,” Bella agreed. “With the exception of Easton,” she added quickly.
Merry smiled sheepishly. “I am sorry that I did not stick to my vow.”
“Never mind, you can be an honorary member.” Bella patted the back of her hand. She lifted her cup of tea. “To the Spinsters Club.”
“The Spinsters Club,” the rest of them echoed.
“Long may we rule over men!” Bella added with a wink. “None of them stand a chance.”
THE END
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OTHER TITLES BY SAMANTHA HOLT
Rogues of Redmere
You’re the Rogue That I Want
When a Rogue Loves a Woman
Waiting for a Rogue Like You
Bluestocking Brides
Amelia and the Viscount
Julia and the Duke
Emma and the Earl
Catherine and the Marquis
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Samantha Holt lives in a small village in England with her twin girls and a dachshund called Duke. She has been a full-time author since 2012, having gone through several careers including nurse and secretary.
Read more at Samantha Holt’s site.
Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters (Spinsters Club Book 1) Page 19
