Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters (Spinsters Club #1)(14)

She pursed her lips. “He keeps London hours then.”

Harcourt shrugged. “I suspect he shall realize the country is not for him within a few days and return. He seemed to think it would be interesting to visit Lulworth.”

“We do not have wild parties and gentlemen’s clubs, but I for one, rather appreciate that.”

“As do I.”

Her brows furrowed. “Not long ago, you could not wait to return to London. I distinctly remember you telling Daniel how much Lulworth bored you.”

He could not recall the occasion, but it was likely several years ago. “Hmm, I do not remember saying as much, but a man can change his mind can he not?”

“His mind perhaps, but not his nature.”

“Is there something wrong with my nature, Merry?”

She opened her mouth then shut it with a huff. “I really had better set to work.”

“Very well. I shall visit again soon to see your progress.”

“There’s no need—”

“I’ll see you soon, Merry.” He grinned, and her cheeks flushed. He had her off-kilter and he could not help but like it. It meant she’d been as affected by their kiss as he. With any luck, she would not take much persuading before she recognized what was between them.





Chapter Six





“Achoo!” Bella fished a handkerchief out of her sleeve and dabbed her nose, grimacing. She dropped the sheet she was holding unceremoniously onto the floor. Another cloud of dust kicked about the drawing room and she sneezed again.

Arabella propped her hands on her hips and eyed her. “If you were a little more careful, it would be less dusty.”

Merry fought to hold back a sneeze of her own. They had hardly done any work as yet and the room looked worse than ever. Dust swirled about in the afternoon sun that highlighted the mottled windows and streaks of dirt that lingered on everything. She had opted to clear one drawing room and one bedroom today, pointedly ignoring the one that was filled with things and a good deal of ceiling. If they could just get this room inhabitable, she would feel so much better about the idea.

Sophia kicked aside the pile of sheets and eyed the chairs they had uncovered. “Well, they could be worse...” She gave a shrug and glanced Merry’s way.

Merry understood the look well enough. The chairs were threadbare and utterly out of fashion. Of course, she could not have expected them to be high-fashion given they had been hidden away for so long, but she had half-hoped for something elegant and timeless. These gaudy furnishings were another matter, however.

“Perhaps there are some good ones in storage,” Arabella said brightly.

“I cannot imagine the best ones are hidden away,” said Bella who received a jab in the ribs by Sophia’s elbow.

Merry waved away the remark with a hand. “She is right.”

“Do not lose hope.” Coming to Merry’s side, Arabella put a hand to her arm. “Perhaps there are some nice furnishings at the big house you can use.”

Forcing a smile, Merry nodded. “Yes, I am sure there must be.”

There were likely some unused chairs and other pieces tucked away in the cellars or attics of Whitely Grange. The problem was she would have to arrange someone to move them all over here. A cart would be needed and several people’s time. Her staff—no her brother’s staff—had enough to worry about at present. Juggling the running of the house and the estate along with trying to sort the dower house had kept Merry busier than she’d hoped. It had meant relying very much on all the servants and estate staff.

“Well, this house is not going to clean itself,” Bella declared. “Let us open the windows and let some of the dust disperse while we take a look at that bedroom.”

Merry’s smile expanded. “Good idea.”

At least she could rely on her friends to help. They had supported her through many things in her life, namely the awful balls and social events that left her feeling exhausted and awkward. Without them, she did not know how she would have managed her time in Society. She supposed once Daniel took the title, there might be expectations upon her once more but there was no chance Daniel would force her into anything.

“Thank you for helping,” she said. “You can have little idea how much I appreciate it. I am desperately trying to keep the estate running efficiently and I will confess I am no expert.”

Sophia nodded. “It must be quite a daunting task. With any luck, the weather shall be kind to Daniel and provide a quick crossing.”

“I just hope he does not return home to an utter mess.” Merry twined her hands together. “I can run a household well enough but the estate...” She sighed. “That’s a different matter. My father nor Daniel allowed me any insight into it.”

“You are the cleverest woman we know, Merry,” Arabella told her. The others nodded. “I am sure you will be doing an excellent job and Daniel shall be so proud when he returns. Not only have you had to deal with your father’s passing alone but you have had to take over a role you were never trained for.”

“Why do you not just ask Harcourt for help?” Bella prompted. “He did offer it after all.”

Sophia shot Bella a stern look. “Because we do not accept help from men, remember? Merry was quite firm about it.”