Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters (Spinsters Club #1)(35)

She trudged along the road, hardly noticing her surroundings. What if there was some way they could cheer her up? She’d have to talk to Bella and Sophia. Their usual walks on the beach and tea together would not suffice, but Arabella was not one for visiting the bigger towns or spending time with lots of people. Nor were the rest of them particularly, but Arabella’s shy disposition meant she loathed big gatherings the most.

Perhaps—

The pounding of hooves and the rattle of wheels drew her attention. A shout came from behind her and she spun. A blur of horses and a carriage were upon her before she had realized what had happened. Jumping back from the road, she sucked in a breath. The conveyance whipped by her, sending a cloud of dust up around her. She closed her eyes against it and something hard struck her shoulder. Pain exploded through her body and she was knocked backward, sending her tumbling to the ground.

Peeling open her eyes when she came to a stop, she eased herself up on both palms, wincing when a sharp stab of pain tore through her shoulder. Her palms were raw too and her body felt bruised. She lifted her head to eye the carriage vanishing around a corner. The driver had neither stopped nor slowed to check on her.

“Jesus Christ, Merry.” Large hands were upon her, lifting her to her feet before she could connect the voice to the person.

Harry gripped her by the elbows, his face etched with concern.

Merry blinked and drew in breaths, her head slightly fuzzy while her pulse pounded through her. Any closer and that carriage could have...

“I saw what happened. The bloody idiot could have killed you.”

She nodded slowly, unable to summon a response through a dry mouth. She glanced at her shoulder and winced. Blood tinged the torn sleeve of her gown. He really could have killed her. She was lucky to be alive.

Harry scooped her up, his arms a warm cocoon around her. She felt utterly boneless and entirely at his will. His muscles were firm and reassuring against her palm. He carried her over to a fallen tree and set her down. Were it not for his arms about her, she might have collapsed onto it anyway.

It was only then that she realized Lord Thornford was with him. The man leaned over her. “Is she alive?”

Her thoughts were still slow, and her limbs felt warm and loose. She forced herself to keep taking long, deep breaths but the fuzzy sensation would not quite leave her.

“Yes, she’s alive,” he snapped at his friend. Harry sat down beside her and rubbed a hand up and down her back. “Lean forward,” he ordered. “Take deep breaths.”

She did as she was told and kept breathing until some sense of normalcy returned. And annoyance. What sort of fool driver went at such speeds along these country roads?

“I did not see him coming,” she finally managed to whisper.

“I know. He was coming too fast,” Harry agreed.

“And I was not concentrating.”

“You should not have needed to. This was his fault, Merry. I swear, if I find out who did this...”

Lord Thornford let out a sound of disgust. “The man was an idiot. I have never seen such reckless driving. It was like he wanted to hit you.”

She shook her head. “I cannot imagine it was anyone local. They would know better.”

Harry peered at her shoulder. “May I?”

She peeked up at Lord Thornford who took a few steps back and turned away. She was unable to see the full extent of the damage, so she nodded. It stung but she did not think there was any permanent damage. Her body might tell her otherwise tomorrow when she was stiff and bruised from the ordeal.

Drawing out a handkerchief, Harry lifted away the torn fabric.

“I have a habit of ruining your handkerchiefs. I still have your other one up my sleeve if you want to use it.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him grin. Blast, she should not have admitted that. She could not help it, though. He’d given it to her at her most vulnerable moment and there was something horribly soothing about having it upon her person.

“I’m glad you kept it.”

“Well, I could hardly waste a fine handkerchief, could I?” She grimaced when he dabbed at the wound. “What are you doing here anyway?”

“I was coming to see you at the dower house. To see if my help was needed.” He pressed the napkin against her shoulder. “And to talk to you.”

“Harry—”

“I think you are in danger.”

A laugh escaped her. “In danger? Why would I—”

“Think on it, Merry. There have been too many coincidences. Broken glass, broken doors, windows forced open. and now this.”

“This was an accident!” She glanced at him, taking in his furrowed brow. “Harry, you cannot be serious.”

“I’m deadly serious. I did not tell you this, but I saw a stranger lurking around the dower house not long ago. I did not wish to frighten you, but I saw him again yesterday, watching you.”

She frowned. “Watching me?”

“At the kite event. I tried to follow him but had no luck. Even you must admit, you have had a run of bad luck recently.”

“The door was simply the wind. As was the window. I do not know why some stranger might wish to watch me, but you cannot think that all adds up to danger.”

“I certainly can.” He drew the handkerchief away from her arm. “No permanent damage I think. Just give it a clean when you get home.”