Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters (Spinsters Club #1)(36)

“Think logically,” she insisted. “Why would someone wish to harm me? I am of no threat to anyone.”

He shrugged. “I only know what I’ve seen. And even you with your logical mind, you must admit a great many strange things have happened.”

She made a scoffing sound. “You think someone might be trying to kill me? By way of breaking doors and forcing open windows?”

“All I am asking is that you be careful, Merry. Do not go anywhere alone. Not until we know for certain that no one is trying to harm you.”

She folded her arms and regretted it when her hurt shoulder pulled. Instead, she put her hands into her lap. “I am not sure how you intend to ascertain that, especially when you do not know who this stranger is and can come up with no logical reason why someone might wish me harm.” She held up a hand. “I will admit, there has been a few strange occurrences at the house, but none of those add up to someone wanting to hurt me. This incident” —she motioned to the road—“was a horrible one, but hardly intentional. Who could have known I would be walking along here alone at this time of day?”

“I did. I saw Arabella in the village and she said you had visited. Many people would have seen as much, especially if they had been following you.”

“The only person following me, is you.” She jabbed a finger into his chest.

“And thank goodness I did or else you might still be lying on the ground.”

She sucked in a breath. The concern in his gaze was real and she had to admit, this accident had rattled her. But she was not some wealthy, powerful woman with secrets and suchlike. No one could have any reason to want anything from her. What did Harry expect from her? That she might spend the rest of her days being escorted about just in case his strange conclusion came true?

Lord Thornfield cleared his throat from behind them. “Are we all decent?”

“Yes,” she said weakly.

He strode over to the log and glanced her over. Merry tried not to fidget under his appraisal. She did not know Harry’s friend that well yet, but he seemed to be making himself popular with everyone in Lulworth. With dashing good looks and a flirtatious manner, it was easy to see why, but she preferred to avoid flirtatious manners and extremely good-looking men.

Not that she managed to avoid Harry at all.

“What should we do with her?” Lord Thornford asked Harry. “I could carry her home if you wish.”

“Over my dead body,” Harry said tightly.

Lord Thornford shrugged. “I am stronger—that is why I suggested it.”

Harry scowled. “Like hell you are. I’ve bested you at boxing many a time.”

“Um—” Merry started.

“Boxing has nothing to do with strength. You are lighter, so you are quicker on your feet,” Lord Thornford declared.

Harry stood and Merry swung her gaze between the two men as they faced off against one another. The light-headedness had almost vanished now and aside from a stinging pain in her shoulder, she felt almost recovered. No doubt her shoulder would be stiff and bruised tomorrow but there was no chance she was letting either of these men carry her.

“I am simply lighter on my feet, and stronger.” Harry folded his arms across his chest. “Besides, Merry hardly knows you. I am an old family friend. If anyone is to do the carrying, it is me.”

“Were you not complaining of a sore back the other day? I am only trying to do you a service.” Lord Thornford huffed. “Apparently this is what I get for trying to be a good friend.” He looked to Merry. “Who do you want to carry you? This oaf...or me.” He flashed a grin.

Merry opened her mouth to reply but the words were stuck. The idea of either man carrying her was implausible. If anyone spotted her in the arms of one of them, she would be ruined, and she was not at all sure she would survive a journey huddled up against Harry.

“See?” Lord Thornford motioned to her. “She wants me to carry her but does not wish to offend you. You have put her in an awkward position, Easton.”

“Actually”—Merry stood—“I do not need to be carried by either of you. I think I shall manage the walk by myself.” She began walking down the road at a careful pace, waiting to pick up speed until she knew for certain her head was clear.

Harry and Lord Thornford hastened to catch up with her. “Let us at least escort you home. I do not wish you to be alone,” Harry said.

“Because Easton has this crazed idea you are in danger,” Lord Thornford said. “Best to let him do what he needs to do,” he confided with a grin.

“So you think it is preposterous too?” she asked Lord Thornford.

Lord Thornford leaned in. “If I were you, I would let him play hero. It makes life a lot easier if you just go along with whatever Easton wants.”

Harry gave a grunt. “You two make me sound as though I need carting off to the lunatic asylum.”

Merry sighed. “Very well, you two can escort me, but as soon as we are in sight of the house, I wish to be left alone. You know how Mrs. Kemp feels about gentlemen visitors.”

“Bloody Mrs. Kemp, whoever she is.” Lord Thornford exclaimed.

Harry chuckled. “I feel exactly the same.”

Peering between both men, Merry held back another sigh. How on earth did she keep getting herself into these situations?