Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters (Spinsters Club #1)(40)

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 and 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.”