Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters (Spinsters Club #1)(42)

Harcourt lifted a brow. “Are you not happy I am taking an interest?”

She paused and considered this. “I suppose. But it does rather take you away from having fun.”

What she meant was, it prevented him from spending time with the ladies she wished him to meet. The truth was between protecting Merry as best as he could and running the estate and his business dealings, he had no time or inclination to meet any of these women his mother kept thrusting at him. At some point, he would have to confess her efforts were in vain.

Not quite yet, though. His mother’s need for drama would only hinder any attempts when it came to Merry—Merry did not like attention.

“I cannot win with you, Mother. You wish me to settle down and yet you complain,” he teased.

She straightened in the chair. “I am glad you are taking an interest. Every mother expects their son to have a little...fun. But you did stretch out that fun for some time.”

“I am sorry to have so disappointed you,” he said dryly.

Smiling, she shook her head. “You mistake me, Harry. I am infinitely proud to call you my son. You are a good man and have never caused me any problems. There are some mothers who have drunks and gamblers for sons, and I am always grateful I am not one of those. A few dalliances here and there are well enough, and I could not expect anything less from having a handsome son, but I only hope your reputation does not hinder your marriage.”

Too late for that. Merry’s insistence he was too much of a rake for her had already hindered things. He did not regret taking the time to discover exactly what he wanted out of life, but he did regret that it was getting in the way of what he truly desired—Merry.

“Of course,” his mother continued, “so many women would be willing to overlook your reputation due to your wealth and rank, but I do so want a happy marriage for you, not one of resent and bitterness.”

“It is good to know you do not wish to just thrust me into the arms of whichever willing woman comes next.”

She narrowed her gaze at him. “I only want what’s best for you, like any mother. Your father and I had a happy marriage and I would wish the same for you.”

“Well, I shall try my best.”

She clapped her hands together and stood. “That is all I can ask. Well, that and one other thing...”

“What do you want?” he asked slowly.

“A ball.”

He shook his head.

“We have not hosted one in a long time because you are usually in London and I am in Bath, but people are expecting one now that we are returned.”

“No.”

“Yes, Harry,” she insisted. “It is the done thing.”

“And I suppose you shall be inviting lots of eligible young ladies?”

“If eligible young ladies happen to wish to attend, who am I to stop them?” She lifted her hands.

“I am sorry to disappoint, but I do not have time to organize a ball.” Not if he was to keep Merry safe. He glanced at the clock. She had agreed she would not go anywhere unescorted, but he’d wager she was at the house by now. He needed to check she had not gone alone.

“You do not need to organize it. I shall do all the work.” His mother pressed a finger to her lips. “I think Saturday would be perfect. The beautiful weather looks set to continue.”

He coughed. “Saturday? Mother, that is two days’ away.”

Straightening her shoulders, she eyed him. “Do you know me at all, Harry? In my time I arranged many a soiree within mere days and with fewer funds and less help than I have now.”

Harcourt pushed aside the letters, giving her his full attention. The sooner he got this over with, the sooner he could get back to work. “You really think you can arrange a ball with such short notice?”

“Of course I bloody well can.”

He chuckled. “If I say yes, will you let me work?”

“I will let you work once you’ve accompanied me on a ride. I need some fresh air and so do you and poor Lord Thornford.”

“Riding at your age, Mother? How scandalous?”

She thrust up her nose. “I did not come here to be insulted. I came to see if my loving and loyal son would accompany his—as he so kindly pointed out—ageing mother and ensure nothing happens to her.”

“That is emotional blackmail, Mother.”

She grinned. “Did it work?”

He sighed and laid down his quill. “Looks like I am going for a ride.”

Her triumphant grin had him shaking his head.

Apparently, his mother had requested his horse be saddled as their mounts were ready and waiting for them when they reached the stables. Griff was already saddled.

“It seems we’re going for a ride,” he said dryly.

“Griff, you should not let my mother bully you.”

“She is rather tenacious.” Griff’s grin tilted.

They set off from the estate land, heading out over the hills that the house nestled on. Once they reached the outskirts of the land, signaled by a line of trees, his mother came to a stop.

“Are you done for the day, Mother?” Harcourt queried.

She glanced around. “Pardon? Oh no. I just...need to take a little rest.”

Harcourt frowned. It was not like her to need a rest. Her face brightened, and he peered in the direction she was looking. Heading toward them were three women on horseback. He shared a look with Griff and grimaced. It seemed this was no simple ride but another of his mother’s matchmaking attempts.