Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters (Spinsters Club #1)(51)
She folded her arms and lifted her chin. “Our family has never had a happy marriage.”
He shook his head. “You are too logical to believe in curses. You’re using it as an excuse.” He moved close, making her back up against the desk again.
She held up a palm. “My friends,” she blurted. “I cannot.”
“Your friends?”
She bit down on her lip and lifted her gaze to his. “I promised them. I promised them I would remain...a spinster.”
“Why the devil would you promise such a thing?”
“Because they are my friends. Because they needed me. Because...” She twined her hands into her skirt fabric. “You would not understand. You are a man.”
“You’re right. I do not understand. What sort of friends would deny you happiness and love?”
“They have not denied me anything.” She lifted her chin. “They have no idea what has happened...between us.”
She whispered the last words, fearful of saying them too loud. If she admitted it aloud, it might seal them together forever, and then what? She would probably get her heart broken and her friends would be so upset with her. The Spinster’s Club was all her idea after all. What sort of a friend would she be if she gave up on it already?
Harry eyed her and sighed. “I’m not giving up on you, Merry.”
She blinked at him. “You should.”
“I do not suppose you shall let me walk you home.”
Merry folded her arms across her chest. She could not decide whether she was glad or not that he had yet to give up on her. After all, if he did not, it would mean more of his kisses, more of his attention. It was foolish of her to want more. She would only have to fight against her feelings again.
“I am going to stay here tonight.”
“Lock the doors and check the windows. Anyone could get in.” He grinned. “As lethal as you are with books, I do not fancy your chances against someone more determined.”
“More determined than you?”
“You know what I mean.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek before she could back away. “I shall see you tomorrow.”
“Or you could stay home.”
He gave her a look that she knew meant she had more chance of holding back the tide. “I’m still responsible for your safety.”
She opened her mouth to protest but he left the room before she could summon a response. Sagging back against the desk, she touched a finger to her lips, feeling their swollen warmth. Somehow, she’d have to steel herself further against him. Goodness knows how she would manage that after what had just happened. As hard as she tried, Harcourt Easton had pried inside her heart and embedded himself there. It would take more than books to keep him at bay.
Chapter Twenty-Two
A fresh chill blew in from the sea, bringing with it the scent of sea salt. The day was clear, however. Perfect for taking Merry out of the damned house and putting an end to this charade. Harcourt had had a night to sleep on it—a restless night at that—and he wasn’t going to back down, despite this spinster nonsense. He understood, and admired Merry’s loyalty to her friends, but he had no doubt they would not deny her a chance at love.
And she damn well loved him. Yesterday’s reaction had proved that, even if he did not know it already. It was not just her passion, it was the way she looked at him, the way she responded to him. More than that it was the regret shining clear in her gaze when she told him of all the reasons they could not be together. He’d understood her reticence due to his reputation, but he was certain they’d moved past that now. Surely she saw him for what he was now? A man transformed—and transformed by her.
He followed the road toward the house. If Merry had stayed overnight at the house, she’d still be there. Alone, hopefully. He wondered if she realized someone had been watching over her all night. She’d be aggravated but he did not give two hoots. Her safety was more important than whether she was annoyed with him or not.
It was still early and most of those who had been at the ball had not left until sunrise flickered over the horizon. His mother had only taken to bed a few hours ago. He should be tired, but a new energy burst through him as he saw the chimneys of the dower house. Whatever protests she came up with now, he’d shoot them down. He’d kiss her and kiss her until she climaxed in his arms again. Now that he’d had a taste of her passion, he would not relinquish her.
Not far from the house, he paused. The sound of hammering echoed through the air. He scowled. It could be the carpenter he supposed. His heart jerked a little, despite his own reassurances. He increased his pace again. This issue of someone trying to hurt her still was not resolved and he could not help fear...
“You’re a fool,” he muttered to himself.
Damned right. A fool for her. It was just the carpenter. He knew that as soon as he saw planks of wood piled up outside the house. The problem was, he would not be assured until he saw her. If anything ever happened to her...
He came to a stop again when a man came out of the house. And he was most certainly not the carpenter.
Another man followed him, then another. They moved the planks of wood inside and another brandished a paintbrush.
“What the devil...”
Merry came around the side of the house. He was not sure how she did it but even in dark gray and probably about as much sleep as he, she looked radiant. Her curls were a little mussed. It reminded him of how she’d looked after he’d pushed his fingers into her hair. She smiled. And not at him.