Her eyes widened. “You would marry just for them?”
“Not just for them. I did have other hopes when I wed.”
A rosy blush spread over her cheeks and her neck too, yet relief filled him. She did not appear too shocked. He’d always intended to be honest with his wife about his half brothers and sisters, so gaining Arabella’s understanding went a long way to proving he’d made the right decision to tell the woman he married too.
“You’re fond on your siblings, despite their origins?”
Merrick supposed she was right. “Family first.”
“That is not at all a bad thing.” She shifted closer, tucking her knees beneath her and giving him all her attention. “Having none I care for now means I’m made more aware of my lack.”
Merrick glanced across the stream to hide the sadness that filled him. It was not easy to ignore that Farnsworth’s actions had revealed just how alone Arabella was in the world. Leaving would be difficult. He lifted his eyes to the horizon with a heavy heart. Storm clouds had gathered to the west of the estate. His brothers were going to get wet on their way home. Yet if he didn’t go now, he feared he might never walk away from her. His hopes for his life would go unfulfilled if he stayed.
He stood and dusted off his trousers, then held his hand out to Arabella. “We’d best be on our way.”
He helped her up and brought her back into the field, holding her arm as they walked over difficult terrain, releasing her when their way was free of impediment. They had not traveled very far when he spotted Holland and his coachman, Jimmy, in the distance, striding toward them in a hurry. “Ah, a family reunion. I wonder what the fuss is about now.”
Arabella chuckled. “Oh, dear. Did they think your virtue in danger?”
“No. I’m very sure they are attempting to protect yours.” He laughed too as his good mood returned. He had been alone with Arabella and had thought very little of getting beneath her skirts. It was not the first time Arabella had lured him to speak his mind rather than contemplate the delights of her body. Despite her troubles and the delicate topic he’d broached, he’d never had a more enjoyable day. If he told Holland that she knew all their secrets now, the man would likely fall over in a faint and never wake.
She stopped suddenly. “Will you dine with me this evening?”
“If I stay that long I’ll have no chance of returning to London as expected.”
“You had other plans for the journey home too, didn’t you? I’m sorry. I shouldn’t delay you.” Her throat moved as she swallowed, proving her disappointment was acute.
“My plan had no date affixed to it.” He smiled. “My half sister is an agreeable creature and will understand the delay was for a good cause.”
“You have a sister?”
“Several. The one I am to meet runs the Castle Inn at Fox Hill with her husband. I often break my journey there when I come to Wiltshire. She had a babe recently and Holland wants to see the lad and another one residing close by before we return to Town. They can wait a day more.”
Her gaze turned to the building storm clouds. “If you’re sure it’s not a bother I’d appreciate it if you would stay for the night. There is ample room for everyone and I should not like your brothers to get soaked before half a mile is passed.”
Merrick threw his head back and laughed. “Now that is a first. Most women invite me to stay for anything but my ugly brother’s benefit.”
A brilliant blush stained her cheeks and he caught her arm and steered her toward the fast approach of Holland and Jimmy. Did she blush when men shared her bed? He frowned at that idea. Arabella had been a widow for some time, yet he’d never heard of her taking a lover. She cast no lures that he could detect. He pushed the idea from his mind firmly. It was better to be friends than lovers. Friendship lasted far longer than the sudden rush of lust.
“Jimmy, we seem to be staying the night. Have the carriage and team put away and the men dispersed where they will fit. Make sure they help out where they can. No sense being idle if there is work begging to be done.”
Holland glanced between himself and Arabella, his expression curious and wary. “My lord, this is unexpected. What about your plans?”
“It is unexpected, isn’t it? Ease your mind, Holland. My plans can wait. Lady Farnsworth would feel more secure if Lord Farnsworth found the place still occupied by my servants and myself should he return tonight. I would not like to disappoint her by refusing her hospitality.”
Holland didn’t appear happy about it but eventually nodded. “Of course. I would not be easy to have him return either.”
When Holland hurried back to the house, Arabella swatted Merrick’s arm. “You beast. You enjoyed tormenting him.”
He studied his brother’s fast retreat. “I’ll be suitably lectured for it later.”
“What could he have to say about the matter?”
“He’s concerned for you.”
“I’m in no danger with you.”
“Quite the contrary.” He faced her so he could judge her reaction. “Have you even thought your invitation through properly? While we were in London, I was confident I could remove you from my house undetected, but here in the country our togetherness will not be so easily overlooked. People will assume there is something between us if I stay. We have already been too long alone together as it is.”
Her tongue darted out and licked her lips. A distinctly nervous gesture that made his pulse race. “You’ve never…” She waved her free hand about as she sought the right word to describe his lack of seduction.
“Oh, I’ve been interested, but you would surely be the poorer for it.” Merrick was glad they had some distance to walk before they reached the house again and he curled her arm about his and drew her in that direction. “After your recent set of troubles, I wouldn’t be surprised that you’d want nothing to do with men again. You’ve been very clear that you oppose marriage.”
“I don’t exactly oppose marriage. I just never want to have to make another because I’ve no choice.” Her free hand clenched at her waist. “I’d always thought of Farnsworth as a brother. Not a particularly close one, though, so I was shocked that he thought to sell me like he would cattle.” She tightened her grip on his arm. “Can we talk of something else?”
“Anything you like.”
Yet silence fell between them. As they drew closer to the house, Arabella’s steps slowed. She kept sneaking glances at him until he couldn’t stand it. “What?”
She paused beneath a tall tree and faced him. “I have a favor to ask.”
“Name it.”
“When I close my eyes, I see Farnsworth’s face right before he would have hit me again. I would like not to see that image anymore.”
“I don’t imagine that’s very pleasant.”
“Will you kiss me again?”
Merrick held himself very, very still as his pulse bolted. “Ah, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“Please. I would like something pleasant to think about at night.”
The plea in her eyes broke him. Perhaps a kiss would take her terror away quicker than time and distance would. A glance around them confirmed they were alone and could not be seen from the house. He could kiss her and no one would be any the wiser.
He didn’t want to say no, so before he reasoned out the whys of not doing so, he leaned toward her and brushed his lips across hers. He drew back quickly when Arabella froze in place. “I’m sorry.”
Her brow furrowed. “For what?”
“I startled you.”
Her cheeks brightened with hot color. “No. It was not that at all.”
“What then?”