Page 101 of A Match of Misfortune

“Cecily, if I⁠—”

“No, you are right.” She placed a reassuring hand on his arm briefly. “It is late. We should both get to bed.”

He stood there, but he did not speak. Then, with a sigh of resignation, he took a step away. “Goodnight,” he said, taking hold of her hand and placing a soft, lingering kiss upon it.

The tenderness of it was nearly Cecily’s undoing.

Chapter Thirty

Nash leaned forward in his seat, raking a hand through his hair. Ever since his visit to Cecily’s room the previous night, he could not stop thinking about how she had offered him her dowry. Did that not mean her feelings regarding marriage had shifted? At least regarding him? He certainly hoped so, but what good was it when he was to return to India? She could not come, and he could not stay. Not now that he had such a large sum to repay.

“What are your plans?” Rothsburg asked, placing his silverware across his plate and leaning back into his chair. He and Fredrick had come by early to breakfast with Nash and his father, but Father could not stay long before he had to leave for the bank. And Nash had no appetite.

“Honestly, I’m not certain. It would be years before Miss Bradshaw and I could marry. Is it fair to make her wait that long?” And would she wait with the likes of Featherbottom easing her distress in Nash’s absence? He had regrettably turned out to be a better chap than Nash had given him credit for. Nash’s hands curled into fists.

Despite the solemn matters being discussed, Rothsburg smirked. “We’re back on that topic again, I see.”

Fredrick stifled his laugh with a bite of food.

“Sorry,” Nash said with a shake of his head. “What was the question?”

“The plans for your departure. Do you know what they are?”

“Considering Johnathan’s efforts against me, it seems wise to wait a few more weeks to see if word comes regarding my ship. Or my ship itself arrives. If not, I shall need to secure passage to India immediately, stopping off at the Cape Verde Islands to see what information I might glean and begin compiling a case to submit for insurance.”

In the meantime, besides securing more investors, he would also need to find another way to transport Mr. Crauford’s cargo to Madras, since he had already paid to charter Nash’s ship. Since he’d been banned from the East India Docks, that could prove difficult. He’d likely need to make a trip to Plymouth or Portsmouth to find space on a ship bound for India and hope that word had not spread too quickly of his current status with the East India Trading Company. Nor that it would cost more than he currently had in his personal accounts.

“Could you use a companion on the trip?” Rothsburg’s question forced Nash from his thoughts again. Rothsburg gestured to his brother.

Fredrick lowered his utensils, meeting Nash’s gaze straight on. “I’ve been considering what career I would like to pursue, and I’ve decided to become a merchant like you.”

“He needs a mentor,” Rothsburg said.

Nash glanced between them. “All things considered, I’m not certain that person should be me. If you come with me to India, I shall gladly introduce you to Mr. Crauford.”

“I would like to meet him. But I’d prefer to work with you.”

Fredrick reminded Nash of himself at that age, eager to prove his worth and find a place in the world. He supposed his own desires had not changed so much. They’d just become more focused. An image of Cecily filled his mind. How strange that he would finally find where it was he belonged, only to have to leave it. “With Johnathan set against me as he is, there is no telling what he will do to make certain I do not succeed. I cannot put you in harm’s way.”

Fredrick held Nash’s gaze. “Mr. Steele would not be sabotaging your efforts if he did not think your success would be extraordinary. I want to be a part of it.”

Nash glanced at Rothsburg, who watched his brother with pride.

“Besides,” Fredrick said. “I’m confident I’d be in far greater danger had I chosen a life as a soldier.”

He supposed that was probably true. With one last glance at Rothsburg, who gave Nash a nod of approval, Nash smiled. “Very well. If you’re certain, I shall be glad to have you along.”

Fredrick pumped a victorious fist in the air. “You won’t regret it.”

Caldwell stepped into the dining hall, carrying a silver tray. “For you, sir,” he said, extending the tray containing a letter written on pink stationery. “It has just arrived.”

It seemed a bit early for Lord Blackstone to be writing to him, so he could only assume it was important. He retrieved the letter and broke the seal.

Mr. Markham,

I am saddened that I shall not be providing you with the loan we discussed last night.

A wave of panic rushed through Nash. Why would Blackstone repeal his offer? Had Johnathan spoken to him? Had he more fully calculated the risk? Settling his attention back on the hastily scribbled penmanship, desperate to understand, Nash continued reading.