Page 102 of A Match of Misfortune

Two days past, your ship was spotted off the southeastern tip of England near Dover, headed toward London in full working order. Though my loan is no longer required, I should like to offer an equivalent sum as the first official investor in your shipping company. Hopefully, the gesture will preserve our previous agreement regarding passage for my animal specimens and assure your membership at Blackstone’s.

Your friend and newest investor,

Lord Blackstone

Nash stared at the letter, reading it a second time. Then a third. Could it be true? Could his ship be making its way into London now?

“Who is it from?” Rothsburg asked, pulling Nash’s gaze upward.

“Blackstone.” Nash lifted the letter as if evidence was required. “He says my ship was spotted two days ago near Dover. Which means it will soon be making port.” Nash stood, his mind reeling. “I need to intercept it before it reaches the East India Docks.”

“I’ll come with you,” Fredrick said, hurrying to his feet.

Rothsburg stood as well. “I’ll fetch your father from the bank and meet you at ....”

“The London Docks.”

Rothsburg nodded.

Nash started toward the door with Fredrick in his wake but paused, glancing back at Rothsburg. “Might you also share with my mother and Miss Bradshaw where it is we have gone before you leave?”

“Certainly. Oh, and take my carriage since it is readied.” Rothsburg gave a teasing smile. “Just please don’t break it this time.”

Nash grinned. “Have you not heard? I’ve gotten my luck back.”

Chapter Thirty-One

“Remember, a pawn cannot be moved sideways or backward,” Cecily said, placing Jamison’s chess piece where it had been previously. She had offered to teach him how to play chess in an attempt to distract herself from thoughts of Nash and why he and the others had not returned yet. When she had come downstairs that morning, Mrs. Markham had shared the surprising news that the Dawn of India had been spotted and the men had gone to intercept it before it could reach the East India Docks. But the day had come and gone, and there was still no word as to what had happened or if they’d been successful with their endeavor.

“It is no easy thing being left behind, waiting for news,” Bridget said, as though reading Cecily’s thoughts. She bounced Theo on her lap, his tired eyes closing as she did so.

“If they do not return soon, you are welcome to stay the night here, Lady Bridget,” Mrs. Markham offered.

“Thank you. I very well might take you up on the offer.”

Mrs. Markham collected Theo from her, and he nuzzled into her shoulder. “Jamison, it is time for bed.”

“Not yet,” he said with pleading eyes aimed at his mother. “We have not finished our game.”

“It is already past your bedtime. You will have to finish tomorrow.”

Jamison released a small groan.

“Don’t worry,” Cecily said. “We can leave the pieces where they are so we needn’t start over.”

“Very well.” Jamison stood, and with woeful, dramatic steps, he made his way to Mrs. Markham to take hold of her outstretched hand as the three of them left the library.

“Have you heard from Lady Rothsburg?” Cecily asked, moving onto the settee next to Bridget and across from Adelaide.

“Yes, actually.” Bridget picked up her cup of tea. She took a sip, seemed to realize it was no longer warm, and returned it to the table. “Through her sister’s dogged determination and their efforts at nursing her brother-in-law back to health, he is slowly improving. She believes she will return to London within the fortnight. Likely not long after my parents arrive from the Continent.”

“I’m relieved to hear it.”

“And when is your father expected?”

“He will be here in just over two weeks,” Cecily said, her chest constricting at the thought of all the people she would disappoint when she ended their betrothal. Unless she didn’t. Perhaps Nash could go to India, and they could marry upon his return. Years from now. If that was even what he wanted to do. She didn’t know.

The sound of the front door opening and closing had all three ladies listening in eager anticipation. Heavy footsteps sounded down the corridor.