Page 108 of A Match of Misfortune

“What are you doing here, Papa?” Her smile was now as bright as Nash’s. “We did not expect you yet.”

Papa held out his arms, and Cecily hastened into them. “On his way home from Dover, young Mr. Markham showed up at Penrose Court. After asking me for your hand, he urged me to join him on his return to London. He wanted discussions of the marriage contract to begin posthaste, and since he was not inclined to bide one more day out of your presence, I had no other choice but to acquiesce.”

Nash chuckled. “I hardly had to say a word, and he was already having the servants ready his trunks.”

Papa pulled back slightly, looking at Cecily. “I may have been missing both you and Adelaide a little more than I’ve let on in my letters.”

“Oh, Papa. I’m so glad you are here.”

He patted her cheek, admiration brimming in his expression. “As am I. And I must say, I am most content with how things have turned out. You have at last made a match—and a most fortunate one at that.”

Cecily returned to stand next to Nash, sending him a knowing look.

“Not only that,” Adelaide said, her green eyes alight. “But it is a love match, exactly as you always wished for her, Papa.”

Adelaide’s utter joy for Cecily radiated from her, and Cecily was determined she would one day know what it was to be so loved and cherished. “Might I be included in the discussion regarding the marriage contract?” she asked, glancing between Nash and Papa.

Papa hesitated only slightly. “I don’t see why not. If Mr. Markham is not opposed?”

“Not in the least.”

“Good,” Cecily said, her thoughts churning. “I have an idea I wish to propose.”

Nash’s gaze flicked to Adelaide, as if he knew exactly what Cecily was considering. Then he nodded. “I’m certain we can make it work.”

“So,” Bridget said, looking as though she might burst with excitement. “There is to be a wedding?”

“There is.” Cecily’s smile was as giddy as a smitten young lady. “We shall need all of your help, as we’d like it to take place as soon as possible.”

Bridget and Adelaide squealed in delight, and Mrs. Markham clapped her hands together while the gentlemen all shared enthusiastic nods of congratulations.

“Since you’re here, Sir Vincent,” Nash said, “I should like to give you your gift.”

“My gift?” Papa said, his brow wrinkled.

“I brought a few little trinkets from India for each person in my family, as well as you and your daughters. I’ve presented all of them but yours and Cecily’s.” Nash directed a pointed look at her. “So, if you will allow me one moment, I’ll collect them and be back momentarily.”

“Of course.”

In Nash’s absence, more congratulations were offered. Even Sarah removed from her regular seat near the room’s entrance for a brief offering of felicitations.

Fredrick and Adelaide whispered to one another, her sister’s cheeks pink with excitement, and Papa sent Cecily a quizzical look. Cecily only smiled and gave a small shrug. Not long after Bridget began a discussion about the upcoming wedding, Nash walked back inside, a wooden box in his hands, with Jamison right behind him. Nurse carried in Theo who, on seeing his mother, wiggled from her arms and toddled to Mrs. Markham.

Nash mussed his brother’s hair. “I promised Jamison he could be there when I gave Cecily her gifts.”

“Theo wanted to come too,” Jamison said matter-of-factly.

“We’ll begin with Sir Vincent’s.” Nash set down the box and removed a wooden pipe with similar iridescent accents as Jamison’s sword, handing it to Jamison, who handed it to Papa.

“Look at that,” Papa said, turning it over in his hands. Papa loved smoking his pipe in the evening, and Cecily could not help but think what a thoughtful gift it was for him. “It’s exquisite. Is the inlay mother-of-pearl?”

Jamison nodded. “Just like my sword.”

Papa gave an impressed lift of his eyebrows.

“I’m uncertain if the pipe actually works,” Nash said. “But if not, it will make a lovely decorative piece.”

Papa laughed. “Well, thank you for this. I look forward to giving it a try.”