Page 13 of A Match of Misfortune

Of course it was.

“You managed that in an Indiaman?” Mr. Markham asked.

“I did not come in on my ship. I was so eager to return and see my family, as well as to begin tending to all that needs done, that I accepted passage on a smaller, swifter ship that departed not long after the Dawn of India set sail. It belongs to Mr. Steele, the owner of one of East India’s largest shipping companies. In fact, his son Johnathan, who’s only a few years older than I, was along for the voyage as well.”

Mr. Markham appeared surprised by the news. “How far behind do you think your ship is?” he asked.

Nash shrugged. “Perhaps a month as it departed the second of January. I heard rumors of poor weather along the route, which could extend the trip, but we experienced none of it, so hopefully my ship will not either. Even so, Captain Carter is a most able seaman and has ample experience on those seas. The cargo is safe, I assure you.”

His father’s posture seemed to relax at the news. “I’m glad to hear it. Perhaps you could meet with the investors soon? Reassure them of your reasons for coming ahead of the ship and that all is well?”

“Of course. I shall gladly go over the information—cargo, actual costs, estimated returns—all of it. I am also seeking investors for the new venture I mentioned.” His gaze flicked to the others. “But we can speak of that later.”

Mr. Markham gave a nod of agreement, and Cecily was slightly piqued at Nash’s assumption that such a conversation was not appropriate to have amongst ladies.

“Your cousin will also be most eager to see you,” Mrs. Markham said. “And introduce you to his new bride.”

“New bride?” Nash stared at Mrs. Markham. “Rothsburg has gone off and gotten himself married?”

“Last autumn. To the daughter of an earl—Lady Bridget. Did you not receive my letter about the wedding?”

“It likely didn’t arrive before my departure. But good for him.” Theo wiggled in Nash’s arms, and Nash set him down, smiling as he watched him toddle toward their mother. “It is also nice to hear that, outside of you and Father, someone missed me.” Nash’s gaze slid to Cecily, and for the briefest of moments, she thought he was alluding to her not having missed him. Which, clearly, she had not. “Speaking of absences, why is your father not here?”

“With the planting season about to begin, he could not be away for so long. Though he will come to retrieve us when it is time for us to go home.”

His head quirked to the side ever so slightly. “How long are you in Town for?”

“Cecily has come for the Season,” Mrs. Markham said. “So she and Adelaide will be here for the length of it. Lady Bridget is to sponsor her.”

There was an intensity to Nash’s consideration that brought color to Cecily’s cheeks. “Is that so?”

She gave a quick dip of her head as acknowledgment. “It is.”

“And how is the hunt for a husband coming along?”

Out of the corner of her eyes, Cecily saw Mr. and Mrs. Markham share a look, though she could not discern if it was concern at their son’s gauche behavior or amusement that passed between them. She lifted her chin and straightened her posture. “I only arrived yesterday.”

“Yesterday?” Nash’s smile grew at her acknowledgment. “What fortuitous timing. Perhaps we might experience the Marriage Mart together.”

Mrs. Markham’s gasp thankfully pulled Nash’s attention from Cecily’s startled look. “Are you hoping to find a wife?” she asked, her wide eyes blinking slowly as she took him in.

He hesitated only a moment. “Considering I don’t know how long it’ll be until I’m next able to return to England, it seems the most practical choice.”

Cecily barely restrained her scoff. He would present the idea with such casual confidence. As though marrying someone was such a simple thing. A mere item on a list of others to be completed. She supposed, however, it likely was that simple for him. He’d spoken his intention. Now his good luck would see to the rest.

“What wonderful news.” Mrs. Markham beamed at him, clasping her hands in front of her chest. At least now, with Nash returned, the Season would not prove an utter disappointment for Mrs. Markham when Cecily did not marry.

“It certainly is.” Mr. Markham cleared his throat. “Son, what time did you say you needed to depart? I don’t want to rush you, but I fear I must be on my way. I have a meeting within the hour that cannot be delayed.”

“I shall come with you.” Nash hesitated, lifting a hand with a raised finger as though he’d just had a thought. “But first there is something I wish to inform you both of so your household staff does not end up in a frenzy.”

Cecily stilled.

“And what is that?” Mr. Markham asked.

Nash did not look at Cecily, but his lips lifted into a teasing grin that made her stomach clench. “I stayed the night here—at least the latter part of the night—in the room across from the nursery.”

Mrs. Markham’s brow pinched together. “How did you get into the house?”