Page 27 of A Match of Misfortune

So there had been a fall? Cecily had assumed the rumors had been exaggerated beyond recognition by the time they had reached her. One woman had professed to both her and Bridget to have seen the whole of the ordeal. She claimed that after Nash had caused Lady Darlington to spill her punch, he had fallen, taking down their hostess with him. Cecily did not know the woman who’d shared the gossip, but she had nearly told her it could not be the truth, for things like that did not happen to Nash.

Or did they?

Cecily felt too curious to remain aloof. “You truly fell?”

“I did. And I brought Lady Darlington down on top of me.”

Cecily covered her gaping mouth with her hand, attempting to repress her astonishment. “It was true, then? What people were saying?”

Nash shrugged as though he did not care in the least that he’d made a complete spectacle of himself in front of half the ton. “If that’s what they’re saying, then yes, I fear it is.”

Cecily didn’t quite know what to say. “Well, I’m sorry it happened.”

“You should be,” Nash said, his smile returning. “It was you I was attempting to follow when I tripped.”

Cecily’s lips parted. “Are you blaming me for what happened?”

Walking toward her, he closed the distance between them and leaned in. “Lady Victoria did not run from me after our dance finished, so there was no need to chase her.”

And here Cecily had been doing such a fine job at keeping the conversation affable. “Forgive me for not living up to Lady Victoria’s impeccable behavior, but in my defense, she simply does not know you well enough.”

“Are you suggesting it would have been wise for her to run from me also?”

Cecily met his gaze with directness. “You needn’t fear. I’m not certain she would be one to let wisdom dictate her choices.” It was an unfeeling comment, and the moment it escaped her, she wished it back. Cecily dropped her gaze. “That was not fair of me. I do not even know Lady Victoria.”

“Jealousy is said to be a thief of good sense.”

Her gaze shot upward again, passing Nash’s infuriating smile on the way to his eyes. “What reason would I have to be jealous of her?”

“Perhaps that she is said to be the diamond of the Season?”

Cecily gave an airy, humorless laugh. If it were up to her, Cecily would not even be taking part in the Season. “How little you know me.”

“And whose fault is that?”

She stared at him, surprised by the intensity in his eyes.

“Nash! You have come.” Mrs. Markham stepped into the entrance hall, and Cecily removed herself a step, clasping her hands in front of her. Mrs. Markham took in Nash’s saturated coat. “Is anything the matter?”

His gaze lingered on Cecily a moment longer before he looked at his mother. “Actually, it is sort of a funny story. You see, I have received a visit from Aunt Agnes’ solicitor, and it seems another will has turned up.”

Mrs. Markham’s eyes widened with disbelief. “After all this time?”

“I’ve not seen it, as it was sent directly to the Court of Chancery, but I suspect it’s a forgery.”

“Do you know who has submitted it?”

Nash gave a heavy breath. “Unfortunately, my uncle is the only logical answer.”

Mrs. Markham’s countenance fell. “I suppose so. Families have been known to quarrel and deceive over much less.”

“Yes, well, because of it, the execution of the estate will be placed on hold until they can determine its legitimacy. Which means … I may need to encroach upon your hospitality for the time being.”

Cecily blinked. Did he mean to stay here?

Mrs. Markham reached out a hand toward him, setting it on his arm. “This is your home. You are welcome for as long as you wish to be here.”

Cecily’s stomach twisted at the reassurance.