Page 29 of A Match of Misfortune

The Rothsburgs were shown into the drawing room only minutes after Cecily and her sister had gone upstairs. They had come early, bearing news that Fredrick, Rothsburg’s younger brother, had written to inform them he would be coming to Town for a visit. Lady Bridget planned to hold a dinner for him when he arrived, and she wished for both the Markhams and the Bradshaws to be there.

“It will be good to have him home,” Rothsburg said, taking the seat across from Nash. “I only wish he would stop frittering away time and choose a career path. He cannot make a life out of visiting friends’ estates.”

Lady Bridget released a small huff, as though this wasn’t her husband’s first time mentioning his concern. “He is only seventeen. He needn’t decide quite yet.”

Nash focused his gaze on his cousin, unable to prevent himself from voicing the question itching on his tongue. “You are to attend the theater with Featherbottom?”

“Featherbottom?” Mother asked, clearly perplexed by the unfamiliar name.

Rothsburg smiled, seemingly untroubled by his flagrant betrayal. “Lord Harlow’s given name is Lucian Featherbottom. We went to Eton together.”

Mother gave a nod of understanding.

“It is not too late to send your regrets,” Nash offered.

Mother’s confused gaze fell on him. “Is there a cause for your concern?”

Nash didn’t have something concrete, per se, but his intuition told him that Featherbottom was not all that different from the young man Nash had known at school. The young man who had touted every academic accomplishment over Nash, not that Nash cared to be a top performer or a professor’s favorite pupil. In all honesty, Featherbottom was almost certainly more prideful and self-assured now considering his rise in station. So if Cecily would not heed his admonition, it would be good to warn the others. Particularly Lady Bridget with the way she seemed to encourage Cecily toward him. “He’s likely attempting to court her because he thinks it will irk me. That has always been the way with him.”

Mother’s head quirked slightly in consideration. “Why should he think it would irk you?”

Rothsburg took a sip of his tea. “Other than Nash’s blatant effort to prevent Lord Harlow from asking Miss Bradshaw to dance?”

“What else was I to do?” Nash tossed up a hand. “Stand aside while he looked at her like a prize for the taking? I would not stand for it. She is a guest of my parents, and as you were not inclined to assist her, the responsibility fell to me.”

Lady Bridget set her teacup on its saucer and placed it on the table. “There was nothing untoward in Lord Harlow’s manners. Many gentlemen were far less discreet in their appreciation of her beauty.”

“That is hardly reassuring. What sort of gentleman gawks at a lady? It’s deplorable.”

Rothsburg aimed his vexing smirk at Nash, and Nash was already regretting his comment. “I am curious as to your definition of the word gawk,” he said. “For the way you looked at Miss Bradshaw before your dance began, I can’t think of a more fitting word.”

Nash gave a loud laugh to compensate for the discomfort at having been caught in his moment of weakness. “You mustn’t say such ridiculous things in front of my mother. The last thing she needs is to get her hopes up about Miss Bradshaw and me making a match.”

Lady Bridget’s eyes widened. “Is that a hope of yours, Mrs. Markham?”

Mother’s cheeks pinked. “I admit, it had been at one time. But I have since accepted it is not to be. Not with Nash living in India.”

And not with how adamant Cecily was in her dislike of him.

“Speaking of matches,” Bridget’s eyes danced with excitement. “Did Cecily share how many gentlemen came to call on her this morning?”

“She did not mention the particulars, only that there were several callers.”

“It does not surprise me she did not speak of it, but several is a vast understatement. Had I not instructed our butler to refuse the late arrivals and tell them to return Monday, we’d likely still be there. I’ve hardly seen the likes of it.”

Nash’s gaze shot from Lady Bridget to his mother and back again as though he had not heard her correctly. Gentlemen were lining up for Cecily? That must be why there were so many blasted bouquets about. Not that he was surprised, just … he wasn’t even sure what he was.

A knock at the door sounded, and Caldwell entered. “Mrs. Markham, Nurse has sent word that Master Jamison and Master Theo are ready for you to come say goodnight.”

Mother gave an apologetic smile to their guests. “If you will excuse me a moment.”

Lady Bridget stood, taking hold of her reticule. “Actually, if it is not too presumptuous of me, I was hoping I might go upstairs and see if Cecily requires assistance.”

“I’m certain she would be grateful for your company.” Mother smiled and gestured for Lady Bridget to join her.

With one last glance at her husband, Lady Bridget stepped through the door just ahead of Mother.

After the door closed, Nash leaned back into his chair, attempting a casual posture despite feeling anything but. “Were there truly as many callers for Miss Bradshaw as your wife seemed to imply?”