Page 34 of A Match of Misfortune

Nash waved a dismissive hand. “I’m not overly concerned. I made certain the trunk with my valuables was loaded at the bottom. But I’ll go belowstairs when I’m finished here and reassure them of that.”

“Thank you.” Mrs. Markham’s gaze shifted to Cecily, lingering on her long, loose hair, then back to Nash. “Forgive me for interrupting the two of you. I did not⁠—”

“You are not interrupting,” Cecily assured her, slightly embarrassed Mrs. Markham had found them alone together.

“I simply wished to offer Miss Bradshaw a few words of caution regarding Lord Harlow’s tendency to incorrectly interprets one’s intentions before she departs.” Nash said the man’s title as though it took a hardy effort on his part, which amused Cecily greatly. If she were not a person of feeling, she might encourage Lord Harlow for the sole purpose of watching Nash’s comical reactions. Though why he should care if Lord Harlow showed interest in her, she could not say. Perhaps he truly didn’t wish for two of his adversaries to form an alliance.

Mrs. Markham’s smiling eyes held a glint of humor in them. “How very … thoughtful of you, Nash.”

He gave a stiff nod, his gaze returning to Cecily. “So, considering my admonition, perhaps you would like to reconsider wearing such a …” His gaze dropped to Cecily’s gown, causing her cheeks to pink under his brief but focused consideration. He cleared his throat. “… a fine gown. But, as it seems a conscious decision, I shall let you get back to the others so that you may finish readying for your evening at the theater.”

Before Cecily could even process his accusatory comment enough to contemplate a response, he gave a brief bow, turned, and strolled down the corridor.

Mrs. Markham sent her an apologetic look. “It seems Nash and Lord Harlow have not always gotten on well—some sort of boyhood rivalry—but the Rothsburgs have assured me Lord Harlow is a decent man. So you needn’t let their dispute affect you, nor your attire. You look perfectly lovely.”

Cecily glanced down at her silvery blue gown, noting the sheer overlay on the skirt and the delicate beadwork on the bodice and the hem. It did seem a touch extravagant for a night at the theater, but she would not give Nash the satisfaction of knowing she thought him correct by changing the dress. Instead, when she returned to the room, she discreetly unclasped the necklace and tucked it back inside the box with her other jewelry. It wasn’t a drastic change, but it was something. The last thing she wanted was to give Lord Harlow the wrong impression, despite how she carried on in front of Nash.

Chapter Twelve

The quiet of the carriage settled over Cecily. She was utterly exhausted. After a much too brief respite on the Sabbath, she’d spent the better part of the last two days taking morning calls at the Rothsburgs’, going with Bridget on social visits, and attending a soiree until far too late in the evening the previous night. She had also been required to explain to three different gentlemen that, while she appreciated their very pointed interest in her, she feared they would not suit. At least when Mr. Westchild had accidentally divulged his knowledge of her dowry, she’d confirmed her theory of why so many gentlemen were set upon the idea of courting her.

This was certainly all Nash’s fault.

As soon as the carriage rolled to a stop, she alighted from it, eager to be back at the Markhams’ for even a few short hours. The drawing room was empty, but she heard voices floating out of the open door of the library. She peeked her head inside to find Nash sitting across from Adelaide and Jamison.

Jamison’s gaze was fixed on his brother, his expression lined with concern. “I thought our navy chased all the pirates away.”

“We have rid our waters of them, but off the southern coast of Africa, pirates are still a very valid concern for merchant ships. Carter, the Captain of my Indiaman, had an encounter with a crew of pirates on his last voyage. Thankfully, his ship was well gunned, and once the pirates realized it, they went on their way. But every now and again, down near the Cape, an empty boat is discovered, floating without sailors or cargo.”

Jamison and Adelaide shared a nervous glance. “What happens to the crew?” Adelaide asked.

Nash swiped his thumb across his neck, causing both of his onlookers to gasp.

“That is quite enough of that.” Cecily stepped into the room, sending Nash a correctional look. “I’m not certain Mrs. Markham would appreciate such tales being told to her five-year-old son.”

Nash grinned at Jamison. “Nonsense. He is plenty old enough. Aren’t you, Jamison?”

“Old enough that Nash brought me a sword from India,” Jamison said as though that was all the proof that was required. “Want to see it?”

“A sword?” Cecily repeated. Her gaze flicked to Nash briefly, but the moment she glimpsed Jamison’s excitement, her incredulity dissipated some. “I would love to see it.”

Jamison hopped up from his seat and darted from the room.

“Look what Nash has brought for me.” Adelaide lifted the ends of a blush-pink shawl that was wrapped around her shoulders. It looked to be cashmere, and when Cecily stepped closer, she noticed silver needlework along the edges that led to an intricate flower pattern at each corner. Between the quality of the material and that of the workmanship, it must have been a very costly accessory.

“It is beautiful,” Cecily said, confused why Nash would have felt it necessary to bring something back for Adelaide. Perhaps he had not intended the shawl for her but had felt obligated to offer something as he had presented gifts to his family. Though the soft pink did fit her quite perfectly.

“And look at this.” Adelaide lifted a wooden fan and opened it, revealing a bright, hand-painted floral design on its face. “They are lotus flowers, the symbol of a Hindu goddess named La—” She glanced at Nash with a questioning look.

“Lakshmi.”

“Yes, that was it. Lakshmi.” She flicked her wrist with the fan spread wide, the shift of air causing her blonde curls to lift. “She is the goddess of prosperity and good fortune.”

At that, Cecily could not help but conclude Nash had intended that gift for someone else entirely. Someone who embodied prosperity and good fortune, unlike sweet Adelaide.

“Do not forget, she is also the goddess of beauty,” Nash said, winking in her sister’s direction. Now that connection to Adelaide, Cecily would not deny.

“Oh, yes.” Adelaide gave a small giggle, her cheeks growing rosy. “That as well.”