Page 44 of A Match of Misfortune

Mrs. Markham gave an approving nod. “You would be most welcome.”

Nash stepped forward, placing a hand on Fredrick’s shoulder. “What a strapping young lad you’ve become. You will certainly do a great service to the Markham name.”

Fredrick puffed out his chest ever so slightly. “I shall certainly try to make my way in this world, as both you and your father have.”

“I do not doubt you will for a moment.”

“Fredrick,” Bridget stepped forward when the familial greetings had ended. His gaze shifted to her. “You remember the Bradshaw sisters—Miss Bradshaw and Miss Adelaide?”

Fredrick bowed, his gaze moving from Cecily to her sister. “It is a pleasure to see you again.”

Cecily dipped into a brief curtsy but did not speak, allowing his attention to remain on her sister. He kept his eyes fixed on Adelaide’s face, not once lowering to her invalid chair. Cecily liked him all the better for it.

“And you, Mr. Markham.” Adelaide’s voice was just above a whisper, though Cecily noted with pride that she did not drop her gaze. “I understand that you are a master of riddles.”

“I’m not certain I’ve ever been proficient enough to call myself a master, but I do enjoy a good riddle.” He grinned. “You have one for me, don’t you?”

She gave a timid nod, her rosy cheeks a shade deeper than usual.

“Well, go on.”

“What do you own that is used by others more than you will ever use it yourself?”

His gaze grew distant, and he sat pondering, shaking his head from time to time, until his face brightened. “My name.”

She nodded.

“Here’s one,” he said. “What is so fragile that saying its name breaks it?”

“Silence,” she said without a moment of hesitation.

He gave a handsome smile. “I can see I’ll have to do better than that with you.”

Adelaide dropped her gaze, a long blonde curl falling over her shoulder.

“Would you like to come sit with me until dinner is called? Perhaps we could share a few more riddles?”

A beautiful blush filled her cheeks. “I would like that very much.”

Cecily moved to assist in pushing the chair, but he stepped up to the back. “Allow me.”

“The rear wheel sometimes catches,” Cecily said, unable to prevent herself.

He glanced down at it, gave a nod, then started Adelaide’s chair forward at a cautious pace.

Mr. and Mrs. Markham moved to speak with Lord Rothsburg, while Bridget shot Cecily a pleased look, coming to join her. “They seem to be getting on well.”

“He is a delightful young man.” Cecily watched as he carefully maneuvered Adelaide next to a solitary chair on the far side of the drawing room and took a seat beside her. He truly seemed to be excited that she was here. “And so handsome.”

“We were about that same age when we met,” Nash said, leaning in toward where Bridget and Cecily stood whispering. “But I do not recall you thinking me a delightful young man.”

Cecily glanced up at him. “Because you were not.”

He arched a brow. “But you did think me handsome.”

Cecily set her gaze back on Bridget, who watched the two of them with interest. “I do hope you were able to get some rest today,” she said, ignoring Nash entirely.

“In truth, I’ve been excessively bored. I had thought to send a note requesting that you come keep me company, but with how much time you’ve been spending here, I figured you’d likely wish for a day with the Markhams and your sister.” Bridget looked from Nash to Cecily. “Though if you don’t mind, I think I want to hear how this conversation between the two of you turns out. Not only for my entertainment, mind you, but it will help me gain a better understanding of this”—she gestured between them—“complicated relationship the two of you share.”