Page 47 of A Match of Misfortune

“A week or two?” his mother finally whispered, and he did not miss the slight waver in her voice. “But what of your inheritance? Don’t you need to wait until the matter is settled?”

“If my uncle’s will is discounted and I do inherit, I shall appoint Father as executor in my stead.” Nash likely should have done that in the first place, but it had been so long since he’d been home. Besides, he’d had other reasons for returning. All of which, apart from seeing his family, were no longer relevant. “That way, he’ll have the authority to make the distributions. I can also hire a man of business to see to renting out the properties—both in London and the estate in Dover.” He met his mother’s gaze, his chest clenching when he glimpsed the tears welling in her eyes. “But we needn’t speak of this now.”

She pressed her lips together, clearly attempting to keep her emotions at bay, but it was no use. A tear slipped out, then a second.

Another gaffe. Had his streak of bad luck also stolen his good sense?

He took hold of his mother’s hand. “Mother, I want to stay. Truly I do. But besides our family, there is nothing for me here at present.” Without his consent, his gaze flicked to Cecily. She stared in his direction, but her gaze was pensive. He supposed she was adding his thoughtlessness to that ever-growing list against him. Although if he had to venture a guess, his being thoughtless was likely already on there. “If I return to India, I⁠—”

“You have made your point,” Cecily said, halting Nash’s words and pulling his attention to her. She seemed to force out a smile. “I will accept your offer.”

Offer? Nash narrowed his eyes, not understanding what in the world she was talking about.

“I will marry you,” she said.

“You will marry me?” he asked, apparently as dumbfounded by this odd turn of events as the others who watched on with widened eyes and gaping mouths. Had he missed something?

Unless …

Was this what she desired? Not in truth, but what she wanted for her part of the trade? The imploring look in her eyes told him it was.

“Is this truly what you desire?” he asked, testing his theory.

Her shoulders relaxed slightly at his acknowledgment. “It is. So you needn’t return to India,” she repeated, her gaze briefly flitting to his mother. “Not yet, anyway.”

So that was the reason for her ruse? To save Mother from her grief at Nash’s early departure? It made sense, knowing Cecily’s care for her. But why a false betrothal? Surely, as her part of the agreement, she could have insisted he stay through the summer. There had to be more to her petition than he currently understood, and he found that he desperately wanted to know her reasons. Not that he would assume it had anything to do with him, for he was certain it did not, but until this moment, he’d have thought himself the last person Cecily would trust to enact such a scheme with her. He was thoroughly intrigued.

But what of all his other failures? Could he afford to postpone his return to India? To face being blackballed and being officially deemed an outsider? Did he have the strength to continue in his streak of misfortune?

He studied Cecily, and this time she did not cower but met his gaze directly. With their eyes locked on one another, hers pleading for him to agree to her terms, his previous resolve wilted. Besides, a deal was a deal. “I should never have thought myself to be so lucky as to have gained your good opinion, let alone your hand in marriage.”

Cecily drew in a long, slow breath, and Nash could only imagine the effort it required for her to avoid an upward flick of her eyes.

“Wait.” Lady Bridget glanced between him and Cecily. “Are you two in earnest?”

Cecily glanced over at Lady Bridget, clearly avoiding her sister’s and both Nash’s parents’ befuddled gazes. “Over the past week, I have come to realize Nash is an acquired taste.” She spoke the words with added weight, as though she meant to guide him in what their story was. Nash liked his version better. “And more tolerable than most,” she continued. “Besides, it is a practical match, as our families have known one another for so long.”

“Don’t be coy, darling.” The endearment might have been a touch excessive, but if he were to take part in her ruse, he might as well do a thorough job. And have a little fun while he was at it. “Go on and tell them the whole story. Or I could.”

Despite Cecily’s attempts to appear composed, her brief look at Nash loosely resembled a scowl before she shifted her attention to Lady Bridget. “Earlier, when you asked if anything had transpired between us … there was. Briefly. Well, there is. Still. I have …” She dropped her gaze and cleared her throat. “… that is to say …”

“We’ve secretly been in love with one another since we first met.” Nash’s grin widened when her eyes lifted to his. How was it she looked so far from pleased by his efforts on her behalf when he found he felt lighter than he had in days? This was her idea, after all. She could not blame him for his part in it.

Lady Bridget’s lips parted, her attention shifting to Cecily. “Is that why you’ve turned away all the other suitors? Because of your affection for Mr. Markham?”

Cecily’s irresolute nod was far from convincing.

“I knew it!” Lady Bridget clasped her hands in front of her chest. “Well, I knew there was a reason you continued to refuse each gentleman’s attentions. I cannot say I knew for certain it was Mr. Markham who had captured your heart, not with the way the two of you carry on, but I’ve had my suspicions. It is a love story for the ages.”

Adelaide released a breathy sigh. “It truly is.”

Father’s eyes were brimming with questions when they landed on Nash. “It seems congratulations are in order.”

“Yes.” Mother nodded, her tone also a touch hesitant, but she set her hand atop Nash’s. “Such unexpected news.” Her gaze shifted to Cecily. “But if this is what you wish, I could not be happier for you both.”

Cecily’s smile appeared pasted on. “Thank you.”

“Papa will be so pleased to hear the news,” Adelaide said. “You must write to him straight away.”