Page 49 of A Match of Misfortune

Mrs. Markham lowered her sampler and watched the two girls with an affectionate look.

“Is there anything you need at the shops, Mrs. Markham?”

“No. Thank you, though.”

Caldwell stepped inside the room. “The Rothsburgs have arrived with Mr. Fredrick Markham. Should I show them to the drawing room until Mr. Markham is ready?”

At hearing Fredrick’s name, Adelaide glanced over at Cecily, a look of panic in her eyes. She quickly ran her fingers through her long strands of hair and pulled the blanket from her lap, draping it over the arm of her chair.

When Adelaide seemed to have sufficiently gathered herself, Mrs. Markham nodded. “Of course. If you could also notify Nash of their arrival, I would be so grateful.”

A moment later, Lord Rothsburg and Bridget strolled inside, with Fredrick trailing behind them.

After the customary greetings had taken place, Fredrick went to stand directly in front of Adelaide. “How well you look today, Miss Adelaide.”

Cecily was thankful for Fredrick’s kindness, but with the way her sister’s face lit at his compliment, she worried Adelaide would grow attached to him and return to Penrose Court with a broken heart.

As if confirming the latter, Adelaide dropped her gaze, her blush in full bloom. “Thank you, Mr. Markham.”

How different their interactions were from those Cecily and Nash had engaged in at a similar age. She supposed it had to do with their less willful temperaments, and she couldn’t help but envy them slightly. What might have changed had she not set herself against Nash from their first meeting? Knowing Nash, probably not much.

“And how are you today?” Bridget joined her where she stood, while Lord Rothsburg went to greet Mrs. Markham. “Does being in love not make the entire world brighter and more vibrant?”

Uncertain how to answer, Cecily gave a slight laugh. “Perhaps that is why my head is aching this morning. It’s too bright for me.”

Bridget’s brow puckered with concern. “Do you not feel well?”

“It’s only that I had a restless night’s sleep.” Jamison had climbed into bed with her not long after midnight, and every time he’d shifted, she’d awoken with a start, fearing he might fall to the floor. Not that she minded his being there; she simply wasn’t used to sharing a bed.

Bridget gave a knowing smile. “That is understandable. It’s exhausting thinking of all there is to be accomplished to prepare for a wedding. But don’t you fret, for I shall gladly assist you. Have you and Nash spoken of when the ceremony is to take place?”

Cecily’s insides squirmed at the mention, and her gaze drifted to the others, but they were paying her and Bridget no heed. “Before we decide anything, we must first hear from my father.”

“I suppose you wrote to him this morning?”

“Yes.” Well, she had, but the unfinished letter still sat on the bureau in her room. It was no easy feat telling such news to one’s father. Particularly when the betrothal was only temporary. She’d considered not writing at all, but she knew her sister and Mr. and Mrs. Markham all maintained a correspondence with him, and she did not wish to have him learn of the matter through someone else.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Nash stepped inside with the subtlety of a thundering stallion, his gaze immediately falling on Cecily. There was a twinkle in his eyes that left her unsettled. “Good morning.”

That was it? No added my love? My darling? Our night apart was torture to my soul? She relaxed slightly. “Good morning.”

His gaze moved to each guest, ending with Fredrick. He gave a wide smile. “Are you to come with us today?”

Fredrick lifted his hands at his side. “If it isn’t too much trouble to have me along.”

Cecily didn’t miss the look of disappointment in her sister’s eyes at his acknowledgment.

“Of course it isn’t any trouble,” Nash said. “Perhaps Adelaide should join us as well. Make it an even six.”

Cecily’s gaze landed on Nash fast and hard. How could he be so careless? Her chair was difficult enough to maneuver inside on a smooth floor. To navigate cobblestone roads, uneven surfaces, and tight spaces would prove excessively arduous. Not to mention it would certainly cause a scene, and Adelaide did not like being made into a spectacle.

“Yes indeed,” Fredrick said, either as unwitting as his cousin or too polite to point out the obvious. “At least for the shopping aspect, as I plan to forgo the drawing room altogether.”

“I thank you both for wanting me along.” Adelaide’s voice had a slight waver that broke Cecily’s heart. “But I had best remain here. I am so near to finishing my project, I should hate to put it off.”

Bridget gave an understanding nod. “Perhaps you can join us another time?”

Adelaide’s smile was unconvincing. “Perhaps.”