Page 54 of A Match of Misfortune

“I might return to the Markhams’ as well, if you are not opposed.”

Lady Bridget looked as startled by the notion as Nash did. “Do you still have your headache from earlier?”

“No, I simply want to see how Adelaide is faring and give her the ribbons I purchased.”

A knowing smile settled on Lady Bridget’s lips, her gaze darting to Nash ever so briefly. Unfortunately, there was no merit in her obvious suspicions. “Of course. If anyone visits, I shall give them your regrets.”

If. Nash did not miss the doubt in her words. That was certainly his doing.

“You are welcome to share the news of our betrothal where you see fit,” Cecily said.

Lady Bridget nodded and took a backward step, leaving room for her husband to close the door.

Rothsburg glanced into the carriage, then back at his wife. “What is happening?”

“Cecily is to return to the Markhams’ as well.”

“Does that mean I must ride with them as a chaperone?”

Lady Bridget dropped her chin. “When we were betrothed, we rode alone together in a carriage on a number of occasions.”

“Precisely. Which is why I should probably go along. We are well aware of what can happen in those short minutes, and I should not like them stealing kisses on our watch.”

Lady Bridget’s cheeks pinked. “Oswald, your brother is present.”

Rothsburg glanced behind him where Fredrick stood with a smirk on his face. “As though he isn’t thinking the very same thing. Am I right, Fredrick?”

Fredrick simply laughed.

“Perhaps you should sit over on the other side, Mr. Markham.” Lady Bridget pointed to the other end of the rear-facing seat, the place Fredrick had just vacated. The one farthest from Cecily. “I’m certain that would set Oswald’s mind at ease.”

“Entirely.” Rothsburg’s voice was full of sarcasm. “It is most unlikely he should move the minute the carriage is out of sight.”

Nash slid over to where Lady Bridget had indicated and lifted his hand as if taking an oath. “I shall not move from this spot unless it’s completely necessary.”

“There, you see?” Lady Bridget gave a triumphant smile. “Now close the door and let them be on their way.”

Rothsburg shook his head but did as his wife bid him, hitting a hand on the side of the carriage. “Driver, straight to the Markhams’ with no detours.”

Cecily’s cheeks glowed red, but she refocused her attention out the window. As the carriage rolled forward, Nash prepared himself to spend the next quarter of an hour in uncomfortable silence.

“You’re not wrong,” Cecily said, her voice barely audible above the din of the carriage.

He glanced over at her to make certain he had not simply imagined that she’d spoken, but her gaze did not shift from the passing sights of Mayfair.

After a moment, she released a quiet sigh, the only sign she had actually spoken. “Since Adelaide was born, my father has been fiercely protective of her. In part because of her ailment, and in part, I believe, because of her uncanny resemblance to my mother. I sometimes think he views Adelaide as an extension of my mother—the only remaining piece he has of her. When she was young, Papa was optimistic that people would accept her once they came to know her. That she could have some semblance of a normal life. Unfortunately, outside of our close friends, that did not prove to be true. Rumors began that her ill luck caused my mother’s death during childbirth and her deformity was a mark of it. Over the years, it became easier to remain at Penrose Court.”

Nash did not know what to say. To think anyone might view Adelaide in such a way was not only shocking but contemptible. She was the dearest girl he knew.

Cecily’s gaze shifted, and her eyes finally met Nash’s. “I don’t know why I’m telling you all of this, except to say I’m all too aware of the things that Adelaide is missing out on.”

“It must be hard. Not only for her, but for you and your father as well.” Nash recognized how much Cecily had given up for her sister. How much she continued to give up for her. From what he had witnessed and things his mother had conveyed over the years, it was as if, in some ways, Cecily had allowed Adelaide’s ailment to become her own.

Cecily gave a hard swallow, and her eyes glistened with tears. “It is certainly not easy to watch her suffer. To know she will not have the same opportunities as others.”

The opportunities Cecily refused to let herself have.

She wiped a stray tear from her cheek. “But it is nothing to what she must endure. And I cannot think there is much to be done for it.”