Page 6 of A Match of Misfortune

Cecily straightened her posture, ignoring the ball of nerves forming in her stomach. “Was the letter dated, by chance?”

“Yes. December ninth. Edmund says that until Nash’s next letter arrives with more information, I should not get my heart set upon anything.” Mrs. Markham gave a conspiratorial smile. “But, if he left before the end of January, as he seemed to imply, and given that an Indiaman ship typically takes five to six months to make the voyage, I’d venture he’ll be here by the end of June or sometime in July.”

Cecily relaxed slightly at the news. She and her sister would be back at Penrose Court by mid-June, which meant, even if he made the trip in five months, which she did not doubt he would, their paths needn’t cross.

“Will he stay here when he returns?” Adelaide asked.

“No, I do not believe so, though he would certainly be welcome. But one of the main reasons he is returning to England is to claim the inheritance he received from his great-aunt.”

“An inheritance for Nash? How utterly unexpected.” Any belief Cecily had in luck was solely because of Nash Markham and the blessed life he lived. Nothing ever went wrong for the man. Ever.

“It certainly was,” Mrs. Markham said, thankfully not deciphering the sarcasm in Cecily’s voice. “We all assumed her nephew—Nash’s uncle—was her heir.” She paused, glancing between the sisters. “Have I truly not told you of it? It would have been over a year ago we first received word.”

“Not that I recall.” And Cecily certainly would have remembered hearing such news about Nash.

“Nor I,” Adelaide confirmed.

Mrs. Markham gave a small hum. “How odd. I must have only written to your father about it, and seeing as Nash has not returned to execute the estate and nothing has progressed on the matter, I have not thought to mention it again.” She paused briefly. “Well, if you care to know, the inheritance comes from his great-aunt on his mother’s side and includes a townhouse in Mayfair. I expect he shall reside there upon his return, for I cannot imagine a young bachelor, even one as doting as he, would prefer to stay with his parents and two young brothers when he can live independently. At least until he returns to India.”

“He is not to remain in England?” Adelaide asked, thankfully preventing Cecily from having to be the one to ask after the matter.

“No. His plan is to stay long enough to see his great-aunt’s will executed and to procure investors for a new venture he is undertaking. He assumes it will only take a few months, though I would not complain if he were here longer.”

Adelaide’s frown intensified. “Does he ever intend to live in England again?”

Mrs. Markham gave a solemn shake of her head. “Honestly, I cannot say. I don’t even know if he could tell you at this point. Nash has always been one to go wherever opportunity leads him, and for now, that is India.”

The idea perturbed Cecily most intensely. Clearly for the Markhams’ sake. They had missed Nash terribly, and for him to only return home for a few short months seemed a rather heartless thing to do. But then again, she should be grateful for his thoughtlessness, for a half world between them was a much more tolerable distance to maintain.

Eager to shift topics, Cecily set her teacup down. “Forgive me for the change in subject, but may I inquire after our engagements for the remainder of this week?”

Mrs. Markham tilted her head, and a slight frown appeared on her lips. “That is the other thing I wished to speak to you about. Unfortunately, Lady Rothsburg’s brother-in-law has taken ill. She left for Cornwall to assist her sister and does not know how long it will be until she can return.”

“How unfortunate.” And it was, though a small part of Cecily couldn’t help but wonder if this was her saving grace. Without the dowager baroness to sponsor her, who would introduce her into Society? Mrs. Markham had gained her own social circle since marrying Mr. Markham, but she had claimed, on more than one occasion, that she was not well enough integrated into Society to take on the role of sponsor.

“It certainly is,” Mrs. Markham said. “But thankfully, her daughter-in-law, Lady Bridget has offered to take her place. I know she is young, but she is married, and as the daughter of an earl, she has many useful connections.”

“Oh, I …” Cecily paused, thinking how best to word her concern. “I very much enjoyed meeting Lady Bridget last autumn, but does it not seem odd that someone younger than me is to act as my sponsor?”

“I doubt anyone will think it odd, especially when she explains how it all came to be.” Mrs. Markham smiled. “She wishes us to call in the morning so that we may discuss upcoming plans and ensure you have everything you might need for the Season. She also mentioned having secured you an invitation to Lord and Lady Darlington’s ball Friday.”

“Are you not to join us?”

“Not to the Darlingtons’, no. But I shall be at other events.” Her gaze shifted to Adelaide. “Though I have already explained to Lady Bridget that I do not intend to maintain their schedule.”

“You needn’t worry about me,” Adelaide said. “I have Sarah and the boys to keep me company.”

Mrs. Markham dipped her chin. “I do not worry. I simply wish to spend as much time with you during your stay as I am able. Besides, Cecily will want for nothing under the care of Lady Bridget.”

In all honesty, though the thought of attending events without Mrs. Markham was somewhat unsettling, it would be simpler to continue dissuading gentlemen against her if she were not constantly under Mrs. Markham’s watchful gaze. If only the baroness would prove as distracted of a chaperone as Mrs. Thompson, their neighbor at Penrose Court, had been over the last few years. Her hopes were not high, however, especially considering that Lady Bridget had fawned over her most intensely during their brief acquaintance last autumn. Regardless, she would not allow Adelaide to think she opposed the idea of Mrs. Markham forgoing events to spend time at home with her. “It is true,” Cecily agreed. “I shall be well looked after.”

Adelaide glanced between them, then her gaze settled on Mrs. Markham. “Well then, I shall be grateful for the time I have with you.”

Heavy footsteps in the corridor brought all three gazes to the doorway, and Mr. Markham stepped onto the threshold. “Are you ladies ready to head upstairs?”

Mrs. Markham glanced at Adelaide and Cecily expectantly.

“Yes,” Adelaide said. “I believe we are.”