Page 67 of A Match of Misfortune

“You have every reason to be upset, but I will have you know I am not entirely negligent in keeping my word. I have found a solution for Adelaide.”

“A solution for her? Whatever do you mean?”

“A way to allow her to leave the house more easily. I did not say as much yesterday in the carriage when I first had the thought, for I wanted to be certain I could obtain it, but I’ve secured her a Bath chair.”

Cecily’s head tipped to the side, though she remained where she sat. “Is it a sort of invalid chair?”

“Similar, but it can be maneuvered with ease, making far more places accessible.”

Cecily studied him for several seconds. “Have you shown it to her yet?”

Nash shook his head. “I assumed you’d wish to be there when I did. In case she needs convincing to come along.”

The apology she knew she needed to offer was uncomfortably lodged in her throat. Apparently, he was not as entirely thoughtless as she repeatedly supposed him to be. “That was very kind of you. Both fetching the chair and waiting for me to present it. I am sorry, I⁠—”

“Do not apologize. There is no need for it.”

Her gaze lifted to his, and she saw sincerity in his eyes. “Thank you, then. I am certain the idea of joining us today will thrill Adelaide. Once she becomes accustomed to it, that is.” Cecily gave a reluctant breath and stood, taking a few steps toward Nash. “Might I ask where it is you found the chair?”

“My aunt Agnes’ townhouse. I had noticed it in one of the storage rooms upstairs but didn’t much consider it until we spoke yesterday.”

“But I thought the house was not yours? Not until the Court of Chancery rules if the new will is valid or not?”

“I stopped by last night and spoke with the servants. After explaining the situation and assuring them that if my uncle inherits and the chair is not rightfully mine to give, I shall write to my uncle and inform him of my taking it. I cannot think he will mind at that point, considering he would have most likely received everything else, but if he does, I shall send him the sum to cover the expense. For both that and the mirror.”

“The mirror?”

With a rueful expression, Nash revealed his concealed hand. It was covered in a thick bandage.

Cecily’s eyes widened. “What happened?”

“Even with a candle, the storage room was dark and difficult to navigate. When I attempted to cross the maze of crates and trunks, I tripped, shattering a mirror, and cutting my hand.”

She lifted a hand to her mouth, mindlessly taking a few more steps until she stopped near to where he stood on the threshold. “Are you in earnest?”

“You cannot know how badly I wish I was not. Though do not tell Lady Bridget of it. She will cast me off as a hopeless cause for the next seven years.”

Cecily could not help herself, and she smiled. “Well, I’m sorry for it.”

“You don’t look sorry. Though I should expect as much, since you are in part to blame for this.”

She gawked at him. “How do you figure?”

“I had hoped to have you join me on the outing, but as you had already retired for the night by the time I arrived home, I was forced to see to the task without your oversight.” He glanced down at his hand, shaking his head. “Apparently, this is what happens when I’m left to my own devices.”

Though she knew he was only jesting about bringing her along, the very thought of the two of them making their way through a darkened storage room together made Cecily’s insides whirl in a way that confirmed it was a good thing she had retired directly after her return from the park. But she could not let him get the better of her. “Such sound logic. To think, the whole fiasco might have been prevented, had I only been there.”

He smiled at her teasing response. “Do not let it weigh too heavily upon you. Though if you wish to make it up to me, I might be able to suggest a way to do so.”

She tucked her lips into a straight line, quelling her delight, but only just. It was definitely time for Nash to be on his way. “I shall meet you at the study when I’m readied, but you had best leave before Mrs. Batton finds you standing outside of my bedroom door. Or your mother, for that matter.”

“Ah. So it is to be your bedroom now? I suppose I could get used to that idea.”

She pinned him with a look, her smile near to breaking through. “You are utterly⁠—”

“Ridiculous,” he finished for her. “So I have been told. Almost exclusively by you. Though Rothsburg has mentioned it a time or two.”

She shook her head. “I shall see you downstairs.”