Page 68 of A Match of Misfortune

“And you’re sure you don’t need help with those buttons?” He lifted his injured hand. “My fingers remain unaffected by my injury.”

Cecily appraised his teasing look, and she hated how he always seemed to have the upper hand in their interactions. She gathered her hair and pulled it over her shoulder, turning just enough that he would glimpse her bare neck and possibly even the buttons needing fastened, but not her back itself. “Well, I suppose if you are willing …”

Nash’s throat bobbed, and he took an unintentional step backward.

At his amusing response, she gave a most unladylike laugh, attempting to cover it with her hand. “Forgive me, but I thought that would be the case.”

Now it was Nash’s turn to shake his head, and he stepped forward again, leaning himself against the doorframe. “And what would you have done had I accepted?”

Cecily would not cower. “You would not have. I was certain of it.”

His gaze dropped to her smiling lips. “You had best be careful. You might be entering a battle of wills you do not wish to take part in.”

“Perhaps.” She lifted a confident brow, despite how her insides were in commotion. “Though perhaps not. I never realized how entertaining it is to watch you squirm.”

Footsteps on the stairs had both of them glancing down the corridor. Without another thought, Cecily pushed Nash from her threshold and swiftly shut the door. Apparently, Nash was not the only one who pretended boldness where there was none.

CECILY STEPPED LIGHTLY when she passed the drawing room, hoping to go unseen on her route to the dining room. When she entered, Nash sent her a devilish smile. “I assume your buttons are soundly fastened?”

Cecily turned, showing him the straight row of buttons that traveled from her neck halfway down her back. “And Mrs. Batton didn’t get a drop of blood on my dress, as you likely would have.”

He laughed.

“Is that the Bath chair?” Cecily asked, glancing behind him.

Nash stepped to the side, fully revealing a canopied chair with two large metal wheels on each side and a third wheel in front that was attached to some sort of metal handle.

“It is larger than I thought,” she said. “And the wheels are made of iron.”

“That allows the chair to traverse the cobblestone and uneven surfaces.” He took hold of the long handle. “And this allows it to either be steered by the rider or be pulled from the front.”

Cecily considered it for a moment and nodded. “I think it will suit. I only hope she will agree.”

“Let’s find out, shall we?” He moved to the rear and pushed it forward, using the long horizontal bar at the back, but when it nearly hit the wall, Cecily took hold of the handle, guiding it through the doorway and into the large corridor at the base of the stairs. It was far easier to maneuver than it appeared.

“I shall fetch Adelaide,” Cecily said when the Bath chair was positioned. She stepped into the drawing room, smiling at the scene before her. Adelaide played soldiers with Jamison on the table near the settee while Mrs. Markham and Theo watched. “Well, isn’t this a cheerful image?”

“Auntie Cecily!” Jamison hopped up from his place and ran to give her a hug.

She stepped forward to make certain he didn’t glimpse the chair in the corridor and unintentionally give away the surprise. “Who is winning the battle?” Cecily asked, returning his embrace.

He gave a bright smile. “I am.”

“Only just,” Adelaide said with humor in her voice.

Cecily’s gaze lifted to her sister. “Adelaide, I was wondering if I might have a quick word with you.”

Mrs. Markham lowered her knowing smile, clearly having been told of what awaited her, while Adelaide gave Cecily a quizzical look. “Of course.”

Cecily moved behind her sister’s chair and carefully steered it toward the corridor. “Nash has something for you.”

“For me?” Adelaide followed Cecily’s gaze to where Nash stood, then it shifted to the chair. “What is that?”

“It is a Bath chair,” Nash said, shifting to the side so Adelaide could have a better look. “Your sister and I were hoping you might join us on our outing today.”

Adelaide glanced at Cecily as they continued forward. “In earnest?”

Cecily nodded.