Page 70 of A Match of Misfortune

“On second thought,” Nash said, “I’ll gladly come along.”

Of course he would. Cecily could hardly blame him for claiming another benefit of their arrangement—a victory over his long-time rival, as temporary as it was. Though she could not help but feel sorry for Lord Harlow.

“We won’t plan to stay the whole of it,” Rothsburg said. “Last time, it went far too late, and Bridget needs her rest.”

Bridget’s eyes flicked upward, though her smile made it obvious she found his coddling endearing.

Nash folded his arms across his chest, and his eyes landed expectantly on his cousin. “And why would your wife need rest? Is there something you’ve neglected to tell me, Rothsburg?”

Rothsburg’s mouth opened, then closed again, his brow pinching together. “Did I not mention Lady Bridget is with child?”

“Not to me, though everyone else seems to have been let in on the happy news.”

An unrepentant grin lit Rothsburg’s face. “Are you pouting?”

Nash’s eyes narrowed slightly, though even from where Cecily stood, she could see the corners of his mouth twitching. “I have every right to pout. This was a monumental announcement, and you failed to mention it to me.”

“Not unlike how you forgot to tell me you had offered for Miss Bradshaw, all the while insisting you did not care for her in that way.”

The comment had a force to it that Cecily was unprepared for, but she quickly trained her expression lest anyone glimpse her hurt. She knew Nash did not care for her. Their betrothal was only temporary. And instigated by her, no less. She was clearly allowing her wayward emotions too much influence.

But no more!

She would be stronger.

Cecily pulled back her shoulders and forced out a smile, hoping she appeared entirely impervious to the comment. “Is that so?”

Nash’s expression was guarded when he met Cecily’s taunting stare. “I only said it because, at the time, I did not realize you returned my affections.”

It did not matter that he sounded genuine. She knew the truth.

“What is that contraption?” Fredrick asked, changing the subject at the most opportune moment.

“It’s for Adelaide,” Nash said. “So that she may join us at the menagerie.”

“Capital idea!” Fredrick moved closer to look at the mechanics of it. “Can it be pulled as well as steered?”

“It can. I’ve even heard of a small pony being harnessed to the handle.”

“Like a chaise for one person,” Bridget said from where she stood near the drawing room doors.

“Exactly.”

Fredrick gave an enthusiastic smile. “How do I get a ride?”

Jamison beamed with confidence at supposedly knowing the answer. “Nash said that if you ask Adelaide nicely, and she agrees to it, you can ride on her lap.” He paused, looking from Fredrick to a blushing Adelaide. “You’re bigger than her, though.”

Fredrick chuckled. “Perhaps I’ll need to convince her to ride on mine, then.”

Jamison nodded, likely having no idea that the suggestion was completely improper.

With one quick smile toward Adelaide, Fredrick set his attention on a bouncing Theo. “Is this young man your brother?”

“It is,” Jamison affirmed. “His name is Theo. And who are you?”

He smiled. “You do not remember me, Jamison? I am your favorite cousin, Fredrick. Though it has been a few years since we’ve seen one another, so I shall forgive you for not recalling that detail. Or me.” Fredrick pointed at him. “This time only, though.”

Jamison gave a nod, but the uncertain smile on his lips made it apparent he thought Fredrick was teasing him. Or at least suspected as much.