Page 73 of A Match of Misfortune

Nash’s lips parted in feigned offense. He was simply glad she was no longer ignoring him. “Flirt?”

She gave him a little shrug. “You are.”

Rothsburg shook his head, gestured to Nash again, then did an exaggerated arch and pointed out the window.

“India,” Adelaide said.

Rothsburg clapped his hands together loudly. “Well done. I was sure no one would guess it.”

Adelaide’s cheeks grew pink when he handed her the paper. “I’ll go next.”

Fredrick retrieved the hat for her, and she picked out a word. Upon reading it, she smiled and set it on her lap. Placing her arms together and lowering them down, she rocked her arms from side to side.

“Baby,” Cecily said right before Nash and his mother called out the same. She was far too quick.

Lady Bridget gestured at Cecily. “It is Cecily’s again. Now who’s next?”

Cecily and Mother shared a glance, as though trying to decide who would go, until Mother stood. After reading her slip of paper, she also pointed at Nash before pointing at Cecily as well.

“Match,” Lady Bridget called.

“Marriage,” Fredrick said.

Mother shook her head, but her hands moved in a roundabout gesture as though they were on the right track.

“Love,” Nash hollered, and he did not miss the way Cecily’s gaze shot to him, though he pretended not to notice. Let her try to make something of that.

“Betrothal,” both Rothsburg and Fredrick said at nearly the same time.

“Yes.” Mother glanced between them. “Who said it first?”

“I did,” they again said in unison.

Mother looked to Lady Bridget as though she were the final say.

“Tear it in half. They can each receive half a point.”

Rothsburg gave a huff. “He can have it.”

Lady Bridget put a hand on her husband’s, giving an affectionate squeeze, and Nash was not the least bit surprised to see Cecily watching them with a look of admiration. Again, he couldn’t help but wonder at her reasons for not wanting to marry.

“Would you like to go next?” Cecily asked, meeting his stare.

Nash shook his head and gestured for her to go. “Ladies first.”

There were only two words left, and one was his. Cecily put her hand into the hat and pulled out a slip of paper. Her gaze lifted to Nash, then flicked to the ceiling.

Nash smiled. She’d gotten his word.

Looking less than thrilled, she lifted the back of her hand and pressed her lips to it.

“Kiss!” Lady Bridget shouted with a victorious smile.

Cecily handed her the paper.

“That seemed far too easy,” Nash said, and by the look Cecily returned, she was well aware of what he actually implied.

“As this is the last round, let’s see where everyone stands regarding points,” Lady Bridget said. “I believe Cecily is winning with two.” Cecily shot Nash a pointed smirk. “Fredrick, Adelaide, and I each have one. And the rest of you have not yet won. But here is your chance.”