Page 78 of A Match of Misfortune

A weight lifted from Cecily’s chest. “How did Mr. Steele take the news?”

“He was upset at first, but by the time I left, he seemed almost apathetic to my refusal. He did question whether it was wise to risk both the security of my investors and the opportunity I was being given, considering my current state of misfortune, but I assured him I was certain of my choice.”

“Are you truly?”

He shrugged his shoulders lightheartedly. “As certain as I can be, I suppose.”

“And what are you to do now?”

“I fear I am in a waiting game for the time being. At least for the next month or so.”

“Well, I’m glad it is over with,” she said, not asking him about his plans if he did not receive word of his ship before then. Those plans likely included him leaving for India sooner than he’d initially intended. Yet again. Her gaze shifted to the table where Lord and Lady Darlington seemed to be finishing their game of commerce. “Perhaps we should get this next bit over with as well.”

Nash dropped his chin, sending Cecily a pointed look. “Please tell me you are not serious?”

“Will the night not go better once it is behind you?”

Nash’s gaze settled on Lady Darlington. “What if she refuses to speak to me?”

Cecily didn’t expect to feel so affected by his incertitude. “Is your confidence truly so shaken from a little bad luck?” she asked, hoping to pull a smile from him.

“A little bad luck? I’ve possibly lost my inheritance, my ship, and potentially a fair amount of my fortune. I’ve made a fool of myself in front of half the ton, I seem to be a magnet for disaster”—with that, he lifted his bandaged hand—“and I’m about to be blackballed from White’s. The only fortunate thing I can claim is our betrothal.” He glanced down at her, a despondent look in his eyes. “And, unfortunately, it is only temporary.”

Cecily’s heart leapt at his comment, then she fiercely and immediately reprimanded it for the wayward reaction. She well knew what Nash had meant—that it was unfortunate she had forced him into a situation people would gossip about when their betrothal inevitably ended. But they were too deep to change course now. She’d simply have to continue to do what she could to assist him in restoring his reputation. Which started with the two of them speaking with Lady Darlington.

She tightened her hold on his arm and started forward. “Come now.”

“Let it be noted,” he whispered as they approached. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“Just trust me.”

Two others waited ahead of Nash and Cecily, so when Lord and Lady Darlington finished the round and stood, the young couple took their place. Only then did Lady Darlington take note of Nash and Cecily lingering nearby. Her gaze flitted to her husband, but before she could offer their excuses, Cecily smiled. “Good evening, my lord, my lady. It is so good to see you both again.”

Cecily received two partial smiles as a response, but she would not be dissuaded. Nash was relying on her. “I have come to let you know that I have just had a letter from my father. He was delighted to hear I attended one of your balls and requested I pass on his greetings and well-wishes to you both.” Her gaze slid to Lord Darlington. “He also mentioned something about a cricket rematch? Would you know anything about that?”

Lord Darlington chuckled, settling his hands over his portly stomach. “I hate to disappoint him, but that won’t be happening. We were lucky enough to beat your father’s team the only time we played them. The whole lot of us swore we would never make a second attempt, knowing we would likely not come out victorious a second time.”

He said it as though the whole lot of them still played.

Cecily leaned in toward him, like she meant to offer some great secret. “Perhaps it would be useful to be made aware that he has not played the game since I was a young girl?”

“That is an interesting tidbit to consider.” His eyes twinkled with joviality, his gaze dropping to Cecily’s hand settled in the crook of Nash’s elbow. “I hear congratulations are in order.”

“Yes. I feel it is a most fortunate match.” Cecily glanced up at Nash, and despite knowing her words were a pretense, her stomach swooped at the smile he gave her.

“With how things have gone for me since my return, I am undeniably grateful you do not view it as the opposite—a match of misfortune.” His attention shifted back to Lord and Lady Darlington. “Though I do not doubt, with Miss Bradshaw at my side, things will soon turn around for me.”

Lady Darlington considered him. “You have had a rather rough go since your return to England.”

He gave a solemn shake of his head. “I’m especially sorry for the embarrassment I caused you. Truly. I had not…”

Lady Darlington lifted a staying hand. “What’s past is past. Truly. In fact, I’ve been meaning to thank you for the lovely bouquet you sent the morning after our ball. I’ve hardly seen the likes of it.”

“It was a very fine arrangement,” Lord Darlington agreed. “And most thoughtful of you.”

“It was the least I could do,” Nash insisted.

The group fell silent momentarily.