Page 81 of A Match of Misfortune

“This has nothing to do with you,” Mrs. Markham reassured him.

Nash blew out a breath, seemingly not convinced.

A knock at the door was soon followed by the Rothsburgs’ voices in the entry hall.

“Why the forlorn faces?” Rothsburg asked, stepping into view.

Mrs. Markham handed him the newspaper. “The Royal Menagerie at the Exeter ‘Change is closed for the next two weeks.”

His eyes skimmed through the article, and he gave a little snort.

“What is funny?” Bridget asked, glancing at the article.

“Nothing,” he said, scrubbing a hand across his face to conceal his smile.

“By all means, go ahead and say it,” Nash said. “My bad luck is to blame.”

“On the contrary. If there is something the matter with the cages, it seems rather fortunate they discovered it before our visit. We don’t need you getting eaten by a bear.”

Jamison’s jaw slackened, and Cecily wrapped an arm around him, shaking her head. “He is just teasing your brother.”

“So, what are we to do now?” Bridget asked, glancing around. “It is a lovely day, and I yearn to be out.”

“What about the Tower of London?” Rothsburg offered. “Though I’ve heard the selection of animals there has been greatly reduced.”

“Vauxhall is now open,” Fredrick offered. “We could even take a wherry ride across the Thames from Westminster.”

“What’s a wherry?” Jamison whispered to Cecily.

“It’s a small boat.”

His frown instantly morphed into a smile. “Let’s do that!”

Mrs. Markham seemed to consider the idea. “The paths would be suitable for the Bath chair, and since we are taking two carriages, I can return with Jamison and Adelaide before … the later crowds come, and the rest of you can stay for the fireworks if you so choose.”

“Do we not have a social event on the calendar this evening?” Nash asked, looking from Cecily to Bridget and Rothsburg.

“Nothing tonight.” Bridget forced out a smile. Then she lifted a finger. “We do have Almack’s tomorrow.”

Nash considered her with unusual focus. “Anything else this week?”

Rothsburg and Bridget shared a nervous glance.

“Your invitations have stopped, haven’t they? And it is because of me.”

“We expected as much.” Bridget waved a dismissive hand. “Restoring a reputation takes time, and since you could not join us at Hyde Park, we have truly only had two outings. But I am still confident our plan will work. We simply need to continue visiting venues where an invitation is not required. Such as Vauxhall.”

“I do not want your reputations to suffer because of mine.”

Lord Rothsburg smiled. “Thankfully, you have no choice in the matter. Bridget and I have discussed the topic thoroughly, and we’ve made our decision. Miss Bradshaw as well. You, cousin, are stuck with our support.”

Bridget gave a firm nod. “We are on the right side of this.”

Nash glanced between the three of them. “I don’t deserve it, but I thank you.”

Rothsburg lifted his hands, turning to the others. “So, Vauxhall it is?”

Everyone nodded, and Jamison hopped to his feet, not appearing the least bit disappointed by their change of plans.