Page 82 of A Match of Misfortune

“Might I assist you?” Nash stepped in front of Cecily and offered a hand.

She took hold of it, aware that both Bridget and Mrs. Markham watched them, and allowed him to help her stand. “Thank you.”

“Have you been to Vauxhall?”

Cecily shook her head, her gaze sliding to her sister, who was being lifted from her chair by Fredrick. The utter joy that radiated from her face warmed Cecily straight through. “No, but I find I am most eager for the experience.”

The way Nash looked at her sent her heart pounding. “As am I.”

THE WHERRY RIDE across the Thames from Westminster was far more enjoyable than Cecily had thought it would be. She only wished Nash could have joined them. Instead, upon realizing the boat could not accommodate Adelaide’s Bath chair, he had volunteered to take the carriage across the newly constructed Vauxhall Bridge and meet them at the river entrance as soon as he was able.

“Where is Nash?” Jamison asked, glancing around once Lord Rothsburg assisted him off the boat.

Mrs. Markham took hold of his hand. “He is to meet us inside the entrance.”

Cecily allowed Lord Rothsburg’s help, then moved aside so he could help to steady the boat while Fredrick lifted Adelaide.

One of the wherry workers hurried over to give assistance, but besides a steadying grip on Fredrick’s elbow as he stepped over the side, Fredrick managed it on his own.

“Let me know if you wish for me to take a turn carrying Adelaide,” Lord Rothsburg said as the group started up the Vauxhall Stairs.

“I think I can manage.”

Although Fredrick took after the Markham side and Adelaide was petite in figure, it was a fair distance to the grand entrance, and Cecily was certain Fredrick would soon tire. But having Adelaide cradled against his chest, her smiling eyes upon him, seemed to give him the strength to see the task through.

When they’d paid the three shillings and sixpence per person to enter, Cecily located a bench near the entrance where Adelaide could rest until the Bath chair arrived. She gestured to Fredrick. “You can set her here.”

Carefully, he lowered her down, then took the seat next to her. Her sister’s cheeks were rosy, and her green eyes shone in the daylight. Cecily also couldn’t help but notice the smiles Fredrick gave her, along with his unwavering focus. It seemed more than just kindness, as she’d previously assumed. Something more akin to interest. Had Papa been wrong in his worry? Could Adelaide find a gentleman who would accept her as she was?

If so, what did that mean for Cecily and the promise she’d made to herself?

As quickly as the thought came, she forced it aside again. She would not be swayed in her resolve. Even if the opportunity ever presented itself, Adelaide was still years away from marriage. There was so much that could happen in that time. So much that could change.

“They seem to prefer one another’s company,” Mrs. Markham whispered, following Cecily’s gaze.

“Yes, though I fear it will only lead to heartbreak.” Cecily watched as Fredrick said something that made Adelaide giggle. Even if Fredrick came to love her, would he marry her? Would he be allowed to? Despite how deeply Cecily wished it could be so, it seemed too distant a hope. “For them both, possibly.”

Mrs. Markham sighed, as though she had come to a similar conclusion.

“There is Nash!” Jamison called, taking off in a sprint, his arms waving above his head.

Sure enough, Nash was coming down a path toward them, pulling the Bath chair as if he were a creature of labor with a small, empty carriage behind him. Truly an ox of a man. Cecily bit back her smile, thinking of all the looks he’d likely received as he’d made his way to them.

“Did you enjoy the boat ride?” he asked Jamison, the volume of his voice easily reaching them even with the distance.

Jamison nodded enthusiastically, though his voice was not loud enough for Cecily to hear his response. Nash gestured for Jamison to climb on the chair and handed him the handle before moving behind the chair to push it. “Straight ahead.”

With a few jolting movements, Jamison quickly figured out the steering and maneuvered it impressively close to where Adelaide sat. Jamison jumped off, and Nash moved in front of Adelaide. He gave a low, overdone bow. “Your carriage awaits, my lady.”

She smiled up at him. “Thank you.”

“Anything for you.” He gave her a wink that made Adelaide giggle again. “Now, may I have the great honor of transporting you to your chair?”

“You may.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, and with overly heedful movements, he safely delivered her into the seat. “Now the real question is, should you like to steer, or would you prefer to be pulled?”

“I should like to try and steer. At least until the path becomes more crowded or I prove myself incapable.” She glanced around until her gaze landed on Jamison. “You seemed to have figured it out quickly. Do you wish to join me so that you can teach me how I am to go about it?”

Jamison scurried into the chair, squeezing in next to her.