Page 83 of A Match of Misfortune

Nash handed her the handle.

“I can push her,” Fredrick said, stepping up behind the Bath chair.

“Very well.” Nash relinquished his position, and Fredrick began to push the chair at a cautious pace, allowing Adelaide time to figure out the mechanics of the steering. She and Jamison laughed as she did so, drawing attention from people walking nearby. Several passersby sent curious glances, but a few smiled at the scene.

“How was the wherry ride?” Nash asked, stepping in next to Cecily. She noticed the way his brow glistened, and she could only imagine how quickly he must have made his way with the Bath chair to ensure they didn’t wait too long.

“I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. In part thanks to Jamison and how excited he was about the whole thing, and in part from being able to watch Adelaide experience it.” Cecily dropped her gaze, feeling as though she needed to thank Nash for making all of this possible, but she wasn’t sure she had the words at the moment. “It truly was enchanting. Like a storybook fairy tale. I am sorry you could not come.”

“It is probably for the best. I likely would have tipped the boat or caused some other sort of ill to fall upon our party.”

She smiled, though she could not deny that when they’d arrived at the docks and saw to getting Adelaide and Jamison situated in the boat, a similar thought had crossed her mind.

“Look, it is Lord and Lady Walton,” Bridget said, drawing their attention. “We should probably speak with them.”

Sure enough, the older gentleman was leisurely strolling toward them with his wife on his arm and a cane in his other hand. Their gazes caught on Adelaide and Jamison, who were a fair amount ahead of them now, and the look of disdain that passed between the couple made Cecily’s blood boil.

Lord Rothsburg gave a small groan, clearly feeling similar to Cecily about speaking with them. “Or I could point in the direction opposite and we can all pretend to take a great interest in an object. Perhaps that tree there, the one with the blossoms.” He looked to be considering it in earnest. “Should it be in bloom this early in the year? None of the others seem to have been told it was time to flower. Most fascinating.”

Cecily shared a smile with Nash and Mrs. Markham.

“Do not be silly, my love. The Waltons are well respected among the ton and may prove a support to us. Lord and Lady Walton!” Bridget lifted a hand before her husband could protest a second time. The couple glanced their way, having just caught sight of their group. Or at least acting as though they had. “How fortuitous we should see you here. I was just thinking of our last conversation, and I have been eager to know how your daughter and her new husband are faring.”

“Quite well,” Lord Walton said, clearly avoiding Nash’s gaze, though his wife seemed unable to keep hers from drifting to him. With the scowl she wore, however, Cecily was fairly certain Lady Walton was not simply appreciating his beauty. Or she was, and it vexed her how handsome of a man he was. “It is most kind of you to think of her.”

“Miss Walt— No, I suppose it is Mrs. Baker now, is the dearest of ladies. I was so pleased when she and Mr. Baker made a match of it.” She paused. “But forgive my poor manners. In my excitement, I forgot to make introductions. You know my husband, of course, and I believe you have already met Miss Bradshaw?”

“We have,” Lady Walton said.

“Of course.” Bridget gestured to Mrs. Markham. “This is Lord Rothsburg’s aunt, Mrs. Markham, and his cousin, who is also Miss Bradshaw’s betrothed, Mr. Nash Markham.”

Lord Walton gave a curt nod. “I know the name.”

“He has recently returned from six years abroad, where he has proved himself a very capable merchant.” Bridget’s gaze settled on him, expectantly.

Nash smiled. “That is a most gener⁠—”

“I heard of the mishap with your ship,” Lord Walton interrupted. “Any news of it?”

Nash seemed to bristle at Lord Walton’s directness. “Unfortunately, no.”

“Interesting. I have heard the wreck has been confirmed.”

“It has been confirmed that a ship ran aground off the Cape Verde Islands, but not that it was my ship.”

“All the same, the whole situation seems rather suspicious.”

Cecily could hardly stand to watch this barrage for another moment. As though Nash didn’t feel badly enough about what had occurred. “Let me assure you, my lord, unlike most merchants, Mr. Markham truly cares about the success of his investors.”

Lord Walton quirked a brow, his steely eyes returning to Nash. “Enough to put his own money on the line? Front the insurance payback with all that wealth he’s accrued as a nabob?”

Nash did not say a word, but his jaw flexed.

“That is what I thought,” Lord Walton said, extending his arm to his wife again. “We should be on our way.”

“Are you coming?” Jamison called as they approached, drawing the collective gaze of their group.

Adelaide, upon realizing they were speaking with others, shushed Jamison.