Page 85 of A Match of Misfortune

“For what?”

“For making today possible.” Cecily swallowed down the emotions threatening to choke her. “And for being Adelaide’s champion.”

His gaze slid sideways, and their eyes met again. “I will always champion her.”

Cecily did not doubt he meant it, but that would be quite the feat all the way from India.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Since Nash’s chat with Adelaide, he’d truly done his best to enjoy himself. Despite his tense exchange with Lord Walton. Despite the occasional slights he received. Despite how he wished to wallop any person who looked at Adelaide unkindly. And despite how uncertain everything currently seemed. He was at Vauxhall with Cecily. He meant to make the most of it, especially since he’d managed to convince her to stay for the fireworks with a little help from his mother, the Rothsburgs, and, most importantly, Adelaide.

“Can I at least walk you to the carriage?” Nash asked his mother.

She pinned him with a look of censure for his repeated question. “We can manage. Fredrick said he can help the coachman secure the chair if required.”

Fredrick gave him a nod of reassurance.

Nash felt better knowing his cousin would accompany his mother, Adelaide, and Jamison home. “Very well.”

Adelaide aimed a meaningful smile at Nash. “Enjoy yourself.”

“I am determined to.” He sent her a wink.

“Though perhaps not too much,” Mother said, sending him another look.

Nash lowered his brow, as though he did not understand. “Whatever do you mean?”

She swatted at him. “You well know what I mean.”

His gaze shifted to Cecily. “Did you hear that? You mustn’t try to steal a kiss from me tonight. It would not be proper.”

Cecily’s cheeks grew pink in the late afternoon light. “I assure you, I had no such intentions.”

The others laughed, and Nash gestured to Cecily, though his attention had returned to his mother. “Has she set your mind at ease?”

A blush colored Mother’s cheeks as well. “I am not so much worried about that as with the … sort of company that gathers at Vauxhall at night.”

“Wait. So what I’m hearing is that you are not opposed to us sneaking kisses?”

Mother huffed, her smile betraying her.

Rothsburg stepped up next to him. “I shall make certain he behaves himself.”

With one last pointed look at Nash, she sent Rothsburg a grateful smile. “That would be very much appreciated.”

Cecily gave Jamison, who was again seated on the chair with Adelaide, a hug, then leaned down to speak with her sister. “Nash said, once you are old enough, he will make certain you can see the fireworks.”

Adelaide sent Nash a grateful smile.

With one last kiss upon her sister’s cheek, Cecily allowed Fredrick to start the chair forward, and Mother stepped in next to him, lifting a parting hand toward the remaining four.

“So, what is the plan?” Rothsburg asked, looking between Lady Bridget, Cecily, and Nash.

“We have a supper-box reserved in an hour,” Lady Bridget said, “so we could return to the Rotunda Theater as it is very near there.”

“Or we could continue to enjoy the fresh air and walk about the Grove.” Rothsburg suggested, clearly not wishing to endure another musical performance.

“That could work. The glass lanterns about the Orchestra will soon be lit, and I’m eager for Cecily to see it.” She turned an excited smile on Cecily. “It is a magnificent sight. The whole thing is alight and glows with all different colors.”