Page 86 of A Match of Misfortune

“That sounds delightful.”

“What of the Cascade?” Nash asked. “She must see that as well.”

“The Cascade?” Cecily asked, glancing between the three of them.

Lady Bridget scrunched up her nose. “It is difficult to explain. It is sort of an artificial waterfall made through mechanics. Watching it, you will be stunned to remember it is not real. It runs once a night and only for ten or so minutes.”

“Might we head to the woodlands before they ring the bell to announce it?” Nash asked. “That way, Miss Bradshaw can have an unimpeded view of the waterworks.”

Lady Bridget nodded. “Yes, let’s do that.”

“Does the bell ring at nine?” Lord Rothsburg asked.

His wife shook her head. “Ten.”

“We shall have plenty of time to take dinner, then.” His gaze moved to his wife. “And it would probably be wise for you to rest awhile. Make certain you don’t overtire yourself.”

She took hold of his arm, smiling up at him. “I feel perfectly well, my love.”

Nash offered Cecily his escort, and with no hesitation, she took hold of his arm. That was certainly an improvement.

As they sauntered their way toward the Grove, Nash leaned in close to Cecily. “Just so you are aware, I am not opposed to you stealing a kiss from me tonight.”

Cecily kept her gaze forward, but he could tell she was fighting a smile by the way the corner of her lip lifted slightly. “Still trying to get your luck back, I see.”

She could keep his luck for all he cared. He simply required an excuse to kiss her.

THE CASCADE WAS as mesmerizing as Nash remembered, though he had to admit it might have less to do with the improvements they had made since he’d last been to Vauxhall and more to do with watching Cecily experience it. When the roar of the water had subsided and the thick curtain again covered the scene, Nash glanced over at her for the hundredth time since they’d entered the woodland. Cecily’s smile remained where it had been the entirety of the display.

“What did you think?” he asked.

She blinked a few times, then her eyes met his. “It was incredible.”

Lady Bridget was clearly pleased by her declaration. “I’m certain they’ve repainted the scene behind the waterfall since I was last here. It was so realistic.”

Cecily nodded. “As you said, I truly had to keep reminding myself it was not real.”

“So, where shall we go to watch the fireworks?” Rothsburg asked. “I should like to find a bench where Bridget may sit.”

“The Dark Walk is nearby,” Lady Bridget said. “It has a few benches along the path and has far fewer lights, so we can better see the fireworks.”

Nash sent Cecily a teasing look. “I’m not opposed.”

“The Dark Walk?” Cecily appeared hesitant. “Surely that is the very sort of place that Mrs. Markham wished for us to avoid.”

“If we stay together, we should be fine,” Rothsburg said.

Cecily’s lips parted. “If you meant for your comment to be reassuring, it was not in the least.”

Rothsburg laughed.

“The Dark Walk truly is the best place to see the fireworks,” Nash said.

Cecily lowered her chin. “How many young ladies have you said those words to?”

Lady Bridget’s hand covered her laugh, and Rothsburg’s look was far from helpful.

Nash crossed his arms, attempting to appear irritated by the comment. “I’ll have you know, you are the first.” He might be a bit of a flirt, but in all honesty, women had always terrified him. Or more specifically, what terrified him was the influence a woman might have over him if he allowed it. But it seemed he had no choice in the matter. He hadn’t for some time now.