Page 90 of A Match of Misfortune

Cecily’s gaze flicked to the ceiling. She admitted that at first she had thought Lord Harlow was the one responsible for spreading word about Nash’s ship. But when she had asked him about it, he was so earnest in his declaration that she couldn’t help but believe him. Besides, Lord Rothsburg said the original rumors spoke of how the ship had run aground. Lord Harlow had heard no such details. “Was there something you required?”

“I was hoping you might come and play a game of chess with me in the library.”

The very idea of being alone with Nash, particularly after last night, and more particularly after the conversation he’d just overheard, caused Cecily’s insides to go into a state of turmoil. “I would, but I am helping Adelaide with her filigree. Perhaps you would be willing to assist us?”

Nash glanced down at the thin paper strips and small pin, then lifted his bandaged hand. “I’m not sure how effective I’ll be at it, but I could keep you and Adelaide company if that is⁠—”

“No,” Adelaide said, pulling the pin from Cecily’s fingers mid-wrap. The paper strip unraveled in a quick burst. “Cecily has helped me long enough. You two should play chess.”

Trying not to scowl at her sister for her well-intentioned betrayal, Cecily stood. “It seems it is decided.”

Nash wore a victorious smile as he followed her from the drawing room.

“If your mother returns from her morning visits to find the two of us alone in the library, you had best not place the blame on me.”

“When have I ever placed the blame on you?” Nash asked, the picture of innocence.

The chess board was all set up, and Cecily took a seat across from him. “Did you play often in India?”

“I did.” His grin broadened, and he gestured to the board. “Ladies first.”

Cecily moved one of her pawns and waited for him to do the same. She and Papa had played regularly over the years, but she worried it would not be enough to claim a victory over Nash. And she very much wanted to do exactly that.

They carried on in near silence, each moving their pieces in turn. It was clear Nash wanted to win as much as Cecily, but the further they got into the game, the more her confidence grew. When Cecily captured Nash’s bishop, she glanced up at him. “Check.”

His gaze flitted across the board, and he quickly realized what her next play would be. There was no way to avoid it. Hesitantly, he slid his king one space forward.

So ecstatic was she, Cecily’s smile stretched beyond its previously achieved limits as she moved her bishop. “Check mate.”

“I can’t believe I just lost.” He leaned back in his chair, appraising her with folded arms. “I’m blaming my atrocious luck.”

She leaned forward, placing her elbows on the table and her hands beneath her chin, unable to subdue her gloating smile even a little. “I expected you’d say that. Perhaps while you are suffering from such an unfortunate state, we should have an archery rematch? Or a footrace? I’d love to see how I manage to beat you there.”

He dipped his chin forward. “Your compassion for my trial is truly inspiring.”

“My compassion comes in helping you accept that this is to be the way of things now—you, living like the rest of us. Losing at charades. And chess. And whatever we play next.”

His gaze roved over her amused expression. “So I’m forever to traverse from disappointment to disappointment?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“There’s nothing to be done about it? No way to attempt to reverse it?”

Nerves hummed inside her at what he implied, but she shook her head.

“You don’t look certain.”

“You are leaving for India soon,” Cecily blurted, changing the playful mood instantly. It was as if she herself needed the reminder.

“And I can do nothing to convince you to come with me.” It was a statement, but the question reflected in his eyes.

Nash wanted her to return to India with him! Her heart soared at the acknowledgment before she could force it back into place. “I cannot leave Adelaide. You know that.”

“I do,” he whispered, a frown settling itself on his lips.

Cecily pulled her gaze from his mouth. She recognized the feeling of heedless yearning intensifying within her and how desperately she wanted to give in to that feeling. She stood, taking a few backward steps, and gestured with her thumb over her shoulder. “Now that our game has finished, shall we see how Adelaide’s filigree is coming along?”

“Cecily.” Her Christian name on his lips paused her. “I wish I could stay here in England.”