Page 92 of A Match of Misfortune

“Oh, look at that,” Nash said, pointing to one still on the tray. “The letter I wrote to my parents right before leaving India has only just arrived.”

Cecily smiled. “They will be glad to know you’re finally on your way.”

Nash chuckled and turned his attention back to the butler. “Thank you, Caldwell.”

Caldwell bowed and left the room.

Cecily peered down at her letter. The handwriting was certainly Bridget’s, and she carefully unfolded it.

Cecily,

Regrettably, Mr. Markham’s voucher for Almack’s has been retracted. To support him, Oswald and I think it best if we also do not attend. I felt confident you would feel similar, though where I lack insight is whether he should be told. I shall, therefore, leave that up to your discretion. We shall be in touch soon to discuss our next outing. We might consider the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. With Adelaide’s propensity toward the creative, I believe she would very much enjoy it.

Bridget

She quickly folded the note again. Nash did not need to know of his voucher being retracted or that he was the cause for them canceling their plans for this evening. When she glanced up, Nash was still reading his letter, his brow puckered as he did so. Surely a letter written on a pink piece of paper could not bear bad news. He gave a small laugh and shook his head.

“What is it?” Cecily asked, too curious for good manners.

“The vote for White’s took place this morning.” His gaze met hers. “It seems I have officially been blackballed.”

“They sent you a letter about it on pink paper?”

He lifted the letter slightly. “No. This is from Lord Blackstone extending an invitation for me to join his club, but he shares the results of the voting.”

“He’s certain you’ve been blackballed?”

“If Blackstone says I have, it must be so.”

“I’m sorry for it.”

“In truth, I’ve been expecting this news for a while now.”

“And do you mean to join Blackstone’s?”

He chuckled. “It seems the thing to do when one has been blackballed.”

“I’m sorry the vote occurred before our …” Her gaze lowered briefly, her cheeks growing warm again. “…our kiss. Perhaps if it had been after, you would not have been blackballed.”

“Oh, but that kiss didn’t count.”

Her eyes widened. “I thought you said it could be any sort of kiss.”

“Yes, but you did not say the words. So, if that was your hope in allowing me to kiss you, I fear we must try a second time.”

The thought of a second kiss made Cecily’s insides shudder, but in a good way. In a way that made her wish to have another attempt without delay. “It is also important to note that it was you who kissed me. I believe I’m supposed to be the instigator.”

Nash gave a serious nod, as though they were discussing a most critical matter. “It is decided, then. We must try again. Perhaps more than once.”

Cecily laughed, and his gaze shifted to the note in her hand.

“Who is that from?” he asked.

“Oh.” Cecily placed it behind her back. “Bridget had to cancel for this evening. She and Lord Rothsburg send their apologies.”

He stepped to the side, his gaze lowering to where she held the note. “If that is the case, might I read it?”

Cecily shook her head, attempting a look of innocence. “I have already told you what it says.”