Page 40 of A Match of Misfortune (Bachelors of Blackstone’s #7)

Chapter Twenty-Three

C ecily’s stomach flitted about with nerves as she neared the McMillans’ drawing room on Nash’s arm.

After their day spent listening to Nash’s stories of India and playing games, it had been no easy task readying herself for an evening out.

She knew how important it was to be out amongst Society if they meant to help fix Nash’s reputation.

And after their excursion to Bond Street the previous day, it was clear it needed fixing.

But others had likely been told of their betrothal, and though she cared little about what they thought, a night spent accepting half-hearted congratulations seemed far from appealing.

But at least they would get it over with.

Bridget, who stood on Nash’s other side, sent him a reassuring look just before they entered. “Act confident that you belong here, and no one will question it.”

The encouragement was meant for Nash, but Cecily lifted her chin and squared her shoulders as they stepped across the threshold.

The din of voices quieted, and the collective gaze momentarily shifted to them. There were a few whispered exchanges, but everyone’s attention soon fell back to their companions seated at the half-dozen card tables set around the room.

“Lord and Lady Rothsburg,” Lady McMillan started toward their group with outstretched hands directed at Bridget. “We are so glad you have come. And you as well, Miss Bradshaw.”

Cecily dipped a small curtsy.

Bridget released one of Lady McMillan’s hands and gestured toward Nash. “I don’t believe you’ve had the chance to meet Mr. Markham, Lord Rothsburg’s cousin.”

Lady McMillan’s gaze shot to Nash. “Mr. Markham,” she repeated, as though the name held significant meaning.

“Yes.” Bridget smiled sweetly. “He and Miss Bradshaw have recently announced their betrothal, and since we had already accepted the invitation for Miss Bradshaw, we convinced him to come along. I assured him you would not mind in the least.”

Lady McMillan’s gaunt face tightened, and Cecily worried she meant to turn them away directly, but then she gave a stiff nod. “Of course he is welcome.” This time, Lady McMillan’s eyes landed on Cecily before hesitantly moving to Nash. “And I wish you both felicitations for your upcoming nuptials.”

“Thank you,” Nash and Cecily said in unison.

With one long intake of breath, Lady McMillan turned back toward the tables full of guests, her gaze sweeping the room. “It seems all the tables are occupied at present, but if you wish to play, you may wait until a spot opens.”

“What games are being played?” Lord Rothsburg asked.

“Lord McMillan’s table is playing speculation, and I believe the others are mostly whist and farrow. Oh, except Lord and Lady Darlington. They have just started a game of commerce.”

Nash glanced in the direction Lady McMillan indicated, his lips pulling downward at the corners when he caught sight of Lady Darlington.

Without thinking, Cecily lifted her other hand to his arm and gave it a small squeeze of support.

A kindness she immediately regretted when he looked down at her with those light eyes so full of gratitude.

“It sounds like we have several options of play.” Lord Rothsburg took a step forward. “I myself am inclined toward speculation. How about you, my dear?”

“Speculation sounds delightful.” Bridget looked from Cecily to Nash. “Would you care to join us?”

Cecily offered a polite smile. “Perhaps shortly. I’ve always enjoyed commerce, myself.”

Nash stiffened at her side, but she did not release his arm.

Bridget’s gaze flicked toward the Darlingtons, then she nodded as though she understood.

“Very well. I shall come and find you after our game. Oh,” She leaned in close to Cecily so only she could hear.

“Don’t let Mr. Markham leave your side. We don’t need any other incidents to occur that might counter our attempts. ”

Cecily nodded her agreement. She well knew there was little she could do to truly stop an incident from occurring, but she found she preferred the idea of staying close to Nash. Lord Harlow was here, after all.

When the Rothsburgs and Lady McMillan strolled away, leaving Nash and Cecily standing alone, Cecily turned to him. “I never got to ask you about your meeting with Mr. Steele.” She hoped she didn’t sound too eager for his answer.

“I did not accept his offer. Not even when he countered my refusal by offering to cover the cost of my ship in addition to the cargo.”

“I hope I did not unduly influence you, because I fear I may have offered my opinion with a partial bias.”

He smiled. “And what bias was that?”

Warmth touched her cheek, but she refused to let him glimpse her unease. “My consideration was only for your family.”

“Only my family? ”

This time, she could not prevent her blush. “Mostly. I also considered Lord Rothsburg’s attachment to you.”

He gave a small chuckle. “Well, if it makes you feel better, I had already come to my decision. I simply needed help to see it.”

A weight lifted from Cecily’s chest. “How did Mr. Steele take the news?”

“He was upset at first, but by the time I left, he seemed almost apathetic to my refusal. He did question whether it was wise to risk both the security of my investors and the opportunity I was being given, considering my current state of misfortune, but I assured him I was certain of my choice.”

“Are you truly?”

He shrugged his shoulders lightheartedly. “As certain as I can be, I suppose.”

“And what are you to do now?”

“I fear I am in a waiting game for the time being. At least for the next month or so.”

“Well, I’m glad it is over with,” she said, not asking him about his plans if he did not receive word of his ship before then.

Those plans likely included him leaving for India sooner than he’d initially intended.

Yet again. Her gaze shifted to the table where Lord and Lady Darlington seemed to be finishing their game of commerce.

“Perhaps we should get this next bit over with as well.”

Nash dropped his chin, sending Cecily a pointed look. “Please tell me you are not serious?”

“Will the night not go better once it is behind you?”

Nash’s gaze settled on Lady Darlington. “What if she refuses to speak to me?”

Cecily didn’t expect to feel so affected by his incertitude. “Is your confidence truly so shaken from a little bad luck?” she asked, hoping to pull a smile from him.

“A little bad luck? I’ve possibly lost my inheritance, my ship, and potentially a fair amount of my fortune.

I’ve made a fool of myself in front of half the ton , I seem to be a magnet for disaster”—with that, he lifted his bandaged hand—“and I’m about to be blackballed from White’s.

The only fortunate thing I can claim is our betrothal.

” He glanced down at her, a despondent look in his eyes.

“And, unfortunately, it is only temporary.”

Cecily’s heart leapt at his comment, then she fiercely and immediately reprimanded it for the wayward reaction.

She well knew what Nash had meant—that it was unfortunate she had forced him into a situation people would gossip about when their betrothal inevitably ended.

But they were too deep to change course now.

She’d simply have to continue to do what she could to assist him in restoring his reputation.

Which started with the two of them speaking with Lady Darlington.

She tightened her hold on his arm and started forward. “Come now.”

“Let it be noted,” he whispered as they approached. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“Just trust me.”

Two others waited ahead of Nash and Cecily, so when Lord and Lady Darlington finished the round and stood, the young couple took their place.

Only then did Lady Darlington take note of Nash and Cecily lingering nearby.

Her gaze flitted to her husband, but before she could offer their excuses, Cecily smiled.

“Good evening, my lord, my lady. It is so good to see you both again.”

Cecily received two partial smiles as a response, but she would not be dissuaded.

Nash was relying on her. “I have come to let you know that I have just had a letter from my father. He was delighted to hear I attended one of your balls and requested I pass on his greetings and well-wishes to you both.” Her gaze slid to Lord Darlington.

“He also mentioned something about a cricket rematch? Would you know anything about that?”

Lord Darlington chuckled, settling his hands over his portly stomach.

“I hate to disappoint him, but that won’t be happening.

We were lucky enough to beat your father’s team the only time we played them.

The whole lot of us swore we would never make a second attempt, knowing we would likely not come out victorious a second time. ”

He said it as though the whole lot of them still played.

Cecily leaned in toward him, like she meant to offer some great secret. “Perhaps it would be useful to be made aware that he has not played the game since I was a young girl?”

“That is an interesting tidbit to consider.” His eyes twinkled with joviality, his gaze dropping to Cecily’s hand settled in the crook of Nash’s elbow. “I hear congratulations are in order.”

“Yes. I feel it is a most fortunate match.” Cecily glanced up at Nash, and despite knowing her words were a pretense, her stomach swooped at the smile he gave her.

“With how things have gone for me since my return, I am undeniably grateful you do not view it as the opposite—a match of misfortune.” His attention shifted back to Lord and Lady Darlington. “Though I do not doubt, with Miss Bradshaw at my side, things will soon turn around for me.”

Lady Darlington considered him. “You have had a rather rough go since your return to England.”

He gave a solemn shake of his head. “I’m especially sorry for the embarrassment I caused you. Truly. I had not…”