“But all of the family accounts…” Ellie could not disclose Elsmore’s financial arrangements to anybody. “There is a common thread, and I missed it.”

All of the family accounts were handled, ultimately, through the bank, where more family was employed. Ellie had pointed fingers at Elsmore’s sisters, aunts, mama, and widowed cousin when, in fact, they were very likely not the issue.

“Your Grace, please excuse me. An urgent matter of business requires my attention.”

The duchess set down her biscuit untasted. “I’ll have the coach brought around for you.”

“I haven’t time to wait for the coach, ma’am. I’ll just be leaving.”

“Take the dog,” the duchess said, rising. “Lord Stephen can send him back with a footman. The poor pup hasn’t been getting enough exercise because the weather has been so disobliging, but today is at least sunny.”

The dog was on his feet, looking toothy and hopeful.

“Very well, I’ll take Wodin, but I really must be on my way.”

*  *  *

“Elsmore, a pleasure.” Lord Jeremy bowed, shook hands, and took the seat opposite Rex at the table for two. Rex had asked the waiter for a spot in the corner where a man could see who else was in the room without half of them eavesdropping on his conversation.

“My lord, the pleasure is mine.” Rex had nearly declined the invitation, because what mattered this empty ritual, when the outcome for his lordship and Lady Rachel was all but assured? And yet, Rachel mattered to Rex very much, and being seen to share a meal with Lord Jeremy was a step in a dance that led to Rachel’s wishes coming true.

If ever a fellow had enthusiastically embarked on a courtship, Lord Jeremy was that man. He’d driven out with Rachel, waltzed with her, and walked home from services with her. She beamed at him, played duets with him, and lingered on his arm after the one dance they shared at each gathering.

Having not only seen some of this billing and cooing, but also having heard about it at length from his mother and sisters, Rex was struck by how badly he’d bungled anything resembling a courtship with Eleanora.

“I’ve taken the liberty of ordering the wine,” Rex said, “though we can add to the selection depending on your preferences.”

This meal had been at his lordship’s invitation, and Rex had come straight from the bank, after an afternoon spent poring over Howell’s books. Lord Jeremy was a convivial dinner companion, regaling Rex with family anecdotes and holiday stories.

This too was part of a well-planned courtship, familiarizing the head of the lady’s family with the suitor’s estates, connections by marriage, and other assets. Why hadn’t Rex bothered with these courtesies where Ellie was concerned? His sisters would love her, and she and his mother would be a wicked pair to oppose at whist.