Daniel waited near the door, watching the pair take their seats. Lady Juliette was by far the more beautiful. Or perhaps she was only more beautiful to him. He wished he was her equal in rank. Though he doubted whether she’d give him a second glance even if he were a peer of the realm. She had a German duke pursuing her.

“Yes, I have had many visitors, but not the ones I want. Solicitors, accountants, the vicar, old ladies who want to give me advice.”

“What about Alonzo? Has he not been to call?” Juliette frowned.

“I don’t know what to think about Alonzo. He’s hardly been here, and when he does come, he’s so distracted he might as well not have come at all. He does not stay long, and he won’t talk to me about whatever is bothering him.” She dug for her handkerchief. “He’s made no mention at all of our betrothal, and I don’t know what to do. I can’t ask him if he still means to marry me, can I?”

Maybe Coatsworth was having second … or third … thoughts, though why, Daniel couldn’t fathom. The viscount seemed quite taken with Miss Montgomery only a few days ago, and now she was no longer an heiress to a fortune but the possessor of it outright. What had changed for the man?

“I wish my mother was here to give you some guidance,” Juliette said. “She would know just what you should do.”

“I’ve got the dowager.” Agatha rolled her red-rimmed eyes. “She’s full of guidance. Everything from what I should wear, to when I should shift to half mourning, to when I will be allowed to be seen in public.”

Daniel could only imagine. The dowager was a woman of definite opinions and, even when she was correct, could make one want to rebel.

The ladies shared a rueful smile, and Agatha turned to Daniel. “I’m sorry, Mr. Swann. Please, do sit down. Are you any closer to finding out who killed my father?”

“The investigation is ongoing.” Which was a polite way of saying he had made little progress on the matter. He took the chair opposite, sitting upright on the front edge. “We’re making inquiries, and the engineer continues to test the structure for stability. He should have a report for you soon as to whether you can rebuild or if you should raze the mill and start over.”