Posy sighed and snuggled in closer. The dogs were usually taken on their walk when Edward and Gaia, her eighteen-month old nephew and niece, were being bathed. What had happened? Eleanor finally heard the sound of rain splattering on the windows. No riding this morning, but she still had to write a note to Charlie. She glanced down at the sleeping Dane and decided to get out of bed on the other side so as not to disturb her. The second she abandoned her pillow, Posy’s head found it. Eleanor padded around to the side of the bed, stuck her feet in her slippers, then went to her writing table and drew out a sheet of pressed paper. She considered giving him a full explanation but decided to just tell him she must speak with him, and it was urgent. After sealing the missive, she reached for the bell-pull.

“I thought you would sleep in this morning,” Jobert said.

“I probably would have, but”—Eleanor glanced at the bed—“I had company.”

“There she is! They’ve been looking all over for her.” Her maid smiled. “She took one look at the rain and ran back inside.”

“That sounds like something she would do.” Indeed, it was what any self-respecting Dane would do. Eleanor handed her maid the letter. “I need this to go to Stanwood House immediately. It is for my brother.”

“I’ll see it done.” Jobert went to the door. “I’ll be right back. If you start washing, I’ll get your gown out.”

“Thank you.” With any luck, Charlie would join them for breakfast and they would be able to talk afterward. If there was not something pressing at the Lords today.

But there was. Charlie is taking his seat in the House of Lords today, and the family is to watch it from the gallery.

Perhaps this was not a good time. “I should not have bothered him with the letter this morning.”

It was too late now. Eleanor washed and donned her chemise, stockings, and robe. Jobert had laid out a day gown. “Should I not dress to go out?”

“Her ladyship said you will all have time to change.” Her ladyship was always Grace. “Very well.” Perhaps he would have time to talk to her. From the bed, Posy sighed in her sleep. “I feel like I should cover her.”

Jobert glanced at the bed and shook her head. “Rain or no, she is going to have to get up soon.”

Eleanor was not so sure about that. Duke had once gone a whole day without going outside. She looked at the clock. It was still early, but the tea might be ready.

Elizabeth, her four-year-old niece, came into the bedchamber walking on tiptoes and whispered, “I heard she was here.” She had the Carpenter blond hair, but the Vivers lapis-blue eyes. She turned those eyes on Eleanor. “She is hiding.”