They started walking down the corridor. “They are mountains in the north of Spain, but they do not really want to be part of Spain. . . .”

Phinn stared after them. “She will be an excellent mother. Everywhere we went children loved her.”

“She’ll have your children traveling the world.” Charlie grinned.

“That is not such a bad thing.” Phinn strode after his wife and niece.

“Do you think they will stay in England?” Eleanor asked as she walked toward one of the front parlors.

“I don’t know.” Charlie shrugged. “His brother has still not had an heir.”

Phinn’s brother, the Marquis of Dorchester, had a bevy of daughters but no sons. He was depending on Phinn and Augusta to produce an heir. “That must be difficult for him and his wife.”

“I suppose it is.” Charlie closed the door. “Now, what can I do for you?”

“I need to know when the meeting about the mines will be, and if you can find a way to hold it in Grace’s study.”

“Tomorrow, and I can. May I ask why?”

As much as Eleanor loved her brother, she did not want to tell him everything. “There is something I must find out about Lord Montagu.”

Charlie’s brows drew together, and he studied her for a moment. “And you think you will discover whatever it is if we have the meeting in Grace’s study?”

Well, Eleanor supposed she would have to tell him part of it. “There is an unused antechamber at the back of her study. One can hear conversations from there.”

He closed his eyes and took a breath. “What exactly do you expect to learn?”

Well, drat. She would have to tell him after all. “I need to know if he is intelligent.”

A light entered Charlie’s face. “I see. You could, of course, ask someone you know, such as Matt or me, but I suppose it is always better to find out these sorts of things for oneself.”

“You will do it?” She held her breath waiting for his answer.

“Yes. I’ll do it.” He grinned at her. “Mind you, don’t get caught.”

Eleanor huffed. “It would have been too much to expect that no one told you the stories.”

“It would,” he agreed with a grin. “Let’s go to the breakfast room. I’m starving.”

“I am too.” Finally she would know what she needed to about Montagu. That was a relief. Today was all about Charlie. “Are you glad to be taking your seat in the Lords?”

“I am. I’ve had my time to play. It’s now time to take up my duties.” He glanced at her. “Augusta thinks that young ladies should have an opportunity to travel before they marry.” He stopped for a moment. “Although she combined the two.”