“That would not be a bad way to do it.” It would be nice to travel with someone you loved. “Sort of like an extended honeymoon.”

“Yes, but most people cannot either afford to travel or cannot take the time from their duties,” Charlie said. “I was fortunate that Matt encouraged me. Phinn is lucky that he has his own funds.”

“What about Phillip and Walter?” It was strange that Eleanor had never thought of her other brothers’ financial situation.

“They each have an easy competence, but as with Walter, Phillip will be encouraged to find a profession.”

Life was so much easier for gentlemen. Eleanor and her sisters were fortunate, but other ladies either had to wed, find work they were allowed to do, or be at the beck and call of relatives. She wondered if it was possible to widen the areas of employment for ladies. First, she would work at improving the mines, then she would look at the other situation.

She took Charlie’s arm. “We are lucky we have one another.”

“That we are. All of us and the people we bring into the family.” He gave her a significant look.

“Matt and Grace have made sure we all remain close.” What would happen if one of them married someone who wanted to keep them from the family? Eleanor had a feeling it would not be allowed to happen. If she decided on Lord Montagu, it was fortunate he already seemed to accept that the family stayed together.

She stepped into the pale yellow breakfast room and a rush of love for her brothers and sisters almost overpowered her. Her niece and nephew were there, as were Grace, Matt, Alice, Madeline, Theo, Walter, and Mary. Phillip would join them soon for Charlie’s ceremony for the Lords. Tears pricked her eyes. If things went as expected, she and her sisters would be wed before the Season was done. They would have husbands, new homes, and then children. But every other Christmas and summer they would join with the rest of the family at Worthington Place. And every spring and autumn they would gather in Town. She could almost feel their arms wrapped around her. And no matter where she was, that feeling would never go away.

Eleanor found her chair as she blinked tears away, poured a cup of tea, and took a sip. “I am so glad we are a family. I love you all.”

Then, to her horror, she burst into tears.

Madeline and Alice quickly hugged her and gave her a handkerchief.

“What on earth brought that on?” Matt asked.

“I think she has finally understood the magnitude of what this Season means,” Charlie said.

“I knew it was a good idea Constance, Vivienne, Alexandria, and I decided not to have a come out,” Elizabeth said.

“Did you?” Grace sounded like she was choking on her words.