“I have yet to write anything down other than notes, but I have an idea what I want to do.” If Uncle Herndon was going to allow her to take over the mine, Eleanor must have a coherent plan to present to him.

Matt took a sip of tea. “Let’s arrange to discuss it at luncheon.”

Depending upon how long it would take her to discover if Montagu was actually intelligent or as dim as he seemed, that would give her time to organize her notes. “Very well. I will have an outline ready.”

“Are we going on morning visits?” Madeline asked Grace.

Grace had just taken a bite of toast and nodded, then swallowed. “Yes. According to William Coachman, the rain is supposed to stop by noon at the latest.”

“About this musical evening”—Alice had a pained expression—“Are the young ladies expected to perform?”

Grace laughed lightly. “No. Lady Brownly prides herself on hiring the Season’s most prominent singer to perform.”

Alice blew out a breath in relief. They were all accomplished on the piano, but she did not like to play in public. “In that case, I shall look forward to it.”

Elizabeth, who had just begun piano lessons, shot her mother a suspicious glance. “Is this like the player with a monkey? I should like the monkey, but I do not wish to play for strangers.”

“Oh Heavens.” Grace put her elbow on the table, cradling her chin in her palm as she regarded her eldest daughter. “No, sweetheart, it is not like the performer with the monkey.” Elizabeth opened her mouth and Grace hurried on. “And we are not getting a monkey. Two dogs are enough.”

Eleanor stifled a chuckle. “If you will excuse me, I shall see you later.”

“I am finished as well.” Alice rose.

“I will see you at luncheon.” Madeline pushed her chair back.

They left the room and strode to the hall, before breaking out into whoops.

“A monkey!” Eleanor gasped, holding her sides.

“It never would have occurred to me that she would think of the fellow playing the pipe.” Madeline’s voice quivered.

“The things they come up with.” Alice waved a hand in front of her face. “Who would have thought?”

Eleanor heard steps in the corridor. “That must be Matt. I need to get ready.”

Her sisters sobered and they climbed the stairs.

“I do hope this turns out well.” The doubt in Alice’s voice almost made Eleanor hesitate.

“It will.” Madeline smiled. “I have a good feeling about it.”

“It has to.” Eleanor prayed they did not fall out of the room as they had every other time they had listened at the antechamber door. “I have given him every chance. This must work.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY

Less than an hour later, a knock sounded on the Young Ladies’ Parlor door, and Eleanor’s heart started pounding so hard she was sure her sisters would hear it. “Come.”