A footman opened the door. “Lord Stanwood said this is for Lady Eleanor.”

“This” was a folded scrap of paper. “Thank you.”

As soon as he had left, her sisters gathered on either side of her.

“Open it,” Alice said.

“Yes.” Oddly, Eleanor’s hand trembled. She unfolded the note.

In five minutes.

S

She glanced at the clock. This was going to be a long five minutes.

“Why do you think he wants us to wait?” Madeline asked.

Eleanor looked at the clock again. A very long five minutes. “They will spend time greeting each other before settling down to business.”

No one spoke as the rain pattered against the windows. That and the loud ticking of the clock were the only sounds in the room.

“This is excruciating.” Alice ran her hands down the sides of her skirts.

Madeline blew out a breath. “I loathe waiting.”

Eleanor stared at the clock and finally the hand moved. “Let us go. Slowly and quietly down the servants’ stairs.”

When they reached the anteroom the door to Grace’s study was cracked slightly, allowing Eleanor and her sisters to see the men sitting in a half circle in front of the large cherry desk. The corner of a wooden chair that had been placed in front of the door barely showed. Montagu sat in a position that gave her a good view of him. Next to him, Charlie was staring at the antechamber door. He must have seen her because he turned his attention to the group.

“What have we discovered, if anything?” Matt took out a sheet of paper.

Merton leaned back in his chair. “I have sent for information, but it has been slow in coming. What I do know is that my uncle, acting on my behalf, signed a long-term lease. My solicitor is still researching whether or not I will be able to make any changes until the lease is ready to be renewed.”

Matt nodded. “That’s what I’m hearing as well.” He turned to Harry Stern. “Have you heard anything from your grandmother?”

“Not yet. However, my uncle Bristol has just arrived in Town. I have a meeting scheduled with him later this week.” Harry pulled a face. “I don’t expect much. He’s a Tory. I did discover that the majority of the mines are owned by the Crown.”

Montagu frowned as he listened to the accountings. “That’s an interesting piece of information. What about Littleton?”

Turley shook his head. “No holdings. He does have an interest in canals.”

“That could be of benefit if he was willing to help us.” Eleanor’s excitement grew. She could practically hear Montagu formulating a plan.

“What are you thinking?” Merton asked.