“If we can’t find any mine owners or operators to support our ideas, perhaps we could convince the canal owners to slow down shipments until changes are made.” She wished she knew more about canals. “Our success will most likely depend on whether the canals are owned by one person or a consortium.”

Eleanor felt a smile growing. Not only was he not stupid, Montagu appeared to be quite intelligent. She had the perfect way to help him and the others. She was also certain that between Mrs. Johnson and the pamphlets, she would be able to gather enough information to get the public behind safety legislation.

Turning to her sisters, she mouthed, Let us go.

As quietly as they entered the room, they left. It was not until they were on their floor that Eleanor dared speak. She opened the door to their parlor. “That was intriguing.”

“I assume it answered your questions?” Madeline asked.

“It did.” Eleanor thought about the information Lady Lytton had sent her. “I am going to go back over the documents I have, taking into account what we heard today. I do not want to have missed anything on long-term leases. I will see you at luncheon.”

“What will you do about Montagu?” Alice asked.

“Continue discovering more about him.” Eleanor must ensure they held the same beliefs, especially about family.

Yesterday had been an epiphany of sorts, and she was more certain than ever that any gentleman she married must agree to abide by the family visiting schedule that had already been established. And she must be able to trust him enough to keep his word. Too many gentlemen promised ladies what they wanted to hear before marriage and reneged afterward. It was unfortunate that even though they said their word was their bond, they did not apply it to their wives. There was also the question of why he had hidden his intelligence. Eleanor had heard of ladies doing so—some were even advised to do it—but never gentlemen. She shrugged. First mines. They seemed to be much more straightforward than gentlemen. And she must not forget her meeting with Matt.

Right, then. Plan to present to her uncle first. Legislation later.