“That is the time we usually went when Grace took us.” He liked how artless her answer was. They strolled out of the house, and she stopped. “What lovely colors. And the horses!” Eleanor glanced at him, her eyes shining. “How beautiful they are.”

“I am glad you like them.” He had chosen dark green with gold piping for the curricle body and found a matched pair of dark bays to pull the carriage. “They are sweet goers.” He waved the footman away and assisted her into the curricle. The second he’d touched her hand he didn’t want to let go. “Do you drive?”

“Yes, but at home. I have never driven in Town.” She settled her skirts. “Matt has ordered my sisters and me a high-perched phaeton. We will have to share it.”

Why would Worthington have bought just one carriage for three young ladies? “How will that work?”

A line formed on her forehead and she shook her head. “We are not exactly certain. I suppose on days like today, when one of us is engaged, the other two could take it out.”

He started the horses and kept them to a sedate trot on their way to the Park. “The weather is fine today.”

The second the words were out of his mouth, he regretted them. He did not wish to talk about the weather with her. The problem was that he had no idea which topic to discuss.

He could feel her staring at him and glanced at her. Her beautiful eyes were slightly narrowed and one brow was raised. “Do you really wish to discuss the weather?”

“No. I would much rather talk about anything other than the weather. I can only think it has become automatic.”

“Good.” She sounded pleased. “I thought we might discuss something more interesting.” Eleanor paused. “Mines, for example. I understand that you have an interest in mines and how they are run.”

John’s fingers tightened on the reins. When the horses jerked he made himself loosen his hold. His stomach clenched, giving him a sick feeling that he now knew to whom his sister gave the information. “How did you know?”

“My brother Worthington told me.” Eleanor’s reply was airy, and his stomach relaxed.

“Ah. Yes, I am part of a group of other peers looking at legislation to make the mine situations better.”

“I rescued a family who lost their father during the Cinderloo massacre. They told me the conditions were dreadful.”

“They are. I have been taking in families from Cinderloo as well.” They had entered the Park, and he glanced at her only to find she was looking at him. “The influenza in my area was horrible last winter and, unfortunately, I lost many of my dependents. I am looking for ways to train those arriving in professions we need.”

Her eyes widened, not in surprise but more in interest. “Are you indeed?”

He nodded, wondering what she was thinking.