“From what I have seen, it is caused by the sameness in their personalities. They are both very nice and well-liked in the town. Let me ask Grace if she knows something to which I am not privy.” Eleanor leaned back in her chair. “Grace, other than their personalities, is there any other reason Mr. Jones and his eldest son do not get along?”

“Yes. The son wants to marry one young woman and his father has selected another one for him.”

No wonder Eleanor did not know about the problem. It was the type of thing kept from unmarried ladies. “Is there anything unsuitable about the woman the son wants to wed?”

“Nothing at all. Mr. Jones has been close friends with the father of the other girl since their childhood. Mrs. Jones believes the young woman her son wishes to marry is a better choice for him.”

Montagu’s brow cleared. “It seems I have found a new blacksmith.” He smiled at Eleanor. “Please, carry on.”

They quickly filled the remaining jobs. The innkeeper had a younger son in his late twenties who had been looking for an inn to purchase. He was still single. Eleanor tapped her pencil on the desk. “We cannot arrange a marriage, but we can see if one of your refugees would suit. Would you give his future wife a dowry?”

He gave her a curious look. “I can do. In fact, I should provide dowries for all the women.”

“Excellent.” Some ladies might find this boring, but she appeared to be having a good time. “Having a dowry will make marrying easier.”

“I never would have thought of it.” When he looked away from the list and at her, she knew he was seeing her, all of her. “We’ve finished for the moment. I shall write to my brother-in-law’s steward and ask him to approach the people we have chosen. I should probably write a short note to each of them as well.”

“If you agree, I can add a message too.”

“Yes, that will give the offer a finality I cannot provide. Perhaps you should write it at the end of each of my missives.”

The clock struck the hour and he looked up. “Would you like to go for a carriage ride? We can write the letters when we return or tomorrow, if you have the time.”

“I could use a bit of a break. We can continue after our ride.” Montagu rose and held out his hand. Eleanor could imagine them working together like this, and afterward him kissing her, and telling her what a good match they were. She had seen Matt and Grace do that. Eleanor took Montagu’s hand. “I must change my shoes and get my bonnet.”

When he gazed down at her warmth lurked in his turquoise eyes. “There is no rush. I need to call around for my carriage. I walked here.”