They were probably getting ready to dine. He entered the family drawing room. His mother and sister were gowned in silk and wore the appropriate jewels. His brother-in-law was in knee breeches. He had enjoyed the informality of Worthington House much more. The children’s chatter had been engaging, and everyone spoke with them as if they were as intelligent as the older members of the family. As they were. He had no doubt at all that Ladies Theo and Mary would set the ton on their collective on fire when it was their time to come out.

He cleared his throat to get his family’s attention. “I am glad to find you all together.” John went to the sideboard and poured a glass of wine.

His mother took in his attire and frowned slightly. “You are not dressed for dinner.”

“I have already dined. I did send a message over.”

“Dressed like that?” she replied in a shocked tone.

“Yes. Dressed like this.” She opened her mouth again, and he held up a hand. “I do not want you to discuss what I am about to tell you until I have spoken with Lord Worthington.” Aurelia’s lips started to twitch, and she pressed them tightly together. She knew what he was going to say. He felt the connection he’d been afraid was lost. Lytton found something interesting to look at on the fireplace. “I am going to offer for Lady Eleanor.”

“Are you certain she is the right lady for you?” Mama asked. “After all, you began the Season wanting someone entirely different.”

“I am well aware I did. I was incorrect. She is exactly what I wish for in a wife.” His sister and mother donned exactly the same broad smiles. He narrowed his eyes. “I thought you didn’t like her.”

“Oh no, my dear,” Mama said. “From the first time we met her we thought she would be perfect for you.”

He lowered himself onto his usual chair. “I don’t understand.”

“John,” his sister said. “You have been so contrary over the past three years or more that we thought if we took a stand against her, you would look at her more closely and realize what you really wanted.”

He speared his brother-in-law with a glare. “Were you in on this deception?”

“Not I.” Lytton took a drink of wine. “I was merely an innocent bystander. It was not as if they were laying traps for the two of you.”

“He is correct,” Mama added. “You merely needed a little nudge.”

“I was concerned you might lose her,” Aurelia commented.

John couldn’t believe this. Lytton was right; they did not do much, but it had clearly been enough. “Why?”

“Because you were acting as if you didn’t have two intelligent thoughts to rub together.”