She did have a point. What would have happened if Eleanor hadn’t taken matters into her own capable hands? Was that the reason she mentioned the mines in the first place? “Yes, well, that has all been worked out.”

His mother’s face was still alight. “Have you told her you love her yet?”

“Er. Not yet.”

“Why are you waiting?” Aurelia demanded.

Lytton took her free hand. “It might be that Montagu does not know he is in love. Remember, that was never a requirement for either of you.”

Aurelia frowned. “Yes, yes, but you and I fell in love, and you told me.”

“It took me a deuced long time to get up the courage, my love. I was afraid you did not love me in return.”

This conversation was becoming very interesting. John wanted to know more. “How did you realize you were in love?”

His sister took a sip of wine, then frowned. “I do not know. Suddenly, it occurred to me that if anything was to happen to Marc, or if he were to find another woman, I would do everything I could to get him back.”

Lytton raised her hand to his lips. “It struck me one day that I did not want to live without Aurelia. That I would do whatever I could to make her happy.”

John did not believe one person could be responsible for another person’s happiness, but he did believe one could be responsible for great unhappiness. He would be very unhappy if Eleanor didn’t care for him as he did for her. No, it was much more than that.

As if sensing what he was thinking, his twin said, “John, being in love doesn’t always mean being silly about another. I would attribute that to puppy love. An immaturity that will not hold a marriage together. A gentleman must be attracted to a lady’s mind as well as her body.”

What Aurelia said made a great deal of sense. He was both fascinated by Eleanor’s intellect and captivated by her body. “You have given me something about which to ponder.”

“Where did you dine?” his mother asked again.

Mama was going to be shocked, and he felt a broad smile forming. “At Worthington House. They dine at six o’clock and do not dress. Lord and Lady Worthington’s five-year-old son and four-year-old daughter, as well as their much younger sisters and brother join them.” His mother’s jaw had dropped, and he continued. “When I broke my fast with them, the married sisters and their families were there as well. I believe the number of five-year-olds were four. But I could be missing one of them.” He ran through the names. “Four five-year-olds and one four-year-old. Oh, and two Great Danes have the run of the house. I have already asked Worthington if I may have a puppy from the next litter.”