He cleared his throat. “It is something I had not considered, but I agree. Eleanor would be the best person to care for them.” Next to him, he thought he heard her let out a breath of air. “There is one other item. My mother will move to the dower house. In the event of my demise, I would not want Eleanor to be forced to have to live with her. She will have the pick of my properties on which to reside.”

Worthington raised a brow at her. “Eleanor?”

“Yes.” She smiled at John. “I appreciate and will accept the offer.”

Her brother divided the last pile of papers in half and slid them across the desk to him. “One contract was in the event you agreed Eleanor’s dowry should be used for the children and one was if you did not. The contact it is not overly long, but I believe it is sufficient.”

As was his habit, he read the agreements carefully and found them extremely reasonable. Of course that could very well be because she had charge of her own property. Now he understood why Kenilworth was not concerned about the rest of the financial settlement. Still, John thought he might raise her pin money. She would be his wife, and he did wish to provide for her.

“I agree.” He reached for the pen and standish that had been placed on the corner of the desk, dipped the pen in the ink, and signed the documents.

Worthington did the same, then sanded the contract, and smiled. “Welcome to the family.”

“Thank you.” John grinned at Eleanor. “I am glad to be a part of it.”

“Matt, I shall see you later.” She took John’s hand and led him out of the study. Once they were in the corridor, she told a footman to call for his coach. “Shall we see what needs to be done to our home?”

He had to force himself not to take her in his arms. “I think that’s a brilliant idea.”

They passed the breakfast room, and female voices filtered out from behind the door.

Eleanor grinned. “They must be planning at least one wedding.”

“I do hope we are here to attend Posy and Zeus’s wedding.” The idea of what the children would plan fascinated him.

“It will be this summer, when we are all together.” Eleanor’s hat—a stiff, wide-brimmed hat with a medium-height crown of oilcloth that one would wear in the country—and a pair of leather gloves were already by the door. The butler held up a long Spanish, brown-colored coat also made of oilcloth. John took it from him and assisted Eleanor. He then donned his great coat, hat, and gloves. A footman stood on the small, covered porch, holding an umbrella. The rain was coming down much harder than it was earlier.