He took her arm as the footman with the umbrella held it over them. “At least we won’t arrive soaked.”

“There is that. I should bring my maid. She will wish to meet the senior staff.”

That was not at all what he had planned for today. “Can you do it another time?”

“I suppose I could. I will just take a look at the house today.”

He opened the door and assisted her into the carriage. Thank the Lord they could be in a closed carriage now, but his plan to keep her distracted until they reached his house was at an end. Their rain kit would have to remain on for the short ride.

“Is there a reason your coachman does not have a cover to keep him dry?”

“Not that I know of.” The larger, traveling coach had one. “I’ll have to see about having one added.”

A few minutes later, they arrived at Montagu House, but there was no footman waiting to cover them with an umbrella. He jumped out of the carriage. “We will have to make a dash for the door.”

Eleanor nodded and he grabbed her hand. Fortunately, the door opened just as they got to it.

“Lumner, do we not have an umbrella?”

“I believe we might have an older one,” the butler said slowly. “I shall see about procuring one immediately.”

“Good man.” He was about to take Eleanor upstairs when he remembered to introduce his butler. “My love, I would like to introduce Lumner, our butler. Lumner, Lady Eleanor.”

He bowed. “It will be my great pleasure to serve you, my lady.”

She smiled and inclined her head. “Thank you, Lumner.”

“There you are.” The sound of his mother’s voice made John want to groan. Aurelia was to have kept Mama out of the way. “Lady Eleanor, that is a most unusual coat and bonnet.”

“My sister, Lady Phinn, brought them back with her. I believe it is her own design.”

“Very practical.” Aurelia strolled into the hall, glanced pointedly at their mother, and rolled her eyes. He would obviously have to come up with a better plan.

“They are.” Eleanor waited while he removed her coat, then turned to him. “Where shall we begin?”

“My dears, would you not like a cup of tea before meeting with the housekeeper?” Mama asked.

Meeting with the housekeeper? “Eleanor?”

“No, thank you. We have much to accomplish.” She smiled at his mother. “Perhaps later?”

“Yes, of course,” Mama said in a weak voice.

“My lord, my lady.” Rennie curtseyed.

“Lady Eleanor, allow me to present our housekeeper, Mrs. Rennie. Rennie, Lady Eleanor, who, as you know, will soon be my wife.”

The older woman smiled. “My lady, I am very happy to meet you. Shall we start at in the attics?”

“Of course.” Eleanor placed her hand on his arm. “Lead on, Mrs. Rennie.”

“Oh, please, my lady. To the family I am Rennie.”