“No. He has my measurements. My valet sent over my requirements. You?”

“I have an appointment later this morning. I like to go myself. It gives me something to do.”

Again, John thought it was a shame his friend was at such loose ends. “Will your father not give you any responsibility at all?”

“Not until I’m wed.” St. Albans finished the rest of his tea. “I must be off. By the time I bathe and change, I will have to be at Weston’s.”

“Of course.” John wondered what it would be like to have the time to go to Weston’s. “I’ll see you out.”

* * *

Later that day, John’s mother entered his study without even knocking. “Good day, Montagu.” She held up a piece of foolscap. “I have been making a list of the qualities you will require in a wife and a list of potential names.”

He was tempted to either order her out of his sanctuary or sink his head into his hands. Instead, he rang for tea. “Please have a seat.”

She looked at him suspiciously. “You are going to look for a wife this Season, are you not?”

“Yes. Yes, I am.” It was time. His father had died four years ago, and the closest heir was a distant cousin. “I said I would.” However, he’d be much happier if his mother and Aurelia, who’d been with them over Christmas with her husband and child, would stop trying to interfere with this wife-finding business. He was old enough and capable enough to find one on his own.

His butler arrived with the tea tray in a very short period of time, and his mother poured, then settled more firmly into the chair. “Now then”—she peered down at the paper—“Naturally, she must be a strong-minded young lady.”

“Naturally.” He wanted someone with whom it was easy to live, not who was strong-minded.

“She must have all the necessary social accomplishments.”

“That goes without saying.” Were there any ladies attending the Season who had not been trained for their place in the ton? Perhaps a lady who was a bit shy might be nice.

“She must be able to run the estates when you are busy with your parliamentary duties.”

That he had not considered. Most likely because he wanted to be there and not in Town. “I suppose you have a point.”

“You will want a lady who can act as a political hostess and gather support for legislation you support.”

He inclined his head, pretending to agree with her. He’d rather have a lady who made his home comfortable and was not overly interested in politics. “Is there anything else?”

“It would be helpful if she came from a large family,” Mama said rather cryptically.

He had to ponder that for a second. Ah, yes. Breeding capabilities. “I believe I follow your line of thinking.”

“If you would like to hear the names I have—”