Edman cleared his throat. “Might I suggest that we do not allow the current manager to linger in the area? I can arrange for the house he was provided to be packed and his personal belongings to be conveyed to a larger market town in the area. I would suggest replacing the furniture as well.”

“An excellent idea.” She had no idea of the dimensions of the house and its rooms, but she trusted he did. “I will leave it to you.” There was one thing she had not asked. “Mr. Russon, are you married?”

To her surprise, he flushed. “Not yet, me lady. I’d talked to a woman’s father, but then got let go.”

“Your new position should settle that problem.” She glanced at Edman. “Arrange for Mr. Russon to have temporary lodgings while the house is being refurbished.” She looked back at him. “Perhaps your betrothed will like to have a say in the furnishings.”

“You don’t have to do that, me lady.”

“Mr. Russon, I am well aware that I do not. I, however, choose to do so.” Edman put away his notebook. “If there is nothing else, I look forward to hearing about your progress.”

The two men rose and bowed. Edman had a slight smile on his face. “Good day, my lady. It was a pleasure.”

“A real pleasure, me lady.” Mr. Russon grinned. “It’s like you gave me my dream.”

A feeling of accomplishment infused her. Still, she must remember this was an experiment. “I want this scheme to work, Mr. Russon. Make that happen and we will all be happy.”

The door closed behind the men and Matt pulled his chair up to the desk. “Well done, Eleanor. I couldn’t be prouder. You did a better job than most gentlemen would have done.”

She appreciated his praise. “I daresay most gentlemen would not have interviewed a mine manager themselves.”

“Even if they had, they wouldn’t have offered the future Mrs. Russon the opportunity to select what she wanted for the house.” He tugged the bell-pull. “What occupation do you have in mind for her?”

“I thought she could keep her ears open, as it were, for the families, and make sure their needs are met. Much as we do at Worthington Place.” She glanced at the clock on the fireplace mantel. John would be here soon. She considered telling him about her mine but decided to wait until she had everything in place. It would be a much bigger surprise. He would be thrilled to discover they owned a model mine. Everything should be in place by the end of the Season. They could visit the Cornflower Hill Mine on their way to his—their—main estate after their honeymoon.

* * *