“No. Uncle Herndon is the trustee for that property. Aunt Margaret died while Mama was still alive. I am not sure it ever came up after Matt and I wed. Although he must have been aware of it by now, as it is part of your dowry.” She took a sip of tea and frowned. “In fact, the subject has not come up in years. I am not even sure if it is money, or property, or both.” Grace tapped one finger on her desk. “You will have to speak with Uncle Herndon about it. But I think you should talk with Matt first. Uncle Herndon is fairly staid, and it is possible he will not approve of you managing any part of your inheritance. Yet, if Matt thinks it’s a good idea, he might be talked around.”

Excitement welled inside Eleanor. “Do you think Matt will approve?”

Her sister raised one brow and grinned. “He has been letting you keep the main estate books. Granted, he reviews them, but he has been impressed with how well you, all of you, are doing. I think he will give you a fair hearing.”

That was all she could hope for. “Is he here?”

“I do not know. He had to go out this morning, but he might be back. The Lords aren’t in session today.” Grace reached over and tugged the bell-pull.

A few moments later the door opened, and Thorton bowed. “My lady?”

“Has his lordship returned?” Grace asked.

The butler appeared to think about it for a few seconds. “I believe he has. Shall I send for him?”

“Yes.” Grace glanced at Eleanor. “Please ask him to attend me.”

“Certainly, my lady.” The butler bowed again.

Eleanor drank her tea and ate two lemon biscuits before Matt strode into the room. He immediately went around the desk to Grace and kissed her cheek. “What is so urgent?”

“I did not say it was urgent.” She shook her head. “Eleanor has something she wishes to discuss with you. But first, did you know that she has an inheritance from a great-aunt?”

“Yes. Before we traveled to Town, Herndon wrote to me giving me a brief sketch of Eleanor and Alice’s property. I should receive the full details soon.” He glanced at Eleanor, then came back around the desk and took the other chair in front of it. “You have an inheritance from an aunt, and Alice has one from an uncle.” He frowned. “Is something amiss?”

“Not of which we are aware.” Eleanor sat a little straighter. “I want to perform a sort of experiment, and I remembered the inheritance.” She took a breath. “Do you know if it is enough to purchase a mine?”

Matt leaned back against the chair cushions and seemed to study her for several moments. “A mine?”

She nodded.

“What do you wish to do with it?”