Matt dragged a hand down his face. “Be that as it may, I would like to get through this Season without any of those things occurring again.”

Honestly, Eleanor could not conceive of anything like that happening to them. On the other hand, she could understand her brother-in-law’s concern. She would have said something if it would have done any good. They would simply have to show him that they could get through the Season unscathed.

She was not surprised when her sisters, brothers-in-law, and cousins joined them at Worthington House for a far more substantial supper. Her twin did surprise her.

“Grace, did you have to invite St. Albans to breakfast?” Alice took a glass of wine from Thorton. “I am not at all certain I want him there.”

“She did not have much of a choice,” Matt pointed out. “He was rather like a hungry puppy.”

“I suppose so.” She sat down next to Charlotte and Con on one of the two large sofas in the drawing room.

If their family kept growing, they might have to rearrange this room to add a third sofa. Eleanor just realized that Harry Stern was with them as well. She would have to ask Madeline what she thought of him later.

“Are you upset about Lord Montagu coming to break his fast with us?” Matt was staring at her.

“No. No. Not at all.” She did not know why, but she actually wanted to see how he would do around all the children. “In fact, I think that everyone should bring the four-and five-year-olds.”

Louisa suddenly broke out into laughter. “She is setting a test for him.”

Next to her, Rothwell groaned. “He’s in for it now.” He glanced at Eleanor. “If you are sure that is what you want, we’ll bring them.”

“I, for one, think it is a very good idea,” Dotty said. “After all, if he cannot deal with the whole family, what good is he?”

Eleanor glanced at Charlie, who appeared thoughtful. After a second or two he nodded. “I agree. We are an extremely close family. As evidenced”—he grinned—“by the extra trunk I had to purchase to hold all the letters I received from you.”

“One does not marry the person but the family.” Rothwell grimaced slightly. “As I have reason to know.”

“It was not that bad.” Louisa took his hand and held it.

He glanced at Matt. “It did teach me to listen to more experienced heads.”

Eleanor did not quite know what had happened, only that Grace and Matt had gone to Rothwell’s estate to assist Louisa.

“It’s settled, then.” Kenilworth tossed off his glass of wine and stood. “Any potential spouse must get on with the whole family.” He helped Charlotte up. “If we are going to participate in Morning Mayhem, we must be off.”