The footman led them to the hall, then to a large, bright room where it seemed like a dozen children were claiming chairs. John counted eight who were clearly in the schoolroom, but five of them were quite young. Not a dozen. But more than enough.

“The babies and toddlers are in the nursery,” Eleanor said, taking his arm. “You will sit next to Grace.”

He noticed St. Albans was on Lady Worthington’s other side. Everyone who’d attended Almack’s in the Worthington party was present this morning. He glanced around the room looking for a sideboard but found none.

“The footmen will serve us,” Lady Worthington said. “It is much easier with the children.”

Trays of various meats, different styles of eggs, and fish were brought by footmen. All the adults received their own racks of toast and pots of tea.

“Hugh, what have I told you? Put your fork down when there is food on it,” Kenilworth’s little daughter said in a very stern tone. She glanced at John, who was across the table from her. “The last time we were here for breakfast he threw his eggs on the table. Papa had to clean it up.”

Despite the admonishment, scrambled eggs went flying to the center of the table. “Sorry, Constance, I forgot.”

“You always forget.” John looked to his left as the little girl glared at her brother. He knew just how the boy felt. She raised her small chin. “You will have to stay in the nursery with the babies if you cannot behave.”

“No, I won’t.” He raised his eyes to his father.

Around the table, napkins covered mouths while eyes couldn’t hide the laughter, the older members appeared determined not to show their mirth.

“Do not laugh,” Lady Worthington whispered.

“You will,” Lady Kenilworth said as her husband cleaned up the mess his son had made. “I suggest you put your fork in your mouth before you wave it around.”

The girl sitting next to Rothwell leaned over her plate. “Hugh, you are behaving like a baby.”

With each admonishment, his look became more mulish. “Am not.”

“You are,” the boy next to Worthington said. “You are the only one of us making a mess. Elizabeth is a year younger, and she has better table manners.”

The incipient laughter died as the older members of the family glanced at one another, including two girls and a boy who were older but obviously still in the schoolroom.

Hugh let out a large sigh and addressed himself to the rest of his food.

“What are all of you doing today?” Lady Worthington asked.

“Lords,” John and the other peers at the table said in unison.

“We have some shopping to do,” Lady Madeline said.

Worthington gave Eleanor a pointed look. “Don’t forget, we have an appointment when I return.”

“I will be here.” Her eyes shone with happiness, and John wondered what the meeting was about.