He could imagine them, especially Hugh, shouting across the table to get someone’s attention. John decided he’d like to get to know the children better. He glanced at the clock and stood. “I regret to say I must take my leave if I am not to be late for the vote today.” He bowed to Lady Worthington. “Thank you for inviting me.”

“It was my pleasure.”

“I must be going as well.” St. Albans rose.

Worthington pushed back his chair and stood. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

Once John and St. Albans had mounted their horses and were heading out of the square, John said, “That was enjoyable.”

“I’m glad you think so.” St. Albans frowned. “Breaking my fast with the infantry is not my style.”

Yet John though it might be his style. Which was a good thing if he wished to wed Eleanor. The possibility was becoming more and more likely. He could already see her at his breakfast table presiding over a group of children. It was the first time he’d been able to actually conceive of a lady breaking her fast with him. Before, he had always imagined his wife, whoever she was, would breakfast in her chambers. He wished he’d been seated closer to her.

“I suppose you are going to the Lords.” St. Albans’s disgruntled words broke into John’s thoughts. He was beginning to think his friend didn’t have enough to keep him occupied.

“I am.” He must also perform the service to which he’d committed himself directly after that. “Then I am going to hunt down Lord Lancelot.”

“Good God, man. Why would you do that?” St. Albans looked so appalled, John almost laughed.

“I promised myself I would find out if he is still an idiot.” He looked up and found he’d almost missed his street. “I’ll see you later.”

“This evening.” St. Alban’s nodded.

John would also see Eleanor this evening, and sit with her at supper, where he’d have a chance to talk to her. Learning more about her had never felt so urgent.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The rest of the gentlemen left the breakfast room shortly after Lord Montagu did, and Eleanor pondered whether her opinion of him had changed in any way. She had been glad that he had been interested in the children. Any gentleman she decided to wed must love children and want to have them around. He seemed particularly sympathetic to Hugh.

“Eleanor.” She glanced at Dotty. “What do you think about Lord Montagu?”

That was the question. Eleanor was not quite sure. “He seems to have liked the children, but he did not talk much.” Why was he so quiet? “I had expected him to engage in conversation with Con or Grace. They were the two adults closest to him, and he knows almost everyone else.”