They pushed back their chairs and rose as if by silent consent. She would definitely have to start putting Lord Montagu through his paces this evening. If he was not going to meet her requirements, there was no point wasting time with him. It would be better to move on to another gentleman who would.

Alice was smiling broadly as she, Madeline, and Eleanor walked up the stairs. “You are happy this morning.”

Her twin glanced at her. Alice’s eyes were twinkling as well. “You obviously did not see how disgruntled Lord St. Albans was by having to share his breakfast with the children. I do not believe he approved at all.”

“You think this will convince him to look elsewhere for a lady?” Eleanor was not quite sure he would.

“I certainly hope he does.” Alice reached the landing first and waited. “He must see that he does not fit in with the lives we have.”

Alice started down the corridor ahead of Madeline and Eleanor. Madeline sighed and shook her head. “This might prove to be interesting.”

Eleanor stopped at her bedchamber door. “What do you think of Lord St. Albans?”

“I am not sure yet.” Madeline raised her brows. “However, I do not think he is one to give up easily. He might just see Alice as a challenge.”

“Oh dear. I cannot see her liking that at all.”

“That was exactly what I thought.” Madeline smiled and went to the next door down. “We shall see.”

Eleanor walked into her room. They would indeed see how things turned out. But for now, not only did she have Lord Montagu about whom to make a decision, but she had her own charity to form. Something must be done about the miners and their families. With wages being reduced, there was less money for food and clothing. Matt had reminded her that they planned to meet today, and she wondered what he would propose. In the meantime, there were last-minute items to collect and purchase before the ball and Hatchards to visit. There must be some sort of tome on running mines. It behooved her to become more familiar with the business.

Less than an hour later, Eleanor and her sisters set out with their footmen to the corner of Old Bond Street and Piccadilly to the Burlington Arcade, where they could find gloves, fans, and hairpins.

“It is a shame the Pantheon Bazaar has become so shabby,” Alice said. “It used to be fun going there.”

“And so inexpensive,” Madeline mused.

Eleanor had to agree. “But the Burlington Arcade is much nicer now.” She entered a store with fans and other items. “I need a fan for this evening.” She scanned the selection offered and found one with a scene painted in emerald green, deep pink, cream, and yellow. Eleanor turned to her sisters. “What do you think?”

“You are wearing your yellow and cream gown?” Alice asked.

Eleanor nodded. “Yes.”