Her twin nodded. “It will brighten it up.”

“Ooo. Look what I found.” Madeline pointed to a pair of garnet combs displayed in a glass case.

“They are beautiful.” Eleanor could image them in her sister’s dark chestnut hair. “They will sparkle in the candlelight.”

“What are you wearing in your hair?” Alice asked Eleanor. “I was going to have my maid use pearls, but now I think I would like the hairpins.”

There were rows upon rows of different hairpins. Eleanor agreed pins were very nice. The pearls could wait for their come out ball. “Our gowns must be of pale colors, but nothing else does. What do you think of the emerald-colored ones?”

“Yes.” Alice nodded. “They would be perfect. I like the purple hairpins.”

Eleanor brought up an image of her sister’s ball gown with the lavender-blue embroidery. “I agree. The purple will go well with your gown.”

They took their purchases with them and made the short walk to Hatchards. Eleanor had planned to ask the clerk where she might find books on mining, but when they strolled through the door there were two ladies at the counter and two others waiting. She turned to her sisters. “Where do you think the books on mining might be?”

“Around the same area as agriculture,” Madeline said.

Alice nodded. “We can begin there.”

Having been encouraged to read books on farming and the like, they started up the stairs to that section and started their search to no avail.

Eleanor looked around. “They are not in this section. Minerals?”

“It is worth a try,” Alice said.

A few minutes later, Eleanor pulled out a heavy volume from the shelf. “Mineralogia Cornubiensis; a Treatise on Minerals, Mines and Mining by William Pryce. It is a place to start.”

“Good,” Madeline said. “Now let us find some novels we actually want to read.”

“I do want to read this.” Or at least Eleanor wanted the knowledge. She might have to ask Matt if he knew of some other sources of information.

By the time they left the bookstore, it was almost time for luncheon. Her stomach growled as she walked through the Worthington House door. “I am famished.”

Thorton bowed. “Luncheon is being set out.”

Eleanor smiled. “Thank you, Thorton. Have you seen his lordship?”

“Yes, my lady. He and Lord Stanwood arrived not long ago.”

They would most likely be in the small dining room, where they had luncheon. “Thank you.”

She caught up with her sisters on the stairs. “I need to speak with Matt. Charlie might be able to help as well.”

“Do not wait for us, then,” Alice said. “We will be down shortly.”