“Yes. Matt thought the two of us working on this was better than one.” He seemed to stand straighter. “I am the head of the family, after all.”

“You are indeed.” Alice motioned with her hand. “Do sit and finish your luncheon.”

Charlie always stood when any of the sisters entered a room. It was something Matt had insisted upon, and Eleanor appreciated the courtesy. “Thank you, but I am going to get a bit more food.”

Next, Walter and Grace strolled into the dining room in deep discussion about something. Her face lit when she looked at Matt. “Good afternoon.”

He came around and kissed her cheek. “Good afternoon to you as well, my love. Will you serve yourself or shall I do it for you?”

“I will do it.” She glanced at his plate. “You should finish eating.”

Eleanor cut her apple into quarters as she watched how Matt behaved with Grace. It had been six years since they had wed, but he still treated her like he had before they married.

As the talk swirled around Eleanor, Charlie leaned over. “It is a fine example. You might not remember, but Mama and Papa were the same way with each other. It is what we should all aspire to in our marriages.”

Tears pricked Eleanor’s eyes. She had only been seven when their father died, and a year later they lost their mother. Grace had taken over after that. It was a miracle she had been able to keep them all together. “I agree.” Eleanor took out a handkerchief and blew her nose. “Are you thinking about marrying anytime soon?”

“I will give myself another two or three years.” Charlie glanced around the table, then back at her. “No longer than that.”

Although he had always seemed mature for his age, she could see it more clearly now. “We have all grown up.”

And soon they would all be married and having babies. That brought her back around to Lord Montagu. Hopefully she would make a decision about him soon.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

John strolled into the small dining room, expecting to be able to enjoy his luncheon in peace and prepare for the meeting he and some other gentlemen were having at Merton House concerning the reading of a bill that had been approved that morning. And about another bill they were only just starting to look at regarding mines in Britain.

“Good afternoon, dear.” Mama smiled quickly, hiding the expression of dismay she’d worn when he entered the room. “I did not expect you home so soon.”

He had not even seen his mother sitting at the table with his sister. They both had plates of food, and there were several papers laid out in front of them.

“Good afternoon.” He couldn’t very well ask them what they were doing there. He went to the sideboard. “What are you working on?”