His mother smiled. “How was your breakfast this morning? Was it as commotive as you thought it might be?”

“Not at all.” John picked up a plate. “The children were all very well behaved.” He grinned to himself. “They had apparently been told that if they were on their best behavior, they would have an outing to the Tower this afternoon.”

“That was an inspired idea,” his sister said.

He finished filling his plate and ambled over to the table, stretching his neck slightly to see what the papers were. “What are you two doing?”

His sister efficiently stacked the newssheets and pamphlets together. “We are gathering information to assist a friend in a—a project she wishes to undertake.”

Aurelia wasn’t normally so evasive. A footman pulled out his chair for him. That was one thing that had not happened at breakfast this morning. Everyone seemed much less interested in the formalities. He set down his plate and took his seat. “What kind of project?”

His mother and sister shared a look that seemed like more of a communication. Mama smiled. “Nothing in which you would be interested.”

“I might be.” What the devil were the two of them up to? His mother handed him a cup of tea. “Thank you. You won’t know if I’m interested unless you tell me.” John decided to try prodding his sister. “Unless it is about clothing or some such thing.”

“It is not.” Her tone was almost chilly.

That hadn’t worked. “Very well, keep it to yourselves.”

“Thank you. We shall.” Documents in hand and now bound by a string, Aurelia rose. “Mama, I will make sure she receives this information.”

“That is kind of you, my dear.” Their mother turned her cheek for the expected kiss. “Would you like to join me when I go out for morning visits?”

His sister glanced at the thin bundle. “Yes. That would be nice. Come fetch me when you are ready.” Aurelia flashed him a bright smile. “It was good seeing you. Perhaps you would like to join Lytton and me at the theater or come to dinner sometime. After all, there is no need for us to stand on formality.”

No need at all, except that she and Mama were hiding something from him. Still, his sister’s invitation would give him an opportunity to discover if they had fallen in love. “Yes, I would enjoy spending time with you.”

Aurelia swept out of the room and Mama rose. “I should get ready for my visits. Have a good day.”

“You as well.” He slowly chewed a piece of beef. They had never been so secretive before. And why would they not want him to know what they were doing? John swallowed and glanced at the footman. “Get Lumner for me, please.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Seconds later, John’s butler entered and bowed. “How may I help you, my lord?”