“When my sister arrived today, did you happen to see what kinds of papers she had with her?”

“I did not, my lord. But Spindle might know. He held them as I assisted her ladyship with her mantle. Shall I send for him?”

“Yes, please.” John hoped the footman had been curious enough to at least have glanced at the bundle.

A few moments later Spindle entered the dining room and bowed. “My lord, you wished to see me?”

“I was told you held the documents Lady Lytton brought with her today. Did you happen to notice what they were?”

“I am afraid I did, my lord.” The man colored slightly, as if caught doing something he should not have done. “The one on top got my attention because my eldest sister lives in York, and the writing was about a mining accident in the area.”

Mining? Why would his sister and mother be interested in mining? “Was it a newssheet?”

“Er, no, sir. Not the sort like the Morning Chronicle”—the newssheet John and most other Whigs read—“it was more like one of those reformer newssheets.”

This was starting to make more sense. The Cinderloo massacre obviously was concerning the ladies as well. “Thank you, Spindle. That will be all.”

“Very good, my lord.” He strode out of the room.

“Is that what you wanted to know, my lord?” Lumner asked.

“It is. Thank you. Tell me when her ladyship departs.”

“Of course, my lord.” The butler bowed and left.

If John could bring himself to believe that his sister, and his mother too, he supposed, could limit themselves to raising funds or clothing for displaced families, he wouldn’t be concerned. But would they take a more active role? One that had the potential of putting them in danger. He must speak with Lytton. And he might as well do it while the ladies were making their morning visits. He took his time finishing luncheon. But the more he thought about the papers, the more he considered how useful the information might be. He couldn’t ask his sister for the information, but he could obtain his own copies.

It was almost an hour later when Lumner returned. “Her ladyship has departed, my lord.”

“Thank you. Tell Pickerell I require him.” John rose and went to his rooms. His valet was there when he arrived. “My gloves, and hat, and my cane as well.”

Pickerell also refilled John’s card case and handed it to him. “I’ll be back before dinner.”

He left his home and was halfway to Lytton House when he remembered something his sister had said.

I will make sure she receives this information.

She.