“Exactly, my lord. Mr. Shaw has been heard to say that the colonies are the only hope for salvation on earth because they tend to be less infested with lords, bishops, and other moral pestilences. He believes the aristocracy embodies the deadly sins and all that’s wrong with Britain.”

“He’s not entirely wrong,” Quinn said.

“While you are entirely a duke, Your Grace,” Miss Abbott replied, gently. “Lady Constance is marrying another duke. Had you been millers, yeoman, engravers, or teachers, Mr. Shaw would view you more favorably, according to what I know of him. As it is, the last people he’s likely to allow near Ivy are a bunch of wealthy, titled strangers.”

“Then we will be family rather than strangers,” Jane said. “My father is clergy. His congregation is out in the West Riding. Surely that will mean something to Mr. Shaw?”

“I don’t know, Your Grace. If your father supports the church’s traditional thinking, it might be yet another strike against the Wentworths.”

“Have you told Constance and Rothhaven what you’re telling us now?” Stephen asked.

“Not yet, but I will. His Grace expressed a willingness to fund Mr. Shaw’s ambitions, and I don’t think that approach well advised.”

Nathaniel rose, extending a hand to Althea. “Then Mr. Shaw is an idiot. My brother is obnoxiously wealthy. Shaw could build the first cathedral in the whole of Australia with Rothhaven’s pocket change.”

Althea took Nathaniel’s hand and stood as well, though she’d been getting to her feet unassisted for as long as Stephen could recall.

“I don’t think this Mr. Shaw sets much store by cathedrals, my lord,” Althea observed.

They remained hand in hand, close enough to embrace. “He sets store by something,” Nathaniel said. “We just have to deduce what it is.”

They left, heads close together, apparently intent on further discussions of a private nature. Quinn and Jane withdrew on assurances that they would consider what Miss Abbott had imparted, and do anything in their power to aid Constance’s objectives.

Leaving Stephen alone, unchaperoned with a relatively young, unmarried female who looked anything but pleased at the prospect of bearing him company.

“I am harmless,” he said, gesturing with his cane. “They mean you no disrespect by leaving you here with me. The door will remain open at all times. You have only to holler for a footman or tug the bell pull should I teeter menacingly in your direction.”

He didn’t bother with a charming smile. Miss Abbott would cosh him on general principles should he be so foolish.

“That is a handsome sword cane,” she said, glancing at the door. “Might I examine it more closely, my lord?”

Oh, she was a dear when she was trying to come across all hesitant and respectful. “I’ll show you mine if you’ll show me yours,” Stephen said, holding out his cane.