Page 105 of Irresistible
The coach stopped in front of the Phoenix Club, and Dougal climbed down first. His father followed, moving so well that Dougal wondered if the walking stick was more for show. Robbie stepped out last.
“Why are there two doors?” Da asked.
“The one on the right is to the ladies’ club. The left is for the gentlemen. On Tuesdays, just about everyone enters on the left.”
“London is so stiff,” Robbie said, shaking his head. “In Edinburgh, the gents—and the ladies—come over from the New Town, and no one bats an eye.”
Dougal’s mother had done that, which was how she’d met Dougal’s father.
A footman opened the door as they approached, and Dougal gestured for his father to precede him. They stood in the entry hall a moment while Da took in the marble floor and the grand staircase that turned up the far wall. “That’s quite a painting,” he noted, staring up at the massive bacchanalia.
Dougal pointed himself out and explained how Lucien had included his closest friends in the commission. As if conjured by their conversation, Lucien came down the stairs.
He met them with a wide smile. “Lord Stirling, Robbie, I’m so pleased to welcome you to the Phoenix Club.” Lucien knew Robbie from when they’d all served together in the war. “My lord, does this mean you have at last accepted your invitation to join the club?”
They’d invited him when it opened, but Da hadn’t ever accepted, likely because he hadn’t been to London for several years. “I suppose I must. It seems all the best people do.” He clasped Lucien’s hand. “It’s good to see you, Lucien. What’s it been, eight, nine years?”
Lucien nodded. “Something like that. Whenever it was that Dougal dragged me to Scotland.”
“Too long,” Da said. “I hope you’ll come for another visit soon.”
Robbie nodded. “Yes. My father still talks about you and Dougal’s other friend—Max.”
Lucien inclined his head. “How flattering.”
“He won’t travel that far from his precious club,” Dougal said.
“Someday I will,” Lucien said with a hint of defensiveness. “It’s still new and needs my presence.”
Dougal could argue that either Evie or Ada could oversee things just fine, but he did not. He’d already stated that on several occasions.
Lucien frowned slightly toward Robbie. “I apologize that you have not received an invitation to the club. I shall rectify that with due haste.”
“That’s kind of ye, but I’ve no idea when I’ll be back in London.”
“Do we get a tour?” Da asked expectantly.
“Certainly!” Lucien gestured to the left of the entry hall. “Let us start this way with the dining room.”
“Dining room?” Da looked to Dougal. “Why didn’t we dine here?”
“We can tomorrow, if you like.”
“On your wedding day?” Da chuckled. “I don’t think your new viscountess will appreciate that.”
Lucien snickered. “Even I know not to do that. Where is Miss Goodfellow this evening?”
“Evie is bringing her,” Dougal said. “I expect they’ll arrive soon.”
“Excellent. This way, then.” Lucien allowed Dougal’s father and Robbie to precede him into the dining room.
Excusing himself, Dougal went upstairs in search of Kent. Hopefully, the man would be here. Indeed, he was seated in the members’ den, sipping a glass of port.
Dougal went straight to him. “Come with me to Lucien’s office.”
Kent stood wordlessly and walked from the members’ den toward Lucien’s office. Dougal followed him inside and closed the door behind him.
“It’s time you explained a few things to me,” Dougal said evenly.
