Page 108 of Impeccable
“What do you think I should do?” Evie asked.
“I think you should do whatever makesyouhappy. Who cares what anyone thinks or does? Lucien doesn’t. I don’t. Gregory doesn’t.”
“That isn’t the issue—I don’t want to cause more trouble for the club. Lucien has worked too hard to see it fail.”
“I don’t think we’re anywhere close to that,” Ada said.
Evie couldn’t tell her what she knew, that Lucien didn’t own the club, that he’d gone against the other owners by allowing Evie to stay. What if they forced him out somehow, and the club was no longer his?
“I’ll discuss it with Gregory.” Evie glanced toward him at the same moment he looked at her. Even from across a large room, she could see the love and heat in his gaze. She hoped it would never fade. She loved him with every part of her being, so totally that it frightened her.
But it seemed love lost could sometimes be found—not that she thought of her father’s return as anything other than a miracle. She was so thankful.
“You’re happy, aren’t you?” Ada asked, sounding concerned.
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Ada shook her head. “Forget I asked. You’re worried about Lucien.”
“I am. It’s an odd sensation.”
This made Ada laugh. “He’s always taking care of everything and everyone. He eases worries, but I suppose in doing so, he may carry the largest burden of all.”
“I couldn’t help feeling he was more affected than he let on by what happened,” Evie said, thinking about the day they’d departed London. “When Gregory and I saw him before we left town, he seemed…unsettled. Is that how you saw him?”
Ada was slow to respond. “Yes, I think so.” She grimaced. “It pains me to say it.”
“We aren’t being critical. We just want to help, if we can.”
“Yes, it’s high time someone helps him for once.” Evie pondered how they might do that. “If there are forces in Society who are seeking to ruin the club, we need to find a way to counteract that—if we can.” She wasn’t sure that would even be possible since those forces might very well hold majority ownership in the club. She wished she’d asked Lucien for specific information.
It seemed she had a reason to return.
“All right,” Evie said. “You’ve convinced me to return as scheduled.”
“Brilliant! Now, it’s time for you to stop lurking.” Ada looped her arm through Evie’s.
“I wasn’t lurking. I was counting my blessings.”
Ada gave her the brightest of smiles. “My dearest friend, I couldn’t be happier for anyone. Ever.”
Evie laughed. “Thank you. Let’s go talk to my father. He likes you immensely.”
“Does he? He might turn my head. Don’t tell Max.”
Laughing again, Evie strolled across the room to her family. Tomostof her family—Gregory was now speaking with some of the people from Witney Court.
“Puppy!” Henry wriggled in his grandpapa’s arms as Ash trotted into the room. He wore a bright blue bow around his neck and looked quite dashing. Henry adored Ash, and now Heloise and Alfred were discussing getting a dog of their own.
Evie’s father set his grandson down, and Henry immediately went to play with Ash, who was more than happy to oblige.
Turning to Evie, Papa smiled. “There you are, ma fille. Such a lovely day. Your mother is smiling down on all of us.”
“I hope so,” Evie said, glancing at Heloise, whose expression was bittersweet.
“I know so,” Papa said, beaming at his daughters. “Now, when can I make a toast to my beautiful daughter and her new husband?”
Heloise patted his arm. “Right now, Papa. I’ll have the footmen bring the champagne.”
