Page 18 of Impeccable
“I won’t be at all bored,” Gregory assured him.
“Lord and Lady Witney, it’s our honor to welcome you this evening,” Mrs. Creighton said with a curtsey. Diamonds adorned her ears and neck and nestled in her artfully styled light-brown hair. She looked every bit the part of Society, not that it would matter to Susan.
“We appreciate the invitation,” Clifford said. “I shall also enjoy hearing about your refurbishments. Lady Witney and I are considering improvements to Witney Court.”
Gregory hated to think of them altering a thing about his childhood home, but it wasn’t really his home anymore, even if he would always be welcome. Indeed, he wasn’t at all certain Susan would extend that courtesy in the future, particularly after she and Clifford had children. Anyway, he had his small terrace house in London, and that would be enough.
Susan glanced about. “I’m keen to speak with your guest, Mrs. Renshaw.”
“Please do,” Mrs. Creighton said, gesturing toward where Mrs. Renshaw stood. “Do you know each other?”
“We met at the assembly,” Susan explained. “I look forward to deepening our acquaintance.”
But not yours.
Gregory couldn’t tell if Mrs. Creighton had gleaned that from Susan’s demeanor and sincerely hoped she hadn’t.
“You’ll understand if I just go and speak with her now.” Susan gave her a condescending smile—hopefully, Mrs. Creighton wouldn’t recognize it as such—and went toward Mrs. Renshaw. Clifford followed in her wake.
Torn between racing to protect Mrs. Renshaw from their attack and being polite by staying longer with his hosts, Gregory’s shoulders tensed. He watched as his brother and sister-in-law reached their quarry. At least they’d have to converse with the vicar too. That would hopefully moderate Susan’s behavior.
But it probably wouldn’t.
“What is your brother planning for Witney Court?” Creighton asked affably.
“I don’t know.” Gregory couldn’t keep from glancing in Mrs. Renshaw’s direction repeatedly. “He doesn’t involve me in his plans. It may be that Lady Witney has ideas. She’s eager to make her place as the marchioness.”
“She also seems eager to befriend Mrs. Renshaw.” Mrs. Creighton kept looking toward them as well, and Gregory noted the woman’s brow puckered slightly. Was she concerned for some reason? Perhaps she’d seen straight through Susan. It wasn’t hard since she was so incredibly shallow.
“Lady Witney hopes to persuade Mrs. Renshaw to secure invitations for herself and my brother to the Phoenix Club.”
Mrs. Creighton’s brows shot up. “Indeed? Well, Mrs. Renshaw can’t do that on her own. Lady Witney would do better to take it up with Lord Lucien.”
“I told Lady Witney that, but she seems to think she knows better.” Gregory could tell that Mrs. Creighton was well informed on the matter, more so than Susan, which would irritate her greatly. “I take it you are members?”
“We are,” Creighton said. “Lord Lucien is a splendid sort. The club is magnificent.”
Gregory nodded. “It is indeed. I am also a member.” He looked forward to annoying Susan later with the news that the Creightons had already received invitations.
No, he wouldn’t sink to her level, as tempting as that was.
“Perhaps you should go join their conversation,” Mrs. Creighton said.
“I should be delighted.” He bowed to them both, then hastened to the middle of the room where the vicar was giving a preview of next Sunday’s sermon. He planned to discuss humility.
How appropriate.
Gregory could see that Susan was feigning interest. Her body was turned toward Mrs. Renshaw, and it was clear she was eager to speak.
At last, the vicar took a breath. Susan pounced. “Mrs. Renshaw, I wonder if we might discuss the Phoenix Club. Witney and I would very much like to see it for ourselves when the Season starts.”
“You cannot see inside without receiving an invitation of membership. You could attend one of the Friday assemblies during the Season if someone in your family who is a member invites you as their guest.” Mrs. Renshaw looked to Gregory, and while there was nothing provocative about her gaze, he still felt entranced. “I suppose you’d have to rely on Lord Gregory, since he is a member.”
“We could, but it would be ever so much more efficient if we had our own membership,” Susan said sweetly. “Is there anything we should do to indicate our interest?”
“I think you’ve done that.” Mrs. Renshaw’s tone and expression were both wry. “If the membership committee wishes to invite you to join, they will.”
Susan smiled widely—and insincerely by Gregory’s estimation. “I have to believe a good word from you would ensure our success.”
