Page 47 of Impeccable
“Indeed,” Lucien murmured, sitting back in the chair and studying his fingernails a moment. “Rest assured. They will never be members.”
“You say that with such finality, as if you possess the sole discretion when it comes to membership.”
Lucien swung his gaze back to her. “You know I do not.”
“Ah yes, will the two anonymous members of the committee agree with you? You seem rather confident.” She watched his brow tighten briefly. “Despite what you say—what you’ve always said—I wonder if you really do have the power to make the final decision. I suppose if I knew who those two members are, I might have a better idea.”
Exhaling, Lucien folded his arms over his chest. “I do wish I could tell you. But I can’t.”
“I know, and I understand.” Even if she didn’t like it. She and the other members of the secret membership committee, which included Ada as well as Lords Overton, Wexford, and Fallin, sometimes grumbled to each other that they weren’t allowed to know the identities of two of their number. But they all trusted Lucien. Furthermore, they knew he was bound to secrecy. What perplexed them most waswhy.
Lucien unfolded his arms and nodded toward the stack of letters before her. “Anything interesting in that pile?”
“I was just about to read one from Lady Hargrove.”
“Do read it aloud, if you don’t mind.”
Lady Hargrove was the least likeable of the four patronesses. Her husband was friendly and personable, but she was perhaps too haughty for the Phoenix Club. The membership committee hadn’t realized that two years ago when they had established the patronesses before the club opened. Lucien had wanted three respectable ladies in addition to Evie. Lord Hargrove often supported the working class, and Lucien enjoyed his company. That his wife came from a very old family and was accepted in the highest circles gave the club credibility and a note of prestige. At least, that was the reason Lucien gave for inviting them. Evie had a sudden, curious thought—what if the anonymous members had been the ones to invite them?
At first, Lady Hargrove had been fine, but over time, she’d begun to gripe about certain members—never directly to Lucien, but to her fellow patronesses, which of course included Evie. One thing Lady Hargrove did not particularly approve of was allowing unmarried women membership, even though they were of a certain age and generally regarded as spinsters. It wasn’t as if they offered membership to young ladies in their first Season. Even Lucien’s sister hadn’t received an invitation until she was wed.
The name Witney jumped out at Evie from Lady Hargrove’s letter. She groaned inwardly before she began to read aloud.
I wish to recommend Lord and Lady Witney for membership. It is astonishing to me that Witney is not yet a member, since his younger brother already enjoys the privilege. As the new marquess, Witney will be an excellent addition to the club. Furthermore, Lady Witney is a lovely, engaging young lady. I could even see her as a future patroness. I look forward to discussing this at our next meeting.
Evie’s lip curled as she set the letter aside. “If Lady Witney is ever made a patroness, I have to assume I will no longer be here.”
“I just told you that she and her husband would never be members,” Lucien said evenly. “I confess I’m amused that Lady Hargrove thinks a sibling relationship offers any assurances for membership.”
“She must not have been paying attention to the fact that your own brother wasn’t invited until last spring.”
“Precisely. Anyway, Lady Hargrove takes it upon herself to recommend a great many people, the vast majority of whom are never even discussed by the committee.”
He made a good point. This wasn’t the first time Lady Hargrove had written a note like this to Evie. “Because we don’t present them. We’ll just ignore this one as we have the others.” Lady Hargrove would complain, but when she failed to receive any attention, she’d grudgingly move on.
Lucien nodded, his mouth twisting into a frown. “I sometimes wish she would resign in frustration.”
“You could ask her to.”
His gaze snapped to hers. “How would that look?”
Evie sighed. “We’re apparently stuck with her, then.”
“Unless we can manipulate her to quit.” He narrowed his eyes toward the windows as he seemed to contemplate that idea. “That is not how I typically care to apply my efforts, but I think I must consider it. How do the other patronesses feel?”
Evie lifted a shoulder. “There is a general consensus among me, Lady Dungannon, and Mrs. Holland-Ward that Lady Hargrove likes to complain and honestly just enjoys the sound of her own voice. We also know that she is highly esteemed among theton, so we don’t wish to cause trouble.”
Lady Dungannon’s husband was striving to repair a bankrupt viscountcy. His father’s mismanagement and suicide had plunged the family into scandal. Mrs. Holland-Ward’s family’s fortune came from trade. That she’d wed a landed gentleman had negatively affected her husband instead of elevating her. Both women were mostly accepted in Society now, but not entirely. Lady Hargrove gave them all a stamp of legitimacy.
Lucien eyed her intently. “If you can find an opportunity to discuss her…departure that might be helpful. Would they be in favor of that?”
Evie couldn’t imagine how she could broach that topic without causing surprise and even concern. “Perhaps we ought to consider adding a fifth patroness? Someone Lady Hargrove wouldn’t want to work with?” And who would provide the same credibility.
“She’d have to be someone with her credentials.” Lucien fell silent for a moment. “Let me think on this.”
“You could ask the anonymous members,” Evie suggested.
“I may do just that.” He gave her a bright smile. “Hiring you was the best decision I ever made.”
