Page 49 of Impeccable
Gregory had spent a great deal of time working with Ash on walking together so that when he took the pup out in London, he would not run off. He’d tried to get Ash used to walking near a moving vehicle, having his groom drive his gig next to them. Over the past three weeks that they’d been in town, Gregory had watched Ash’s behavior improve until he could accompany Gregory on a walk without dashing off.
And so it was today that Gregory felt confident enough to walk with him in St. James’s. Or perhaps it was that Gregory was overcome with waiting to try to catch a glimpse of Evie.
He wasn’t sure which house was hers on Charles Street, so his intent was to walk up and down it a few times. It was unlikely they would see her, but he was, of course, ever the optimist.
Walking closer to the street than Ash, Gregory kept his eye on the dog. He’d grown quite a bit in the last month since Evie had seen him. As much as Gregory longed to see her for himself, he was also anxious for Ash to see her. Though dogs couldn’t really communicate, Gregory knew he’d missed her.
On his way back toward St. James’s Square, he recognized a gentleman coming toward him: it was Lord Lucien. As they neared one another, Lord Lucien smiled. “What a marvel to run into you here, Lord Gregory. I trust you have been well, though perhaps it’s been a difficult time these past months.”
“Thank you. I am quite well and glad to be back in town. And you?” Gregory was anxious to hear why their meeting was a “marvel.”
“Very well, thank you for asking. I am just on my way to see Mrs. Renshaw, whom I understand you became acquainted with while she was in Oxfordshire.”
Gregory kept his features impassive. What did Lord Lucien know?
“I live just down the street, you see,” Lord Lucien continued as he gestured behind himself. “I often call on Mrs. Renshaw as it pertains to the Phoenix Club.”
Gregory felt a surge of jealousy that Lord Lucien lived so close to her and was welcome to visit regularly. “How convenient.”
“Yes. You should join me. I’m sure Mrs. Renshaw would be delighted to see you.” His gaze moved to Ash, who had moved forward to sniff the man’s boot. “Who’s this?”
“Ash. Perhaps Mrs. Renshaw mentioned him?”
Lord Lucien’s gaze shot up to his. “She did not.”
“Ah, well, we found him stuck in a hedgerow.”
“And saved him, apparently. You did this together?” At Gregory’s nod, he smiled. “How charming. I’m surprised she didn’t mention that.”
If she hadn’t told Lord Lucien about that, what had she told him about their “acquaintance”?
“Her house is just here.” Lord Lucien indicated the smart terrace in front of them.
“Come, Ash,” Gregory beckoned. He almost asked if he was ready to see Evie, but her name would send him into a fit of excitement, and that would no doubt provoke Lord Lucien’s curiosity. Furthermore, what if she wasn’t home and Ash was disappointed? Except it seemed Lord Lucien might be expected.
Gregory accompanied him up the short set of stairs to the door. Lord Lucien rapped on the wood, and a moment later, an attractive young man opened the door. This was her butler? Gregory felt another surge of jealousy, but it was entirely different from what he’d felt when Lord Lucien had revealed the proximity of his residence.
“Afternoon, Foster,” Lord Lucien said pleasantly. “Would you tell Evie I am here along with Lord Gregory Blakemore?”
Everything after Evie was drowned out by Ash, who’d begun barking. He dashed inside and stopped to sniff everything madly.
The butler’s pale brows climbed his forehead, but he said nothing.
“Pardon me,” Gregory said, moving inside and rushing to pick Ash up.
“Did I hear a dog?” The familiar feminine voice came from the top of the stairs, prompting Ash to start barking anew. He struggled to get free from Gregory’s arms.
Suddenly, she was there at the top of the stairs. A vision in lavender, her gaze meeting Gregory’s and widening in surprise. But then she looked to Ash, who managed to wrest himself from Gregory’s grip, probably because Gregory was wholly focused on Evie.
Ash bounded up the stairs, and Evie bent down to hug him, bringing him to her chest. “I have missed you so!” She nuzzled his head, and Gregory realized the last month of separation hadn’t diminished anything he—or apparently Ash—felt for her.
After a long moment, she looked down toward the butler. “Foster, will you have tea sent up to the drawing room?” She rose, scooping Ash into her arms as she went. “My goodness, you have grown very big. Soon, I may not be able to lift you this easily.” She turned and disappeared.
Lord Lucien started toward the stairs. “I think that’s our cue to go up.”
Of course. Gregory was too busy trying to overcome his elation at seeing her. Swallowing, he willed his heart to calm its frantic pace as he followed Lord Lucien up the staircase.
Evie’s drawing room was as feminine and beautiful as one might expect. There were floral patterns and a gorgeous arrangement of actual flowers—in late January—on a cabinet. And another smaller one on a round table near the windows that overlooked Charles Street.
