Page 50 of Impeccable
She’d situated herself on a rose-colored settee with Ash on her lap. The dog was quite content to be with her, and that made Gregory inordinately happy. He considered taking a chair, but ultimately decided it would be best if he sat on the other end of the settee. That way, Ash could move to him if he wanted. Or, perhaps more accurately, Gregory just wanted to be near Evie.
“Apparently there’s a story here as to how you found this dog?” Lord Lucien prompted, addressing Evie.
“I suppose there is. We discovered him caught in a hedgerow. Lord Gregory determined where he came from, but they were happy to allow him to keep Ash.”
“Who named him?”
“Mrs. Renshaw did,” Gregory answered. “There was an ash tree along the hedgerow.”
“How charming,” Lord Lucien murmured, his eyes twinkling as he looked at Evie. “I’m surprised you didn’t tell me about it.”
Evie’s brows arched briefly. “Didn’t I?” She stroked Ash’s head. The dog stared up at her adoringly, and Gregory wondered how he was going to get him to leave.
“Looks as if you’ve quite a bond,” Lord Lucien observed. “I never would have taken you for someone who would have a pet.”
“And I do not,” Evie said, though she grimaced faintly as she glanced at Ash and now used both hands to pet him.
Foster entered with the tea tray and set it upon the round table near the windows. “Shall I pour, Mrs. Renshaw?”
“Yes, please. Lord Gregory takes milk but no sugar.” She turned her head toward Gregory. “Did I remember that correctly?”
“Indeed, you did,” Gregory said, having no doubt she was saying that for Lord Lucien’s benefit. There was no way she didn’t recall how Gregory liked his tea.
Lord Lucien rested his elbow on the arm of his chair as he looked to Gregory. “Lord Gregory, I understand you are interested in a government appointment.”
Gregory was thrilled to know that Evie had already mentioned this to him. “I am.”
“Do you have a particular area of interest?”
Foster delivered Evie’s cup of tea and, then Gregory’s.
“I have experience with the law and somewhat with architecture,” Gregory replied.
Lord Lucien took his cup from the butler with a nod before transferring his attention back to Gregory. “Also with religion, if I recall?”
“Yes, but I am more interested in the law and building.”
“That is good to know,” Lord Lucien said. “I may be able to arrange some meetings for you, if you’d be interested.”
“I’d be delighted, thank you.” He glanced toward Evie. “And thank you,” he said softly.
“I was happy to speak to Lucien on your behalf.” Evie sipped her tea. Ash had moved off her lap and was now snuggled beside her, his head on her thigh. Gregory thought that an excellent place to be.
Lord Lucien drank from his teacup before balancing it back on the saucer. “It’s also come to my attention that your brother and sister-in-law hope to gain membership to the Phoenix Club. That does not look as though it will happen. I hope that won’t cause strife within your family.”
“It’s none of my business,” Gregory said, secretly glad they would not be members. “I don’t spend a great deal of time with them.”
“You don’t reside at Witney House?” Lord Lucien asked.
“I’ve a terrace on Avery Row.” He wondered if Evie would appreciate knowing that. She hadn’t ever asked where he resided in London.
“Charming address.” Lord Lucien took another drink, then stood abruptly. “Evie, our club business can wait until later. I’ll let you catch up with Lord Gregory and…Ash. Who is not your dog,” he added with a smirk.
Evie sent him a long-suffering stare. “I’ll see you later at the club.”
After depositing his cup on the tray, Lord Lucien turned back to Gregory. “I’ll let you know about a meeting. Perhaps I’ll see you at the Phoenix Club soon?”
“Definitely. I am grateful for your assistance.”
