Page 66 of Impeccable
“I believe so, but it isn’t finalized. That will take a fortnight, perhaps less.” Gregory decided to assume Clifford had supported him. “I appreciate you speaking on my behalf.”
“I’m happy to do it. I would hope you would return the favor if possible.”
Gregory’s neck prickled. “Of course I would.”
“I know Susan spoke to your friend Mrs. Renshaw about an invitation for us to join the Phoenix Club. However, one has not been forthcoming.” Clifford frowned so that it almost looked like a pout. Yes, it was decidedly a pout.
Gregory gritted his teeth. “I’m sorry. I don’t know how you think I can help.”
“Well,youare a member of the Phoenix Club. That should recommend me, one would think.” Clifford laughed, but it was fake, and he sobered quickly. “It’s just that Hargrove, like you, is a member, and it seems important business may be conducted there—as it is at White’s and Brooks’s. It seems important that I, as a marquess with a seat in the Lords, become a member.”
“I am confident not everyone in the Lords belongs to the Phoenix Club.” That included Lord Lucien’s own father. Furthermore, Gregory and Clifford’s father hadn’t been a member either.
“Still, it would be a helpful advantage. I’m sure you agree.” Clifford eyed him expectantly, and now Gregory knew he expected Gregory to do something on his behalf. Just as he had—allegedly—done something for Gregory with Hargrove.
“I don’t think I can help you,” Gregory said. “I’m only a member. I’ve nothing to do with who is invited—or not—to join the Phoenix Club.”
“While that may be true, I know you are friendly with Lord Lucien, that he arranged this meeting for you today.” He knew that much at least.
Gregory didn’t like that his brother was involved in his affairs.
“All I’m asking for is a word of support,” Clifford continued. “I think it would go a long way toward securing our membership.” He smiled again, and it made Gregory’s skin crawl. He wanted to tell his brother to leave off, but feared Clifford might say something to Hargrove to jeopardize Gregory’s appointment before it could be finalized.
“I will say something, but don’t be surprised if nothing happens.”
Clifford clapped Gregory’s upper arm. “Susan will be delighted.”
Always Susan. Gregory clenched his jaw. “You’ll have to excuse me now, as I’ve another appointment.”
“Of course.” Clifford stepped aside. “I do hope you’ll call at Witney House soon. We’d love to see you.”
Gregory waved before continuing on his way. The giddiness he’d felt earlier had been replaced by a sickening weight. Ultimately, there was nothing he could do to ensure Clifford and Susan received an invitation to join the Phoenix Club. What would happen when they were still ignored? Would Clifford work to thwart Gregory at every turn?
While Gregory knew that working for the government would involve a certain amount of politics, he hadn’t expected it from his brother. But, really, he should have done. As he left Westminster and stepped into the gray winter day, he heard his father’s voice:“Your brother’s priority will always be himself—never forget that.”
Gregory would not.
The patroness room was on the second floor of the ladies’ side of the Phoenix Club and was for the express use of the patronesses. The only nonpatroness who’d ever been inside, aside from the maids, was Ada.
But she wouldn’t be here today since the primary topic of business would be the addition of new patronesses, one of whom would hopefully be Ada. Evie could hardly wait for her to join her in this lofty rank. They would laugh about how a former courtesan and governess had risen so high. Then they would count their blessings for the comfort they now enjoyed—which wasn’t reliant on their position. They’d both worked hard and come a long way, and they were grateful.
As Evie looked over the refreshment tray, she wondered how Gregory’s meeting with Lord Hargrove had gone. She looked forward to hearing about it later when Gregory came to spend the night with her. Well, a portion of the night, since he arrived after midnight and left before dawn.
He was careful to come in through the garden under the cover of darkness. Still, Evie had told her loyal servants that he would be visiting. None had batted an eye. In fact, her maid, Delilah, had told her she was thrilled to see Evie engaging in something that gave her joy.
The arrival of Emma, Lady Dungannon, drew Evie from her thoughts. “Am I the first one here?” she asked.
Evie stepped away from the table, where there was an assortment of cakes and biscuits, as well as the club’s finest sherry, which was their typical drink of choice for these meetings. They’d long abandoned the pretense of putting out tea or lemonade when they all went directly for the sherry.
“I need a quick drink before we begin.” Emma winked at Evie before pouring herself a glass. She also grabbed a biscuit before going to her usual chair near the windows that looked down on the garden. Evie’s office was directly beneath this room, so she had the same view.
“Good idea,” Evie said, pouring sherry for herself before moving to her regular chair, which was next to Emma’s.
Harriet, Mrs. Holland-Ward, came in next. The oldest of the patronesses, she was a commanding presence as she was taller than average, and her deep blue eyes were rather piercing. “Afternoon, ladies,” she said warmly. “I see you have sherry, so I must have some too. Oh, and my favorite almond cakes.” She piled two on a small plate after pouring her sherry and joined them, taking her seat on Evie’s other side.
“The weather has been unusually pleasant for this time of year,” Harriet observed as she nibbled her cake, the plate balanced on her lap.
“Quite. I enjoyed a lovely walk in the park yesterday,” Emma said.
