Page 68 of Impeccable
Millie sputtered. “I don’t know yet. I haven’t had time to properly consider this. How did you know to suggest Ladies Edgemont and Warfield?”
Emma shrugged. “Lady Edgemont came immediately to mind.”
“And Lady Warfield seems an obvious choice,” Harriet said, appearing faintly bemused.
“Well, I need time to think of just the right person.” Millie settled back in her chair looking thoroughly disgruntled.
“All right, then,” Evie said. “We’ll vote on Lady Edgemont and Lady Warfield today, and we can—”
Millie interrupted her again. “That isn’t at all fair. We shouldn’t vote until I’ve made my proposal. If I didn’t know better, I might think you’re all trying to keep me from participating in this endeavor.”
Harriet narrowed her eyes, her brows pitching downward. “If we meant to do that, would we have invited you at all?”
Millie sniffed again. “We can vote next week.”
Evie didn’t want to press the issue. Next week would be soon enough. “Very well. Are we all agreed that we’ll vote on our new patronesses next week?”
Everyone nodded in agreement, but Evie could tell that Harriet and Emma were as annoyed by Millie’s behavior as Evie was. The truth, however,wasthat they were trying to keep Millie from continuing as a patroness. Or at least encouraging her to be on her way. Evie felt marginally bad about doing so, but Millie was becoming increasingly difficult to tolerate.
Nodding, Evie smiled warmly at the others. “Excellent. Please don’t discuss the addition of patronesses. We don’t want everyone buzzing with this information until after we’ve made the announcement of who they will be.” She directed that last part at Millie, who was inclined to gossip. The others were not, and Millie knew this. If word got out, they would all know it was her.Thatwould be grounds for immediate dismissal, at least in Evie’s mind. They’d always discussed the importance of keeping their discussions and plans private until such time as they needed to become public. What fun was it to announce the themes of the monthly balls if they’d already been leaked through rumor?
“Shall we move on to discussing the themes?” Evie asked.
“In a moment,” Millie said, straightening. “I am truly disturbed that my recommendations continue to be disregarded. My friends, who are members here, have begun to wonder if the Phoenix Club is worth belonging to if it ignores longstanding members of White’s or Brooks’s.”
Any charity Evie had for the women was rapidly diminishing. “That is somewhat the point of the Phoenix Club. Its charter states that it is a haven to the unwelcome, the marginalized, the forgotten, and the downtrodden, that it will strive to lift people up, to engender kindness, tolerance, and understanding. If you can’t see that this is precisely what the club does, then perhaps you are the one who is wondering if the Phoenix Club is the right place foryou.”
Evie stole glances at Emma and Harriet, both of whom seemed to be trying to stifle their expressions of approval for what she’d said. They both sat straight, with hints of smiles teasing their lips.
Millie opened her mouth, but snapped it closed again. It seemed Evie had finally made her shut up. At least for now. She wasn’t foolish enough to think Millie wouldn’t speak up again.
Evie feared she’d awakened the beast. She and the others would have to take great care to avoid her bite.
Chapter14
“Now, tell me about your meeting,” Evie demanded as she snuggled into Gregory’s side.
Gregory kissed her temple, reveling in her scent. His heart rate had finally returned to normal after their sport. He’d arrived only a short while ago, but they’d fallen on each other in a desperation of lust. Now sated, they could discuss their days, which he was keen to do.
“I think it went well. Right up until I encountered my brother as I left. He knew about the meeting.”
“That troubles you?”
“I don’t like having my brother involved in my affairs. In this case, I’ve a right to feel that way because he’s asking me—again—to speak with Lucien on behalf of him and Susan and their potential Phoenix Club membership. I assured him I have no sway, but he also knew that Lucien arranged today’s meeting.”
“He doesn’t believe that you have no influence.” Evie scoffed. “I’m sorry you’re having to tolerate such nonsense.”
“I only hope it doesn’t adversely affect my chances for this appointment. The reason he knew about the interview was because he dined with Hargrove earlier in the week. However, Hargrove seemed to indicate all was well and that I should expect confirmation within the fortnight.”
“Then it likely will be,” Evie said. “I know him, and despite his snappish wife, he is generally amenable and charming. I’ve never known him to be manipulative or cruel.”
That gave Gregory a rush of welcome relief. “Well, that is comforting to know.”
She tipped her head back and smiled widely. “Besides, I am confident he was thoroughly impressed with you and will see you appointed regardless of anything your brother might want.”
“How was your patroness meeting?”
“Frustrating.” She frowned. “But I was expecting it to be fraught. We were discussing a sensitive issue.”
