Page 72 of Impeccable
“She is…tenacious.” Gregory downed half his port.
“It sounds as if you and she are not close.”
“Not at all, but I should just be satisfied that Clifford wed, I suppose.”
“He wasn’t expected to?”
“He never showed any inclination, much to my father’s dismay. Always said he’d get around to it eventually. My father gave him an ultimatum, and Clifford finally committed to wed—while my father was on his deathbed. I remain astonished that he did indeed marry as he promised.”
Lord Lucien grimaced as he sipped his drink. “My father is fond of those. He arranged my brother’s marriage. Thankfully, it turned out exceptionally well, as they are deeply in love.”
Envy stabbed through Gregory, but he managed to say, “How wonderful for them.” Then he drank most of the rest of his port. “Your father doesn’t pester you about marriage?”
“Heavens, no, especially not now that he has Con’s heir. I am free of harassment. At least on that front. What of you and your father?”
“He directed his focus regarding marriage entirely on my brother,” Gregory said. “Except for the part where he encouraged me—most vociferously—to remain celibate until I wed. He insisted it was best considering that I was to be ordained.”
Lord Lucien stared at him. “You weren’t planning to be amonk, were you?”
Gregory chuckled. “No, but then I wasn’t really planning to be a vicar or a bishop or anything in between. I considered it, but I’ve known for a couple of years that I didn’t really wish to pursue it.”
“But you didn’t want to disappoint your father.” Lord Lucien lifted his glass, but at Gregory’s nod, he arrested his movement. “Don’t tell me you’ve remained celibate for the same reason?”
It would be easy to lie. Or prevaricate. But for whatever reason, Gregory decided to share the truth. He liked Lord Lucien. “I did for some time, in fact. I have only recently abandoned my celibacy. And now, I think you must call me Gregory as well as refill my glass. What are you drinking?”
Lord Lucien had continued to gape at him. “Christ, I think I need that story.” He made a face. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to curse like that in front of you. I notice you don’t swear.”
“Another habit to please my father.Bollocks.”
“What?” Lucien asked in surprise.
“Nothing. I just thought I’d try it out.”
Laughing, Lord Lucien stood. “You must call me Lucien then too. I’m pouring you a divine Irish whiskey that arrived just yesterday. That’s what I’m drinking. I stashed a few bottles in here to hide them from my brother-in-law. Wexford is terribly greedy with the Irish.”
“That makes sense, I suppose.” Because he was Irish. That was about the extent of what Gregory knew about him. And that he had married Lucien’s younger sister last Season.
Lucien returned a moment later with a glass of Irish whiskey for Gregory. He took the empty wineglass and deposited it on a table before retaking his seat. “Now, tell me how you finally managed to get shagged. Did you consult a professional?”
“Er, no. Though my brother has invited me to brothels for years. He’s long tried to convince me to take a mistress.” Gregory sipped the whiskey and decided it was what curse words were made for—in the complimentary sense. “This is spectacular.”
“Don’t tell Wexford. They’re due back from Gloucestershire any day. Then it will likely disappear.” Lucien took another drink. “I recall seeing your brother at a brothel or two. I used to frequent them, but it’s been several years.”
“And did you find mistresses there?”
“Typically, I was just looking for a companion for the night. However, I did find my favorite mistress at one of them.” A soft, nostalgic smile flitted over his mouth.
“That was quite an expression,” Gregory noted. “She must have meant a great deal to you.”
Lucien nodded. “I was quite fond of her. Some men fall in love with their mistresses. Indeed, that happened to this woman’s sister.”
Gregory thought of what Susan had told him about the Creightons. “That sounds like my brother’s neighbors. Or so the rumor goes. I’m not sure I believe it since I heard it from my sister-in-law.”
A look of horror passed over Lucien’s features. “Oh hell, yes of course, the Creightons. They are a lovely couple.”
“That was true, then?” Gregory flinched. “Never mind. I am not one to gossip. They are charming, genuine people, and I enjoyed meeting them.” Because that was how he’d met Evie. If not for her visiting them, he never would have encountered her at the hedgerow.
Lucien rose to refill his glass. “I’m still waiting to hear about the loss of your innocence. If you didn’t hire someone for the deed, whom did you engage?” He grinned as he sat back down. “Are you still shagging her?”
