Page 77 of Impeccable
“Perhaps Millie won’t come,” Ada said, lifting a shoulder. “She could decide to be a patroness in name only.”
“I hadn’t considered that,” Evie said, immediately warming to the idea. “I’ll propose that to Lucien too. He can suggest it to Hargrove. Ada, you are brilliant!”
“Sometimes. Other times, I don’t always get things right. For instance, when I first came back to town, I could have sworn there was something different about you.”
“Different how?”
“You always sparkle, but you were somehow even more dazzling.” Ada smiled. “Honestly, I wondered if you’d finally decided to take a lover. I would understand if you decided not to tell me. I hid my liaison with Max from you for a time.” Her smile faded. “I wish I hadn’t.”
“Don’t feel badly about that. Sometimes there are things we need to keep close—for a variety of reasons. I consider you my dearest friend.” Evie couldn’t help thinking she was making her own plea for secrecy since there was so much Ada didn’t know. Her liaison with Gregory was only a fraction of what she could—and probably should—share.
Should she tell Ada about her past? Ada would never tell anyone, and she’d be another support, even more than she already was. But Evie had locked that part of her life away. She didn’t even like thinking about it, let alone discussing it. Seeing Arbuthnot at that Yuletide party at Witney Court had dredged up her fears that she’d be discovered. Then there would be no hiding herself.
For now, she decided to share a fraction with Ada, at least. Allowing a small smile, Evie whispered, “I have been conducting an affair. It’s been diverting, but I don’t expect it will last much longer.”
Ada gasped, her eyes igniting with excitement. “I’m so happy for you! I’m sorry it’s ending, but if that’s what you want…”
“It is.” It was what Evie needed. “I still have no desire for anything permanent. Indeed, I wasn’t sure I was even ready for an affair. I’ve kept it simple and temporary.”
“Sounds perfect for you.” Ada gave her a hug, surprising Evie. “You’re such a wonderful friend, Evie.”
Evie hugged her back. “So are you.”
They parted, and Evie returned to her office. A small stack of correspondence sat on the corner of her desk. She picked up the letters and flipped through them, noting there was one from her sister and one from…Gregory?
Sitting down, she opened the one from Gregory.
Dearest Evie,
I know you are worried right now, and I don’t want to add to your concerns. I just want you to know that I’m here when you need me—and even when you don’t. I’m waiting and will continue to wait, for there is nothing and no one worth more to me than you.
Yours,
Gregory
P. S. Ash misses you, but like me, he is content to wait.
Joy bloomed through Evie. She needed to end the affair, but how could she when he wrote such thoughtful, charming words? And when he brought Ash into it?
They were being careful and would continue to do so. She’d told Ada she deserved the happiness she’d earned and won. Couldn’t Evie do the same?
It suddenly occurred to her that they didn’t have to meet at her house. They could meet here at the club. There were several bedchambers on this floor—more on the men’s side—and an easy, though hidden, access between the two sides. Evie couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought of it before. She’d ask him to come to the club tonight and tell him how to get to one of the chambers so they could meet.
A delicious thrill raced up her spine. Yes, she deserved this, and she was going to enjoy every moment while it lasted.
Gregory walked into Westminster the following Tuesday afternoon feeling confident and content. Hargrove had sent word that morning summoning him for a meeting this afternoon. He’d given no indication as to the outcome, but Gregory hoped it would be to tell him the appointment was confirmed.
His confidence and contentment came entirely from Evie and the time they’d spent together over the past few days. Her idea to have them meet at the Phoenix Club had been absolutely inspired. They’d met there each of the past three nights. The only thing missing was Ash, but they’d decided they could manage “chance” meetings at the park. It wasn’t ideal, but Gregory still hoped things between them would change and progress, that they would become permanent.
He hoped, deep in his heart, that she’d change her mind about marriage. He wanted her to be his wife. Then they and Ash would be a happy family. And perhaps one of Ash’s puppies, if he ended up being the father to Bess’s brood. They still didn’t know if Bess was carrying.
Gregory went to the same room where he’d met Hargrove before. However, this time, Hargrove was already waiting for him.
“Afternoon, Lord Gregory. Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice.”
“I’m pleased to do so,” Gregory said. “I trust you have good news today.”
Hargrove frowned, and Gregory’s pulse quickened. That Hargrove didn’t suggest they sit also signaled an alarm. “I’m afraid I’ve run into some difficulty. Your appointment is in jeopardy.”
