Page 78 of Impeccable
Gregory tamped down his anger. “Why?”
“This is…indelicate, and I do apologize. However, it’s not entirely up to me. I havesomeinfluence, but… Well, I don’t have the final say.”
His agitation was evident, but Gregory couldn’t tell if he was upset by the position that he found himself in or if he was upset by Gregory. “Have I done something wrong?”
“It seems you haven’t done something that’s been requested.”
Gregory clenched his teeth. “I’m going to need you to speak plainly.”
Hargrove exhaled, and his gaze drifted to the left as if he couldn’t bring himself to look Gregory in the eye. “If you can ensure your brother and his wife are invited to the club, that would help your appointment to be confirmed. Furthermore, my wife is a patroness of the club and recently suggested a new patroness and was refused because this person is not a member. I’d like you to ask Lord Lucien to invite Lord and Lady Corby to be members, and it would be especially wonderful if Lady Corby could be made a patroness.”
Never in his life had Gregory lost control of his temper, but in this moment, he was simply unable to harness the ability to keep himself in check. “Hargrove, you must understand, I have absolutelynoinfluence in these matters. I’ve only recently become acquainted with Lord Lucien. You seem to think we have a deeper connection and wedo not.”
“Then perhaps you can use your considerable influence with one of the patronesses—Mrs. Renshaw?”
Gregory’s blood turned to ice. He chose his words carefully. “She, like Lucien, is a friend, and I have no influence over anything to do with the Phoenix Club.”
“I see.” Hargrove dipped his chin, frowning. Then his gaze met Gregory’s and his eyes were inscrutable. “It would be unfortunate if her true identity were to become known.”
What the hell was he talking about? Gregory’s heart was racing. Sweat beaded along his neck and lower back. “I am not that close to Mrs. Renshaw, so I surely have no idea what you mean by these threats. Really, Hargrove, I’m horrified by this…behavior.” Perhaps he could shame the man into ceasing these awful tactics.
“Do you really not know?” Hargrove sounded a bit weary. “Mrs. Renshaw was once known as Mirabelle Renault. For a time, she and her sister were two of London’s most sought-after courtesans.”
Gregory didn’t think he could feel more shocked or confused. “I’m not sure I can believe you,” he said quietly, his mind spinning at how badly this was all going. He’d only tried to secure a bloody job, and not a particularly important one at that.
Hargrove shrugged. “Then ask Lord Lucien. He was once her protector.”
It was unfortunate that Gregory wasn’t sitting down. His legs felt suddenly light, as if they couldn’t support him. However, he maintained his composure. “I am extremely disappointed that you would try to manipulate me in this way. Even if what you say is true, why would you go to such despicable lengths to achieve your goals? No, these aren’t even your goals. You’re trying to appease my selfish brother and apparently your wife.” Gregory refrained from referring to her as a harpy, despite the stories Evie had told him.
Evie.
Had she really been a courtesan?
“This is the way of things,” Hargrove said coldly. “We help each other and those of us with the most power achieve our ends. You have the power to achieve what you desire. You have only to exercise it.”
“You are mistaken. I have no influence with these people.”
“Not even with your lover?” Hargrove made a tsking noise. “I simply cannot believe that. If you explain to her that her life will not continue as she now enjoys it once her past is made public, she’ll do what’s necessary to reestablish peace and harmony. Furthermore, I highly doubt Lord Lucien would want people knowing one of his patronesses used to be his whore. I should think his father, The Duke, would be particularly upset by that.”
Gregory’s hands fisted. He’d never considered violence toward anyone before in his life, not even his brother in his worst moments of teasing and belittlement. Now, however, he had to fight the overwhelming urge to knock Hargrove on his arse. “You’re despicable,” he spat, his lip curling in disgust.
Striding past Hargrove, Gregory quit the room before he did something he would regret. He was fairly certain there was no future for him working in the office of the Lord High Chancellor. Gregory wondered if the man knew what happened among those working for him.
Once he was in his coach, he swore softly but violently. He didn’t want to believe what Hargrove had said about Evie—not because he was upset if it were really true but because he would be upset that she hadn’t told him.
It didn’t bear consideration until he discovered the truth once and for all.
Chapter16
Evie’s step was light Tuesday evening, their busiest yet as many people had returned to Town in the past week. The past few nights with Gregory—meeting him here at the club—had been wonderful. They wouldn’t meet tonight as the club was just too busy, even into the early morning hours, but she looked forward to seeing him.
Ada met her in the library for a glass of madeira. Fortified for the evening, they went into the members’ den, where they immediately noted Millie seated near one of the front windows. She saw them too, for she practically leapt up and stalked toward them.
“Oh dear,” Ada murmured.
“Brace yourself,” Evie whispered before pasting a placid smile on her face. “Good evening, Millie,” she said, trying to inject warmth into her tone and probably failing.
“You’re a patroness now,” Millie said flatly, her gaze fixed on Ada. “Did Evie tell you my thoughts on your employment?”
