Page 106 of Impeccable
“Annoying me,” Lucien bit out.
Evie frowned at him. “Except he’s been at this for months and you weren’t aware. He actually brought my father and me together, Lucien. He’s done a wonderful thing.”
“There has to be a reason. It wasn’t out of the kindness of his nonexistent heart.” Lucien looked to Gregory. “You heard him the other day. He chastised me for hiring my former mistress.”
“Did he?” Evie looked to Gregory.
“I didn’t think that bore mentioning,” Gregory murmured.
Lucien continued, “He would no sooner help her cross the street than reunite her with her father. There has to be some nefarious purpose motivating him.”
Gregory hadn’t imagined the conversation with Lucien going this way. He’d known their relationship was fraught, but he’d hoped this would go toward healing it.
“Where are you going?” Lucien snapped his gaze to Evie’s, then to Gregory’s. “Reynolds said you were on your way out of town.”
“We are going to Oxfordshire, to my sister’s,” Evie said. “We’re getting married.”
Lucien’s expression changed completely. “Are you?” He smiled broadly. “I’m so happy for you both.” He fixed on Evie, adding softly, “Especially you.”
“Thank you. Between this decision and the discovery of my father, I am quite overwhelmed with happiness. I’d hoped to share some of it with you by telling you about your father’s act. Whatever his motive, he has done me a great and wonderful kindness.”
“And you’re taking your father with you?” Lucien asked. He glanced around. “Where is he?”
“We left him in the coach with Ash,” Gregory responded.
“Bloody hell, that’s unacceptable. I need to meet him.” He pinned Evie with a dark stare. “But first, I must remind you that my father is cold and callous. He was likely hoping you’d take your father to meet your sister and stay there. He can’t help but meddle.”
“How is he meddling?” Evie asked.
“By getting you out of town away from the Phoenix Club.”
“I’m already away from the Phoenix Club,” she said, sounding somewhat exasperated.
“Yes, and that was a mistake,” Lucien declared. “I refuse to accept your resignation.”
Evie leaned forward. “You can’t.” She glanced toward Gregory, hesitating. Then she returned her focus to Lucien. “You were told I had to leave. Furthermore, even if I were allowed to stay, the club will falter.”
Gregory didn’t know who had told Lucien that Evie had to leave, but he had the sense she would tell him. She’d said there would be no more secrets, and he trusted her.
Lucien waved his hand. “I don’t care. If I submit to others’ demands and shun you, I can’t say I uphold the ideals of the club. They’re going to have to accept my decision.” He shook his head as he looked at her imploringly. “You have to stay. Please.”
“I don’t know whom you are both referring to, but Lucien is right that you must remain at the club,” Gregory said, admiring Lucien’s integrity, even if it might be slightly motivated by wanting to tweak his father. Keeping Evie at the club would definitely do that.
Evie turned to Gregory. “You think I should stay at the club?”
“We’re going away for a month. When we return, you will be Lady Evangeline Blakemore.” He cocked his head. “Or would you prefer to be Lady Mirabelle?”
“I am Evie now. Though Mirabelle will always be a part of me. Hopefully, my father will understand.”
“Does he know…about you and Heloise?” Lucien asked.
“Not yet. We’ve a long journey in which to break the news.”
Lucien went to Evie’s chair and took her hand. “He’ll understand.”
“Why, because he’s my father? You and your father are an excellent example of blood being of no consequence,” she said dryly.
Gregory thought of his brother and couldn’t help but agree.
