Page 109 of Impeccable
Later that evening, Evie slipped into bed with her new husband, delighted that at last they could officially share a chamber. Ash had taken turns sleeping in their rooms, but more often than not, Evie and Gregory spent at least part of the night in the other’s chamber.
Worn out from the celebrations, Ash was currently snoring softly in front of the fire.
“He is so cute,” Evie said, watching the dog sleep.
“He was especially so in that bow. Where did you get that?”
“In town when I was shopping with Ada the other day. I’m so glad she and Max could come. You two seem to be getting along well.”
“We’re concocting a scheme to teach you and Ada how to ride.” He held up his hand. “Don’t try to dissuade us. Just let us plan, and you can disappoint us later.”
Evie giggled as she snuggled up against him. “Ada and I talked about Lucien earlier. I confess I’m worried about the club—and him. There’s something I haven’t told anyone—because he swore me to secrecy, and I am theonlyperson who knows this.” She turned her body to look up at him. “Will you keep this secret?”
“Your secrets are my secrets, even if they are Lucien’s too. I am honored that you would share it with me—and glad, since I hope we will share everything now that we are married.”
“Lucien isn’t the sole owner of the Phoenix Club. I told you about the two anonymous members of the membership committee, that they wanted Lucien to expel me in order for the club to maintain its integrity.” She’d explained that at one point on the ride to Oxfordshire when her father was napping. “They are part owners of the club. I didn’t learn that until just before we left London. Since I am not leaving the club as they demanded, I need to know if they’re going to force him out or not. I couldn’t bear it if he lost the club. I won’t let that happen. I’ll leave, and nothing you or he or anyone says will stop me.”
Gregory nodded grimly. “I understand. And I’ll support whatever you decide is necessary. I’ll also do what I can to help you get to the bottom of things.”
“Thank you, because I don’t know if I want to talk to Lucien about it or not. I know who one of the anonymous members is.”
“Do you?” He chuckled. “You’re too clever. Let me know how I can help.”
“I will—you will be my partner in this.”
He swiftly rolled her to her back, provoking a gasp as he settled his weight over her. “I would like to be your partner in everything.” He kissed her neck, the hollow of her throat, the rise of her breast over the edge of her night rail.
“Partner, husband, lover, friend. Youareeverything.” She cupped his face, drawing his gaze to hers. “I love you so, my darling.”
“And my heart beats only for you, my love.” He turned his head and kissed her palm.
Then he showed her the very best way to partner.
Epilogue
March, London
“Yes, those are definitely Ash’s puppies.” Gregory sent an amused look toward Evie, who stood beside Mrs. Kirby. Mr. Kirby wasn’t with them in the small sitting room where Bess and her puppies were ensconced.
“Do you think he’d like to meet them?” Mrs. Kirby asked.
“Probably. We’ll bring him by whenever you say it’s convenient.”
Mrs. Kirby glanced toward Evie. “I’ll send word when Mr. Kirby isn’t at home. I think that would be best.”
Gregory wasn’t surprised to hear it. Kirby was likely disappointed the puppies were not purebred miniature greyhounds.
“They are absolutely adorable,” Evie said, crouching down next to the three-sided crate where the mother was currently feeding her brood of four babies. “Gregory and I wondered if you and Mr. Kirby might let us have two of them—one for us and one for our nephew who fell in love with Ash.”
“I’m sure Mr. Kirby would like it if you took all four of them, but one of the neighbors down the street did ask to have one. Their young daughters love dogs. Might your nephew want two puppies instead of one?”
“I’m confident he would,” Evie said with a laugh. “I’d say we should let my sister and brother-in-law decide, but I think they would also approve. Give your neighbors the first pick, and we’ll happily take the rest.”
Mrs. Kirby exhaled with relief. “Wonderful. This will please Mr. Kirby. I’ll let you know when you can bring Ash over.”
They chatted a few more minutes before Gregory escorted Evie from the house for their next appointment. They walked down the street to Evie’s house where Gregory’s coach awaited them. Gregory had moved in when they’d returned to London a few days earlier.
“Should we fetch Ash before we go?” Evie asked.
