“Can you?” Gregory asked, skeptical. If Clifford truly wanted to be of assistance, he would have done so when he was dining with Hargrove.

Clifford smirked at him. “You have the appointment, do you not?” So, he had advocated for Gregory, or at least wanted him to think so. Gregory suddenly felt beleaguered. He was tired of trying to guess at his brother’s actions and motives. For all that they’d grown up together, they’d never shared confidences. They were simply cut from different cloth. Indeed, they didn’t even have the same friends and hadn’t attended the same college at Oxford.

“I believe so, but it isn’t finalized. That will take a fortnight, perhaps less.” Gregory decided to assume Clifford had supported him. “I appreciate you speaking on my behalf.”

“I’m happy to do it. I would hope you would return the favor if possible.”

Gregory’s neck prickled. “Of course I would.”

“I know Susan spoke to your friend Mrs. Renshaw about an invitation for us to join the Phoenix Club. However, one has not been forthcoming.” Clifford frowned so that it almost looked like a pout. Yes, it was decidedly a pout.

Gregory gritted his teeth. “I’m sorry. I don’t know how you think I can help.”

“Well, you are a member of the Phoenix Club. That should recommend me, one would think.” Clifford laughed, but it was fake, and he sobered quickly. “It’s just that Hargrove, like you, is a member, and it seems important business may be conducted there—as it is at White’s and Brooks’s. It seems important that I, as a marquess with a seat in the Lords, become a member.”

“I am confident not everyone in the Lords belongs to the Phoenix Club.” That included Lord Lucien’s own father. Furthermore, Gregory and Clifford’s father hadn’t been a member either.

“Still, it would be a helpful advantage. I’m sure you agree.” Clifford eyed him expectantly, and now Gregory knew he expected Gregory to do something on his behalf. Just as he had—allegedly—done something for Gregory with Hargrove.

“I don’t think I can help you,” Gregory said. “I’m only a member. I’ve nothing to do with who is invited—or not—to join the Phoenix Club.”

“While that may be true, I know you are friendly with Lord Lucien, that he arranged this meeting for you today.” He knew that much at least.

Gregory didn’t like that his brother was involved in his affairs.

“All I’m asking for is a word of support,” Clifford continued. “I think it would go a long way toward securing our membership.” He smiled again, and it made Gregory’s skin crawl. He wanted to tell his brother to leave off, but feared Clifford might say something to Hargrove to jeopardize Gregory’s appointment before it could be finalized.