“I need a quick drink before we begin.” Emma winked at Evie before pouring herself a glass. She also grabbed a biscuit before going to her usual chair near the windows that looked down on the garden. Evie’s office was directly beneath this room, so she had the same view.

“Good idea,” Evie said, pouring sherry for herself before moving to her regular chair, which was next to Emma’s.

Harriet, Mrs. Holland-Ward, came in next. The oldest of the patronesses, she was a commanding presence as she was taller than average, and her deep blue eyes were rather piercing. “Afternoon, ladies,” she said warmly. “I see you have sherry, so I must have some too. Oh, and my favorite almond cakes.” She piled two on a small plate after pouring her sherry and joined them, taking her seat on Evie’s other side.

“The weather has been unusually pleasant for this time of year,” Harriet observed as she nibbled her cake, the plate balanced on her lap.

“Quite. I enjoyed a lovely walk in the park yesterday,” Emma said.

“I’m here!” Millie, Lady Hargrove, announced as she sailed into the room. She was always the last to arrive. At least today, she wasn’t late. Closing the door behind her, she went to the refreshment table and filled the last wineglass with sherry. “Must we always have such delectable-looking cakes?” she complained. “I am trying to guard my waistline from expansion.” Exhaling, she took one and popped it into her mouth prior to taking her seat.

“Welcome, ladies,” Evie said with a smile. “We’ve much to discuss as the Season begins to pick up speed.” She set her wineglass on the table beside her and picked up the parchment with today’s agenda. “Today, we’ll propose ideas for our four themed balls.” Every Friday during the Season, starting in March, they held an assembly. On the first Friday of each month, from March until June, it had a theme. “We will also discuss the addition of new patronesses.”

“What?” Millie blurted the word, drawing the other three to pin their attention on her. “Who decided we needed new patronesses?”

Evie responded evenly, “Club membership has grown so much—”

Millie cut her off. “It would grow even more if my recommendations weren’t ignored.”

Continuing as if she hadn’t been interrupted, Evie said, “Lord Lucien believes we require more patronesses to meet the needs of the club.”

“Now you’re going to ignore me just as my recommendations are overlooked?” Millie clucked her tongue.

Evie spoke slowly and calmly. “Millie, you know that Phoenix Club membership isn’t for everyone. It is the same at every membership club.”

“But why are my recommendations always ignored?”

“They aren’t always,” Emma said. “I recall Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway were invited last Season.”