None that Gregory could see, except for the fact that others might judge him, and that public scrutiny was something his father had preferred to avoid. Gregory shared that sentiment, likely because he was his father’s son. He didn’t particularly want to be fodder for gossip and innuendo. More importantly, he didn’t want Evie to be.

Gregory walked up the stairs toward the members’ den. Not long after a footman delivered him a glass of port, he contemplated a cozy chair by the fire. However, before he could sit down, Lord Lucien approached him, his gaze amiable but intent.

“Evening, Lord Gregory. I wonder if you might join me in my office.”

“Certainly.” Gregory followed him from the members’ den.

Lord Lucien left his door only slight ajar. “Sit. I’ll just pour myself a glass of something.”

After fetching his drink, Lord Lucien joined him near the fire. “Evie told me about your brother and Lady Witney dining with the Hargroves. I am aware that your sister-in-law is on a crusade to garner an invitation to the club. It seems she is employing every means at her disposal to accomplish her goal.”

“She is…tenacious.” Gregory downed half his port.

“It sounds as if you and she are not close.”

“Not at all, but I should just be satisfied that Clifford wed, I suppose.”

“He wasn’t expected to?”

“He never showed any inclination, much to my father’s dismay. Always said he’d get around to it eventually. My father gave him an ultimatum, and Clifford finally committed to wed—while my father was on his deathbed. I remain astonished that he did indeed marry as he promised.”

Lord Lucien grimaced as he sipped his drink. “My father is fond of those. He arranged my brother’s marriage. Thankfully, it turned out exceptionally well, as they are deeply in love.”

Envy stabbed through Gregory, but he managed to say, “How wonderful for them.” Then he drank most of the rest of his port. “Your father doesn’t pester you about marriage?”

“Heavens, no, especially not now that he has Con’s heir. I am free of harassment. At least on that front. What of you and your father?”

“He directed his focus regarding marriage entirely on my brother,” Gregory said. “Except for the part where he encouraged me—most vociferously—to remain celibate until I wed. He insisted it was best considering that I was to be ordained.”

Lord Lucien stared at him. “You weren’t planning to be a monk, were you?”

Gregory chuckled. “No, but then I wasn’t really planning to be a vicar or a bishop or anything in between. I considered it, but I’ve known for a couple of years that I didn’t really wish to pursue it.”