“What about the appointment to the Office of the Lord High Chancellor?” Lucien asked. “I don’t think Hargrove would allow that sort of nonsense to determine a man’s future, but his wife is, to borrow the word you used for Lady Witney, tenacious. She may have worn him down.”

“I’ve explained to my brother that I have no influence with you or anyone else. He didn’t care. I told him I’d speak to you. I’ve done that. If he sabotages my career for something I can’t control… Well, I want to say I’d be surprised, but the truth is, I almost expect it. Clifford can be rather devious—and for apparently no reason.”

“Damn. My brother and I have had a strained relationship—we’ve overcome that now, I’m glad to say—but we would never harm each other in that way. I’m sorry to hear it.”

“I’m used to his spite. My hope is that Hargrove will judge me for who I am.”

“I expect he will,” Lucien said, frowning slightly. “Still, perhaps I’ll speak with him.”

“It isn’t necessary, but do what you will.” Gregory took another drink and realized his glass was rapidly reaching empty once more. “This is exceptionally good.”

“I told you. Another glass?”

Gregory thought about it for only a moment. He wasn’t seeing Evie later, so why not? “I think so.” He held his glass out and Lucien leapt up with a grin.

It was nice to have a new friend.

Chapter 15

The week had dragged, probably because Evie had only seen Gregory twice—one of which was a meeting in Green Park, where she’d also spent time with Ash. That had been the best day and made her smile now even as a mild anxiety swirled in her belly due to the imminent patroness meeting.

Her smile faded as she realized she didn’t know when she would see Ash again. She missed him terribly, and her heartache only increased with each encounter. She ought to stop seeing him—and Gregory—now, rather than draw out the inevitable.

She was still hopeful that she’d tire of Gregory. But she knew she’d never grow weary of Ash. He had stolen a piece of her heart forevermore. And therein lay the problem: none of it was supposed to be forever.

Harriet strolled in with several minutes to spare. “Are we ready for today?” she asked weightily, one eyebrow arching.

Evie took a deep breath. “I think so. Thank you for coming early. That helps to steel my nerves.”

“And mine,” Harriet said, moving to pour herself a glass of sherry.

“I really ought to just have four glasses filled.” Evie clucked her tongue.

“This gives me something to do instead of pluck at invisible threads.” Harriet sipped her sherry. “I am actually rather anxious.”