His confidence and contentment came entirely from Evie and the time they’d spent together over the past few days. Her idea to have them meet at the Phoenix Club had been absolutely inspired. They’d met there each of the past three nights. The only thing missing was Ash, but they’d decided they could manage “chance” meetings at the park. It wasn’t ideal, but Gregory still hoped things between them would change and progress, that they would become permanent.

He hoped, deep in his heart, that she’d change her mind about marriage. He wanted her to be his wife. Then they and Ash would be a happy family. And perhaps one of Ash’s puppies, if he ended up being the father to Bess’s brood. They still didn’t know if Bess was carrying.

Gregory went to the same room where he’d met Hargrove before. However, this time, Hargrove was already waiting for him.

“Afternoon, Lord Gregory. Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice.”

“I’m pleased to do so,” Gregory said. “I trust you have good news today.”

Hargrove frowned, and Gregory’s pulse quickened. That Hargrove didn’t suggest they sit also signaled an alarm. “I’m afraid I’ve run into some difficulty. Your appointment is in jeopardy.”

Gregory tamped down his anger. “Why?”

“This is…indelicate, and I do apologize. However, it’s not entirely up to me. I have some influence, but… Well, I don’t have the final say.”

His agitation was evident, but Gregory couldn’t tell if he was upset by the position that he found himself in or if he was upset by Gregory. “Have I done something wrong?”

“It seems you haven’t done something that’s been requested.”

Gregory clenched his teeth. “I’m going to need you to speak plainly.”

Hargrove exhaled, and his gaze drifted to the left as if he couldn’t bring himself to look Gregory in the eye. “If you can ensure your brother and his wife are invited to the club, that would help your appointment to be confirmed. Furthermore, my wife is a patroness of the club and recently suggested a new patroness and was refused because this person is not a member. I’d like you to ask Lord Lucien to invite Lord and Lady Corby to be members, and it would be especially wonderful if Lady Corby could be made a patroness.”

Never in his life had Gregory lost control of his temper, but in this moment, he was simply unable to harness the ability to keep himself in check. “Hargrove, you must understand, I have absolutely no influence in these matters. I’ve only recently become acquainted with Lord Lucien. You seem to think we have a deeper connection and we do not.”

“Then perhaps you can use your considerable influence with one of the patronesses—Mrs. Renshaw?”