Gregory’s blood turned to ice. He chose his words carefully. “She, like Lucien, is a friend, and I have no influence over anything to do with the Phoenix Club.”

“I see.” Hargrove dipped his chin, frowning. Then his gaze met Gregory’s and his eyes were inscrutable. “It would be unfortunate if her true identity were to become known.”

What the hell was he talking about? Gregory’s heart was racing. Sweat beaded along his neck and lower back. “I am not that close to Mrs. Renshaw, so I surely have no idea what you mean by these threats. Really, Hargrove, I’m horrified by this…behavior.” Perhaps he could shame the man into ceasing these awful tactics.

“Do you really not know?” Hargrove sounded a bit weary. “Mrs. Renshaw was once known as Mirabelle Renault. For a time, she and her sister were two of London’s most sought-after courtesans.”

Gregory didn’t think he could feel more shocked or confused. “I’m not sure I can believe you,” he said quietly, his mind spinning at how badly this was all going. He’d only tried to secure a bloody job, and not a particularly important one at that.

Hargrove shrugged. “Then ask Lord Lucien. He was once her protector.”

It was unfortunate that Gregory wasn’t sitting down. His legs felt suddenly light, as if they couldn’t support him. However, he maintained his composure. “I am extremely disappointed that you would try to manipulate me in this way. Even if what you say is true, why would you go to such despicable lengths to achieve your goals? No, these aren’t even your goals. You’re trying to appease my selfish brother and apparently your wife.” Gregory refrained from referring to her as a harpy, despite the stories Evie had told him.

Evie.

Had she really been a courtesan?

“This is the way of things,” Hargrove said coldly. “We help each other and those of us with the most power achieve our ends. You have the power to achieve what you desire. You have only to exercise it.”

“You are mistaken. I have no influence with these people.”

“Not even with your lover?” Hargrove made a tsking noise. “I simply cannot believe that. If you explain to her that her life will not continue as she now enjoys it once her past is made public, she’ll do what’s necessary to reestablish peace and harmony. Furthermore, I highly doubt Lord Lucien would want people knowing one of his patronesses used to be his whore. I should think his father, The Duke, would be particularly upset by that.”

Gregory’s hands fisted. He’d never considered violence toward anyone before in his life, not even his brother in his worst moments of teasing and belittlement. Now, however, he had to fight the overwhelming urge to knock Hargrove on his arse. “You’re despicable,” he spat, his lip curling in disgust.