Striding past Hargrove, Gregory quit the room before he did something he would regret. He was fairly certain there was no future for him working in the office of the Lord High Chancellor. Gregory wondered if the man knew what happened among those working for him.

Once he was in his coach, he swore softly but violently. He didn’t want to believe what Hargrove had said about Evie—not because he was upset if it were really true but because he would be upset that she hadn’t told him.

It didn’t bear consideration until he discovered the truth once and for all.

Chapter 16

Evie’s step was light Tuesday evening, their busiest yet as many people had returned to Town in the past week. The past few nights with Gregory—meeting him here at the club—had been wonderful. They wouldn’t meet tonight as the club was just too busy, even into the early morning hours, but she looked forward to seeing him.

Ada met her in the library for a glass of madeira. Fortified for the evening, they went into the members’ den, where they immediately noted Millie seated near one of the front windows. She saw them too, for she practically leapt up and stalked toward them.

“Oh dear,” Ada murmured.

“Brace yourself,” Evie whispered before pasting a placid smile on her face. “Good evening, Millie,” she said, trying to inject warmth into her tone and probably failing.

“You’re a patroness now,” Millie said flatly, her gaze fixed on Ada. “Did Evie tell you my thoughts on your employment?”

“She did not,” Ada said evenly.

Evie hadn’t bothered to repeat Millie’s nonsense about Ada’s position as bookkeeper. She was far too valuable, but she also didn’t want to leave her job. Indeed, they’d worked out a way for her to still be the bookkeeper even though she didn’t live in London throughout the year.

“I find it inappropriate for you to be employed by the club in addition to being a patroness. It’s unseemly.”

Ada appeared to take her criticism seriously, her brow creasing. “I’m afraid I disagree. Isn’t it helpful? I already spent time with the patronesses with the planning of events, and now I—and my knowledge—will always be there.” She smiled brightly as she finished.

“I agree,” Evie said, proud of her friend, who was always consistently brilliant.

Millie’s nose wrinkled. “It’s a disgrace. No respectable viscountess would retain employment.”

“Then perhaps I’m not a respectable viscountess,” Ada said with a shrug.

Evie wanted to hug her. “It’s good that she’s a patroness here since the Phoenix Club is not concerned with such things.”

“It should be!” Millie’s voice rose, and people around them took notice.

“Please don’t shout,” Evie said softly. “Perhaps we should take this—”