“I could have said much worse,” Millie said, using a much softer but somehow more malicious tone than in the members’ den.

Lucien exhaled. “You give me no choice, Lady Hargrove. That sounded like a threat, and the truth is that I fear you may say worse or continue to cause problems. You seem very unhappy here at the Phoenix Club, both as a member and a patroness. I wonder why you even bother with either. Wouldn’t you be much happier clinging to Almack’s?”

“Almack’s is not a club like this, and you know there is really nothing like the Phoenix Club when it comes to ladies.” There was a flicker of unease in her eyes as if she were contemplating not coming to the club anymore and realizing she didn’t like that.

“No, there is nothing like it,” Evie said. “Which is why it’s successful.”

“Is it? You ignore so many of the most important people in Society.”

Lucien’s features were hard, his posture stiff. He was still quite angry. “Many of those people look down their noses at this club and wouldn’t want to be members. You seem not to understand that. You also seem to look down your nose at aspects of this club, and yet you want to be a member, which tells me you seek to change the club to suit whatever you imagine it to be. That is not going to happen. This is my club, and I like it just the way it is. Except for one thing: I don’t want you in it anymore.”

Evie held her breath. Was he going to expel her from the club? He’d done that only once before—to his now brother-in-law, Wexford, upon learning that he was behaving inappropriately with his sister. Wexford was, of course, now back on the membership roll.

Millie’s face lost a shade of color. “What are you saying?”

Lucien’s eyes were like black ice. “You’re banished from the Phoenix Club.”

Nostrils flaring, Millie’s cheeks flushed. “You can’t do that.”

“I can and you are, effective immediately. I’ll have a footman escort you out, and your name will be struck from the membership list.”

Millie looked to Evie. “Aren’t you going to say something?”

“I’ve told you, Millie, membership issues are beyond me.”

“That’s a lie. I know you’re on the committee with him.” Millie glared at Lucien. “And with Overton and probably Fallin.” She referred to two of Lucien’s closest friends, and yes, they were members of the membership committee. How did she know that? Or was she merely guessing?

Millie turned her glower toward Evie with such menace that Evie nearly flinched. “You’re going to be sorry that you didn’t help me.” She sneered at Lucien. “This club is going up in flames, and I can’t wait to see it burn.”