“She was Lucien’s idea—a respectable widow. I left town for several months and came back as someone entirely new.” Her lip curled. “I should have realized this harmony could never last. Someone was bound to put it all together. I suspect it was Philip Arbuthnot. I encountered him at Witney Court. He found me familiar, but couldn’t place our connection. I met him at a courtesan ball.”

Gregory knew Arbuthnot fairly well. The man could be a bit arrogant, but was mostly harmless. “Did you and he…?”

“No, and don’t ask me that ever again. You can’t have unhindered access to my past. I locked it all away for a reason. I don’t wish to summon it again. Ever.” She spoke with a shocking vehemence. Was she ashamed despite being proud of what she’d been able to accomplish on her own?

“That’s fair. My apologies.”

What a bloody mess. He didn’t know what to say to her. She was upset and hurting and rightfully so.

“You should go,” she said. “I don’t know if anyone saw you come in here, but I’m fairly certain everyone in the club knows I came in here with Lucien.”

She didn’t continue, but he knew she was concerned people might deduce they were in here together. And since their affair was soon to become public knowledge, it was probably best if they didn’t feed the gossip. Perhaps there was something he could do to prevent that happening. He would at least try.

Gregory went to the door and paused. “I’d like to help, if I can.”

“There is nothing you can do. The truth will come out, I suppose. I always knew it was possible. I was a fool to think it could remain buried.” She squared her shoulders. “I did try, and I’ll find my way. Alone.”

He didn’t doubt that she would. “Like a phoenix,” he said, smiling faintly. He realized this was the end, that she wouldn’t invite him to meet her here tomorrow or any other day. “I’ll be cheering you on.”

Opening the door, he left the office and made his way from the club. He didn’t look back.

Chapter 17

Evie wasn’t sure how long she stood in Lucien’s office. A numbness had settled over her, and she didn’t particularly want to move, not even to sit down. But she must. And she wasn’t going to walk out the door.

Going to the bookcase in the corner, she reached up and pulled a book that worked as a lever for the secret door. The bookcase swung open, and Evie went to light a candle before she stepped into the dark passageway.