“Oh, Arbuthnot remembered her from that time. She seemed familiar to him when they met at the party at Witney Court, but he didn’t realize why until later. One night at White’s, he asked Clifford if he realized he’d invited a courtesan to his party.” Susan cocked her head to the side. “Well, aside from Mrs. Creighton. It makes perfect sense now that that they’d be such close friends!” She smiled, no gloated, and Gregory wanted to say something that would permanently wipe the smug expression from her face.

“You know you’re being purposely horrible. You like to be horrible. It gives you pleasure. You are the most abhorrent person I’ve ever met.”

“Gregory!” Clifford strode into the room and made his way to Susan’s side. “I must insist you not speak to my wife in that manner!”

Gregory pinned him with an icy stare. “But I suppose it’s completely acceptable for you and her to manipulate me so you can receive invitations to join the Phoenix Club? Or to use extortion to achieve your goals? You have no qualms about ruining someone for the sake of your own petty desires.”

“Well, look at you,” Clifford said, his eyes narrowing. “I suppose taking a mistress has finally loosened you up.”

Gregory took a step toward his brother, but stopped himself. He realized his hands were fisted and his arms taut with fury. “You’ve always been mean spirited, but this extortion attempt is as low as I’ve ever seen you go. I’m glad Father isn’t here to see it.” Gregory found satisfaction in the hardening of his brother’s gaze, but he kept himself from saying anything more that he’d likely regret.

“You’ve no move to make, Gregory.”

“Neither do you. Your invitations will not be forthcoming.”

“How do you know that?” Susan asked, her voice high and breathy.

Gregory reveled in giving her a haughty look. “Because I do.”

“I thought you said you weren’t that close to the people in charge.”

“I said I didn’t have influence. I consider Lucien a friend, and it seems you’re well aware of how close I am to Mrs. Renshaw.” Gregory glared at them both.

“I refuse to believe you about the invitations,” Clifford said, but there was a shadow of uncertainty in his tone and in his expression. “Hargrove assured me our efforts would force the club’s hand.”

“Have you no shame at all?” Gregory felt suddenly defeated. He began to understand why his father had, after a point, heaped all his attention on Gregory.

Neither of them answered his question. They just stared at him, indignant, as if he were in the wrong.

Gregory curled his lip. “Know this: even if I could have helped you, I wouldn’t have.”

“You’ll have no future in government now,” Clifford said, his eyes glittering with anger.