“I know you doubt that we do, but we went over everything with Al, Heloise, and your father at Threadbury Hall. Everyone is in agreement that the ladies’ club is an excellent business proposition, and with Al and Heloise’s investment, we have plenty of our own funds to purchase a house for respite outside London.” They’d discussed their desire to have an escape but didn’t want to be too far from the city Evie loved.

“Then I suppose I must tell Lucien about it soon. I fear he’ll feel betrayed that I wish to open another club.”

“I think he will be wholly supportive. It won’t compete with the Phoenix Club.”

“He’s rather tense just now,” Evie said, her tone concerned.

They’d seen him last night, and he’d been guarded about the club. Evie still worried that her staying was a mistake.

“He is optimistic things will improve,” Gregory murmured. “He said the night before last was their best attendance in weeks.”

Evie frowned. “But it’s half of what it was before my past was exposed. What if people only came because they’d heard we were back in town and they hoped to see us?”

Gregory shrugged. “If it gets people into the club, who cares?” He angled his body toward hers. “Unless that upsets you.”

“Not particularly. I don’t enjoy being a pariah, but I can’t worry what other people think or say about me.”

He reached to cup her other cheek and turn her head toward his so he could place another kiss on her lips. “I admire you so very much.”

“I have everything I want. It seems silly to be bothered by things I can’t control.” She kissed him back, then pressed her shoulders against the squab and stretched her neck, revealing a small but tantalizing patch of flesh. “Now, tell me again how many rooms this house has?”

Gregory couldn’t think of anything but kissing that delectable spot. So he did. “Mmm, I can’t remember just now.”

“Are you still intent on hiring some of your brother’s London retainers away from his household?”

“Most definitely.” He continued kissing her neck.

Evie giggled. “Can’t you wait until we’re on the way back to London?”

He pressed his lips beneath her ear. “Why not now and on the way back?”

“I’ve created an insatiable beast.” She arched her neck to give him even more access with his mouth. “And you used to be such an impeccable gentleman.”

Lifting his head, he looked into her captivating blue eyes. “You’ve created nothing. I am the man I’ve always been, just waiting for an impeccable lady.”

She gave him a saucy smile. “I don’t know that I’ve ever been that, but I was waiting for you too—I just didn’t know it.”