“You were gone.” Evie didn’t blame her. When Nadine had died, Heloise had already been working a year in a fashionable brothel frequented by Society gentlemen. Soon after that, she was settled in her first arrangement with a protector. Draped in lush gowns and sparkling jewels, she’d enjoyed extravagant food and slept in a large, comfortable bed. She was elegant and happy, basking in a life of ease they’d never known. Perhaps not ease—Heloise had paid a rather high price. Evie had been willing, no eager, to do the same. She looked at her sister without remorse. “I wanted what you had, not what you wanted for me.”

“I know.” A faint smile teased Heloise’s lips. “And here we are.”

“Both of us happy,” Evie said. “I am truly happy. I love my position at the Phoenix Club, and I have so many wonderful friends—plus you and Alfred. And Henry.”

“Now you have Lord Gregory.” Heloise arched a brow, which never failed to make her look enigmatically attractive. It was no wonder she’d found such success as a courtesan. “And a dog.”

“I don’t ‘have’ him,” Evie said. But she could. At least temporarily.

“You want him. He’s offered himself to you. The only thing in your way is you.” Heloise stood before her, hands clasped at her waist. “I can find a vacant cottage for you on the estate in which to meet. We’ll spruce it up so it’s comfortable.”

“You would do that?” Of course she would. Evie shook her head. “Forget I asked that. You are the very best sister.”

“You’re going to say yes? I hope you do. When have you ever taken a man to your bed simply because you wanted to?”

“Never.” With that one word, Evie made her decision. “I will be clear that this will be a limited affair—just so long as we are here for the holidays.”

Heloise cocked her head, her eyes warm with care. “What if you don’t want it to end?”

“It must end.” She shook out her shoulders, glad to have made the decision. A thrilling anticipation raced through her. “I’m taking a trip to the village with him tomorrow. When do you think you can find a cottage?”

“I’ll speak with Alfred about it before bed. I won’t tell him the purpose, and he won’t ask.”

Evie took her sister’s hands. “Thank you. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Heloise embraced her tightly. When they broke apart, she said, “This will be a marvelous time for you. I like Lord Gregory very much. I can’t believe he’s a virgin. I confess I’d like to hear what happens.” She giggled softly and pressed her fingertips to her mouth.