Evie stopped in the retiring room to make sure she wasn’t too flushed. After splashing water on her face and ensuring her hair was still secure, she made her way downstairs. Within approximately one minute of returning to the drawing room, Heloise came gliding toward her.

“Where did you go?” she asked.

“The retiring room.”

“Avoiding Lady Witney?” This was a welcome response since Evie had expected her to note that Gregory had also been absent.

“Whenever possible,” Evie responded sardonically.

“She did ask where you were, so you will likely have to suffer her attention at some point.”

“Then I shall require more punch. Or perhaps something stronger.”

Heloise linked her arm through Evie’s and led her to a cabinet, where a footman was pouring a variety of wine. Evie asked for madeira, and Heloise requested sack, then they moved away.

Upon taking a sip, Evie briefly squinted one eye. “Not as good as the Phoenix Club.” As soon as she mentioned the club, she noticed Lady Witney watching her from across the room. They made eye contact, and Evie muttered an oath, jerking her gaze back to Heloise. “She Who Will Not Relent is coming this way.”

“I will endeavor to help you keep the conversation away from the Phoenix Club.”

Evie snorted softly. “I shall admire your efforts, even when they fail.”

Lady Witney swooped in like a bird of prey. “There you are, Mrs. Renshaw. I thought perhaps you’d left.”

“No, I’m quite enjoying your festive gathering.” How could she not after her sojourn with Gregory upstairs? She noted him entering the drawing room at that moment, but did not turn her head.

Even so, her eyes must have given her away, because Lady Witney turned her head. “Ah, Gregory. I wondered where he’d got off to. He promised to help manage the guests today.”

Evie didn’t like that she’d noticed they were both absent. Hopefully, she wouldn’t make any connection, though she’d wondered if anyone at Witney Court had noted Gregory’s frequent absences. After so many months of mourning, was his behavior odd? She had to trust that he was managing the situation. He said he most often used the excuse of going for a ride.

Lady Witney drew Evie back to the present as she addressed Heloise. Evie stared at the marchioness in slight shock. “Mrs. Creighton, I hope you and Mr. Creighton are enjoying yourselves. I fear Lord Witney has been occupying your husband’s time this past quarter hour or so. They’re in his study.”

“I’m aware,” Heloise said. “Alfred is more than delighted to discuss matters of architecture and improvement. One of the reasons he purchased Threadbury Hall was for its potential, as much as for its rich history.” She sipped her sack, looking every bit the respectable society matron she deserved to be. That she was.