“Threadbury Hall borders Witney Court. Alfred and Heloise hosted a dinner and invited the new marquess and his wife. Once she learned I was a patroness of the club, she became fixated on securing an invitation for herself and her husband.”

“Fixated?”

“Every time I encountered her, she attempted to win my favor and spoke of their wanting to be members.”

Lucien stroked his jaw. “I hadn’t considered Witney. His brother, Lord Gregory, is a member and much more in keeping with whom we include. Honestly, in all my interactions with Witney, I found him somewhat insincere.”

“I agree with everything you just said. The marquess, and his wife in particular, don’t seem the sort to be Phoenix Club members.” She frowned. “I overheard her disparaging Heloise and Alfred. She knows of their backgrounds and finds them horribly lacking, of course. She was dismissive of them until she realized I was their guest and a dear friend. Then it became apparent that courting their favor might help her campaign.”

Lucien smirked. “And did it?”

Evie rolled her eyes. “You know it did not. I found it repulsive.”

“Indeed,” Lucien murmured, sitting back in the chair and studying his fingernails a moment. “Rest assured. They will never be members.”

“You say that with such finality, as if you possess the sole discretion when it comes to membership.”

Lucien swung his gaze back to her. “You know I do not.”

“Ah yes, will the two anonymous members of the committee agree with you? You seem rather confident.” She watched his brow tighten briefly. “Despite what you say—what you’ve always said—I wonder if you really do have the power to make the final decision. I suppose if I knew who those two members are, I might have a better idea.”

Exhaling, Lucien folded his arms over his chest. “I do wish I could tell you. But I can’t.”

“I know, and I understand.” Even if she didn’t like it. She and the other members of the secret membership committee, which included Ada as well as Lords Overton, Wexford, and Fallin, sometimes grumbled to each other that they weren’t allowed to know the identities of two of their number. But they all trusted Lucien. Furthermore, they knew he was bound to secrecy. What perplexed them most was why.

Lucien unfolded his arms and nodded toward the stack of letters before her. “Anything interesting in that pile?”

“I was just about to read one from Lady Hargrove.”

“Do read it aloud, if you don’t mind.”