Lady Hargrove was the least likeable of the four patronesses. Her husband was friendly and personable, but she was perhaps too haughty for the Phoenix Club. The membership committee hadn’t realized that two years ago when they had established the patronesses before the club opened. Lucien had wanted three respectable ladies in addition to Evie. Lord Hargrove often supported the working class, and Lucien enjoyed his company. That his wife came from a very old family and was accepted in the highest circles gave the club credibility and a note of prestige. At least, that was the reason Lucien gave for inviting them. Evie had a sudden, curious thought—what if the anonymous members had been the ones to invite them?

At first, Lady Hargrove had been fine, but over time, she’d begun to gripe about certain members—never directly to Lucien, but to her fellow patronesses, which of course included Evie. One thing Lady Hargrove did not particularly approve of was allowing unmarried women membership, even though they were of a certain age and generally regarded as spinsters. It wasn’t as if they offered membership to young ladies in their first Season. Even Lucien’s sister hadn’t received an invitation until she was wed.

The name Witney jumped out at Evie from Lady Hargrove’s letter. She groaned inwardly before she began to read aloud.

I wish to recommend Lord and Lady Witney for membership. It is astonishing to me that Witney is not yet a member, since his younger brother already enjoys the privilege. As the new marquess, Witney will be an excellent addition to the club. Furthermore, Lady Witney is a lovely, engaging young lady. I could even see her as a future patroness. I look forward to discussing this at our next meeting.

Evie’s lip curled as she set the letter aside. “If Lady Witney is ever made a patroness, I have to assume I will no longer be here.”

“I just told you that she and her husband would never be members,” Lucien said evenly. “I confess I’m amused that Lady Hargrove thinks a sibling relationship offers any assurances for membership.”

“She must not have been paying attention to the fact that your own brother wasn’t invited until last spring.”

“Precisely. Anyway, Lady Hargrove takes it upon herself to recommend a great many people, the vast majority of whom are never even discussed by the committee.”

He made a good point. This wasn’t the first time Lady Hargrove had written a note like this to Evie. “Because we don’t present them. We’ll just ignore this one as we have the others.” Lady Hargrove would complain, but when she failed to receive any attention, she’d grudgingly move on.

Lucien nodded, his mouth twisting into a frown. “I sometimes wish she would resign in frustration.”

“You could ask her to.”

His gaze snapped to hers. “How would that look?”